I was asked last night to provide some guidance on what to say/do for those calling or coming to Iowa to GOTC with us in the next few days. It can be a very intimidating process, but after awhile, it gets pretty comfortable, if you are able to listen. That, I've learned the hard way, is the key.
Keep in mind I haven't done any door knocking because of my foot...maybe by caucus time I can at least go see my neighbors!
ANY of the rest of you Iowa folks that have experience, FEEL FREE to post feedback and offer your insights!!!
See, we here like to talk, or at least have someone feel like what they say is important. This first occurred to me after I tried on my own to initiate some calls and got the cold shoulder. I thought about how Senator Obama made people feel comfortable, and what his greatest strengths were in relating to people.
I start out with an introduction, and sometimes an apology, since we get SO MANY ROBO CALLS, it's insane! I may tell them that I hate to bother them but I also believe what I have to talk to them about is so critical I am going to pester them. Sometimes, depending I think on how dogged I feel by the robo calls (and that may be how many they've gotten today too). ***NOTE: I have now decided that there are enough people (mostly robo-calls) pestering people, I'm DEFINITELY STARTING WITH THE APOLOGY!!!****
I tell them I want to find out how things are going for them, and what issues are important to them. Now, I'm lucky because I know most of our man's policies pretty well, and can look on my laptop as we chat if I don't. This tact always gets them talking, except for those who prefer to remain cagey about whom they'll support; and there are those that will let YOU talk but not give any info; even at that, they will often surrender some info with a discussion of ISSUES and not POLITICIANS, and if nothing else you have an opening to talk about THEIR issues, with OUR candidate's positions superimposed.
I try to work in the things he's the ONLY ONE doing, like the legislation for transparent earmark spending Welcome to USAspending.gov (read Barath's entry on DK) and opposing the Iraq War even when he was running for the Senate for his first term. I talk a little about how thoroughly I've interviewed him myself, and whatever way you came to support him will be important for them to hear.
Pay attention to what PART of Iowa you are talking to, as well; big city, farm country, College/University area, small town, east (liberal) or west (conservative), etc, but don't make decisions based on that as to who you will be talking to.
Don't expect them to respond right away with any sort of excited committment, but close with a 'so can I count on you to "stand up for Senator Obama" at the caucuses?' The stand up thing is a major theme, and one that is tested, so I like to use it; not sure if they feel like it's important or not, but may give them a sense of responsibility to show up.
Try to ferret out whatever reason they aren't going to caucus and answer it...harder to do than it sounds...but be gentle, we aren't huge into the confrontation thing, but don't like a lot of flowery stuff either; tho everyone is different; just do it like Barack would, he's rather a contemorary for us, laid back but direct.
Keep in mind some NEVER have caucused, and don't understand that it's SO critical, and that our votes at caucus are comparable to 20 votes for the rest of the country's primary votes, and that THIS was the chance for their voices to REALLY make a difference.
Also, a lot of people are really afraid of caucusing, they think it will hurt, or I thought you had to make speeches or something. You all know by now what the process looks like, although I understand it can be a bit more harrowing in some precincts, if just one or two people there get wild. It also takes more than an hour, so use the 'about' clause. The important thing for them to know is, show up, sit down with Obama's people who will EASILY be visible from across the room, and read a book or chat with neighbors, or whatever. I believe most precincts will be serving some refreshment in the Obama corner as well. Tell them that their field office will have information about child care options for them, and rides if those are needed.
Most importantly, remember not to go negative, but find a way to say what you are going to say in a POSITIVE frame; like, have you compared Edwards' voting record to his current positions? Barack's have been 100% consistent, and I'm not sure there are too many candidates out there that can say that....Did you notice that every time Senator Clinton or someone from Fox (or whatever, they may not even have heard about kindergate) came after Senator Obama, he protected himself but did not attack? or some way to put it in a positive light; you are representing Barack.
This is a bit rambly, but I wanted to get it posted, to help those who asked for it.
PLEASE feel free to offer feedback, Iowans and former Iowans, and anyone with phone banking experience!
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