I'm creakily laying to rest my primary-election arguments--you know, the fine points about popular votes, which states matter, disenfranchisement vs. rules, white working-class vs. Appalachia, etc., etc.
Very glad to move on to the Real Fight and to do so in support of a candidate about whom I am utterly enthusiastic. After watching in disbelief as GWB was re-elected, I am determined that we have to work harder than we think we do if we want to win this. I wrote myself a "To Do" list and would love to hear more specific suggestions from fellow Kossacks. I am especially convinced that we all need to master the art of persuasion. We have a GREAT candidate, and we have a solid case to make and, I believe, a curious audience.
If my Mormon Republican mother is interested in Obama (because of "his beautiful, stable family"), then I am convinced we can win the most improbable voters to our side. We just have to be very good at making the case. To that end, here are some of my first tasks:
My To-Do List
- Reread Obama's Blueprint for Change and his responses to "Issues" on his website. http://www.barackobama.com/... Learn his policy proposals inside out. Take notes, and organize the policies for discussion: Which policies will be most appealing to which demographic? Which policies represent the most significant difference from McCain? When Obama speaks, listen carefully to how he frames his positions. Get good at what he's good at.
- Read John McCain's discussions of "Issues" on his website, and learn HIS policy proposals inside out. Take notes that indicate how I might cut through the rhetoric and spin. Get brilliant at chopping logic and using facts to deflate his positions.
- Make a list of friends and family members who are, for whatever reason, not (yet!) committed to voting for Obama--whether they are independent, undecided, uninformed, Republican, unregistered, or have recently moved to a new state. Sketch out a precise practical and rhetorical plan of "attack" for persuading EACH individual to cast his or her vote for Obama. Get them registered, get them talking, ask them what they care about, shape "talking points" based on each individual's primary concerns. Get rolling on it. Right now.
Note to self: Better get started on Rush-Limbaugh-dittohead sister in Milwaukee.
Helpful dkos diaries: How to Market Obama to Your Republican Friends
LDS Obama Voters (I list this here because I have Mormon family and found it to be of interest.)
- Decide on a regular contribution amount for both the Obama campaign and the DNC. Set up the automatic monthly payment option, or write it on calendar. (Fewer lattes, more Obama)
- Contact local Obama campaign headquarters: participate in any voter registration drive in your area.
- Implement "Searching for John McCain" Searching for John McCain
- What else?
Next month: Study how local issues are implicated in Obama's and McCain's policy positions (not too tricky here in New Orleans). Start jogging. Oh, sorry, wrong list.
