2016 Postmortem
Related: About this forumDuring the past few days, I've called 100 registered Iowa Democrats...
Last week, I signed on with the Sanders campaign and I was tasked with calling registered Democrats in my precinct.
I live in an upper-middle-class suburb. It's highly Republican. The Democrats in our area are pretty affluent. The majority of the people who live in this suburb, do so because of the great schools. Ninety percent of the people living here are two-income families with small children; or families with stay-at-home moms.
I have a script: 1.) Do you plan to participate in your caucus?; 2.) Do you know who you will support in the Iowa caucuses?
(If they identify as a Sanders supporter, I ask them if they're willing to volunteer or host out-of-town campaigners).
So, what's fascinating to me, is the breakdown, thus far: 42 Clinton; 39 Bernie; O'Malley 3; Undecided 16
Now, am I some professional polling outlet? Absolutely not. I'm just an Iowa mom making phone calls for one precinct (although it is a large precinct). Many of these people on my list, I know personally. So, this is not scientific. I'm not suggesting that.
All I know...is that it's very interesting. And pretty cool!!! As a Sanders supporter, I am encouraged by this!
It's also somewhat surprising because this is a conservative part of the Des Moines area. My suburb is definitely NOT a liberal stronghold, at all--as many parts of the state are (Ames, Waterloo, Iowa City, Des Moines proper, Cedar Rapids, Grinnell).
I can't wait to make my next 100 calls!
Agschmid
(28,749 posts)askew
(1,464 posts)As an O'Malley supporter, I am disappointed by what you found though.
I have relatives who must live near you. They are in Urbandale and Clive and they are all anyone but Hillary supporters. They said none of their friends are supporting her and they are deciding between Sanders and O'Malley.
CoffeeCat
(24,411 posts)...that is it very early. So much changes in Iowa as the caucus season progresses.
Underdog and unknown candidates tend to fare much better toward the end, as more people get to know them.
I know that O'Malley is doing a great job of traveling around the state and talking to Iowa voters. As more people talk with him, his numbers will most likely rise.
Doctor_J
(36,392 posts)Hillary would be in deep trouble right now. Despite Sanders' resonant message and dynamic campaign, he's still a rumpled, 70-year-old white socialist man from a small state, which is a drawback.
I hope Martin stays in politics and runs again in 2020.
Agschmid
(28,749 posts)askew
(1,464 posts)He didn't have the built-in name recognition that Hillary had or even Bernie had with liberals nationwide.
rurallib
(62,432 posts)doing exploratory etc. maybe as much as a year prior to Sanders. Even at that time the elephant (pardon the cliche) in the room was Hillary. At that time many thought he was a stalking horse for Clinton.
It is just extremely hard to overcome lack of name recognition. Iowa press is like any other press - you get no mention unless you have a name. It's a shame but that is the state of today's media.
Bernblu
(441 posts)i like most of O'malley's issues but he doesn't seem authentic. He's like an establishment Democrat trying to be a populist. It doesn't come the heart and he looks like he's trying too hard. Bernie is a little old and schleppy but he has conviction, authenticity. and speaks from a moral center. That is why he connects so well with young people. I would support O'malley over Hillary but I doubt O'malley would be doing better than Bernie if Bernie didn't run. O'malley would make a better VP candidate but I doubt he will be picked.
kristopher
(29,798 posts)I don't think I've ever seen a candidate whose every word and gesture is so rehearsed. Don't get me wrong, his governing record shows that he isn't just mouthing platitudes; however his presentation is a death sentence for his campaign.
askew
(1,464 posts)This isn't just campaign rhetoric for him. This is what he's fought for and accomplished in his career. He doesn't have flip-flops on major issues like Hillary (and Bernie on guns and immigration).
And if you think he isn't authentic, you've never heard him speak about refugee or immigration issues. There is no presidential candidate running in my lifetime that speaks on those issues with more authenticity and has practiced such moral leadership.
CoffeeCat
(24,411 posts)...with the list and other documents.
I don't know the nuts and bolts of how they generate the lists.
Agschmid
(28,749 posts)Just curious.
We spend several hours cutting turf for canvass lists and call lists.
I don't ever do the calls, I usually do the canvassing door to door.
murielm99
(30,749 posts)progressoid
(49,992 posts)I phone banked etc during the the last four elections but haven't had time yet. Hope get back in the game soon.
artislife
(9,497 posts)I want to thank you for what you are doing here and in Iowa. You are certainly commited to informing in clear and concise manner. I look forward to your posts.
Indepatriot
(1,253 posts)zappaman
(20,606 posts)Duval
(4,280 posts)My husband and I made calls, stuffed envelopes, went door to door, etc, for President Obama's election in 2008. Making those calls was the hardest and most frustrating. Thanks, CoffeeCat and please let us know about your next 100 calls.
Dustlawyer
(10,495 posts)This is the most important Presidential race in our lifetimes. We can look at our children and grandchildren with a straight face and say we fought for them! I hope we can say WE WON!!!
Thespian2
(2,741 posts)I live in Canada...too far away to do much more than write and sign petitions...
And I do vote in the US...
UglyGreed
(7,661 posts)and no clickety clicking was involved
INdemo
(6,994 posts)tammywammy
(26,582 posts)Le Taz Hot
(22,271 posts)"I ask them if they're willing to . . . host out-of-town campaigners." Interesting twist in the phone banking that I'm guessing early primary state volunteer phone bankers are being asked to ask.
Californians are being asked to go en masse to Nevada for entire weekends. Many are willing to go and can carpool to share the gas expenses and bring food to cut down on food costs but the overnight stays are a problem. I'm glad you mentioned this. It's something I want to ask about on our Tuesday call.
ETA: And thank you for volunteering. It's volunteers like yourself that have made all the difference in this campaign.
questionseverything
(9,657 posts)Juicy_Bellows
(2,427 posts)cui bono
(19,926 posts).
zentrum
(9,865 posts)And so are you!
MrMickeysMom
(20,453 posts)I'm hitting the streets, where you talk to people as you get em on Sanders. I was wondering how the phone calls were going.
Did you cross post this in Sanders Group, too?
Best to your next 100!
rhett o rick
(55,981 posts)enthusiasm for Senator Sanders. We will win this.
merrily
(45,251 posts)CoffeeCat
(24,411 posts)...and the kind comments. I feel like I am just getting started and playing a small role in helping. So many are working so hard.
This is the first year that I've dated to make calls. It can be intimidating. However, it is definitely easier when you are calling people who live with a few miles of you.
Thanks for all of the inspiration that is here on DU. People here really love Bernie and believe in his message and his promise to give this country back to We The People.
The more I read here (and on other sites too), the more I realize that Bernie is the last chance that we have to undo so much damage--to our country, to our own party and to ourselves. I think so many of us our traumatized by the failures of our elected officials who have sold us down the river.
How could I not get involved? Democracy isn't a spectator sport.
ibegurpard
(16,685 posts)That knocking on doors is surprisingly less intimidating. And people are generally more open to someone that comes to their door than intrusive phone calls. So don't be afraid of that and thank you for what you're doing!
Art_from_Ark
(27,247 posts)BeanMusical
(4,389 posts)JDPriestly
(57,936 posts)of our election system and our financial sector.
bvf
(6,604 posts)Enthusiast
(50,983 posts)d_legendary1
(2,586 posts)I know its not an easy thing to do but the information you've provided is invaluable. Not to mention that people will get to hear Bernie's name at least once. I know I said it, but I want to say it again: THANKYOU!!!