A question. About helping.

All of us here seem to be a pretty dedicated bunch. Many of us have selected a candidate to support, or are it the process of doing so, and we are all, without a doubt, committed at least to the idea of voting for someone.

So here's my question: What have you done for your candidate? Do you volunteer? Do you give money? Have you gone to any of the first four state to work?

Tell me your story.

Me? I've given a small amount of money, (don't have a lot, I live in the world of Bushco) and I've given my time. I've gone to Nevada to phone bank and canvas, and I've made it to one Town Hall meeting there. I talk to everyone that will listen, and do my part on DU to promote and defend my guy. Also, I've posted a few times on the campaign site, with links to DU, so others in the campaign can take a look at the craziness going on here.

So once again, I ask you, what have you done?

I don't really have a candidate. And when there is one, I probably won't do much for him/her. In VT, the dem candidate is assured a win. I will do what I always do, and work for local progressives party candidates and liberal dems.

and he has contributed and is volunteering at Biden HQ on a regular basis (he's 19 and a freshman in college).

My husband has offered an ear and any advice any of the campaigns want - all they have to do is call. And we try to attend events for all campaigns b/c our entire family realizes just how lucky we are to live in Iowa and be involved in such an awesome activity as the Iowa Caucuses.

Thanks Debi. And my 17 year old daughter loves Obama. She's donated, and she would work for him in Ca, if there was anything really going on for him. I so admire the way he has brought young people into the process.

so she'll have plenty to do after the next 30-someodd days. :hi: It's great to see kids caring enough to volunteer not just vote. Remember how Howard Dean would give us grades based on our political involvement? We'd get a 'D' if all we did was go vote, he wanted ALL of us to do much much more.

I honestly want to know your answers.

I have met with John many times in the past but he hasn't been to my state this cycle. The last time I saw him was in early 2007.Sigh. I gave a stump speech for him and talk him up on several blogs and in person wherever I go.I had a political television show which is temporarily off the air due to funding but I promoted him on it until recently.Unfortunately, my state isn't considered important this cycle.We were in 2004 but Nevada has the spotlight now, and people rarely visit at the moment.

Yeah, I've had to go to Nv from Ca to see John Edwards. I plan another trip in about a week. Thanks again for your story, and keep up the good work.

from the campaign, I'll let you know when I find out. They'll get places for us to sleep, and their always good about having food for us, so it's really just about showing up and going to work. The people working at the Reno HQ are just amazing. You should do it!

and have been promoting him to every one I know. Over Thanksgiving, my husband and I were able to bring about a dozen undecided family members (all Dems) into the Edwards camp. To be fair about it, after our discussion promoting Edwards we not only suggested they read at Edwards's website but at the other Dem candidates' websites too. They took turns on my computer, and they all decided Edwards was the candidate who best represented them. This was really a big deal, because since we're all Dems, trying to get us all to agree on something is usually like trying to herd cats.

Edited to add :kick: and Recommended

Like herding cats? LOL. Thanks for your work. And doesn't it make you feel good?

Also, I don't just want to hear from Edwards supporters, I want to hear form everyone.

I think we have no right to complain after the election, unless we do what we can during the election.

Good work for your candidate!

here in Iowa. Took a liking to him way back in March and am more convinced than ever that he is the right person for the job. I've done lots of phone calling from the office and home, can't canvas anymore but did some work on updating info into the computer, donated some money a while ago and now donate $25 monthly - all I can afford right now, I'm an Obama Precinct Captain which means getting the Obama supporters in my precinct informed about the process, schedule rides, make more phone calls inviting folks to support Obama - and of course working for Obama on Caucus night. Have attended events for Barack Obama and Michelle Obama. One of the things I'm most proud of is my work with the Women for Obama. Our group focuses on providing other women with information re O's stand on issues, seeking out non traditional voters and registering them to vote and even providing info to those who may want to learn more about other candidates.

By the way, my husband is in charge of recycling at the local headquarters - no easy task!!!

Proud to be a part of the grassroots movement for Obama.

Man that is great!

The following is a letter I composed and sent to nine major papers in Iowa. Below my letter is a response from another supporter. I wanted to share it with all of you.


*********************************************************************
To the people of Iowa,

I’m sitting in my small studio apartment in Manhattan. It’s 3:00 AM. Though quiet, I can hear the sounds of the city around me. I sit with my computer, continually visiting political websites. Trying to do as much as humanly possible to help my candidate. I don’t have much money, yet I’ve given his campaign as much as I could.

What else can I do?

I’ve made my own t-shirt to show support for him, and wear it as much as possible. I see people walking toward me on the streets of Manhattan, sometimes noticing my candidates name written across my chest. I peer through my sunglasses to see if they notice or not. Do they have a reaction? Do they smile or smirk? Do they know who he is? Sometimes people stop me and ask about him. Humbly, I answer as knowledgeably as I can.

What else can I do?

I’ve gathered friends and family email addresses, and email them with links to any important video taped speeches given by my candidate. I’ll email them with important “news story” links of his accomplishments.

What else can I do?

I’ve attended a couple of public speeches and talked with other supporters. What does that do? Not much really, but it’s nice to meet other people with a common bond. I’ve thought of going to Iowa to campaign on foot for him, but it’s just impossible to commit the time and money to do so.

What else can I do?

I’ve produced a short video to show support for my candidate. I think it helped some. If I have opened someone’s eyes regarding my candidate, if I have helped people look his way, I’ve helped, I guess.

What else can I do?

Well, as I looked at the polls today, and watched all the news channels with their coverage of the “money front runners”, I got up, turned off the TV and left my apartment. I walked to St. Patrick’s Cathedral. As I sat in this magnificent house of worship, I began to think of the state of the world. I’ve had these thoughts hundreds of times before, yet for some reason; I needed a little more solace. As I sat with my thoughts, I kept going over the Armageddon in the Middle East, the strife of the poor and the middle class in America, and people around the world, gas prices, our country’s security, health care, education, religion, human rights...it went on and on...until I started to weep...I haven’t wept for my country, for our people, since 9/11...then…I prayed.

After about an hour, it was time to go. Before I stood up, I asked my God to help Senator Biden. "Please...let the people of America see how much we need him...please God...open their eyes”, I said.

I’m almost 50 years of age, and I have never felt so strongly for a candidate in my lifetime. When I see all that is wrong with our country...with the world...it is so clear to me who should be leading the people of our nation. Senator Biden’s experience, knowledge and diplomacy stand head and shoulders above any candidate.

So, Mr. & Mrs. Iowa, I know you have the vision…the foresight…and the understanding of what’s at stake with your upcoming Presidential primary. Literally, the next President we elect will be because of who Iowans see as leader of the free world. Please make America proud.

Sincerely,
James DiSalvatore
NY, NY

If you haven’t seen the video I produced, go to the link below. If you support Senator Biden, please send the link below to family and friends, and ask them to do the same.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=OtGCaqOdIJ4

All Dems thank you!

You Biden supporters are a pretty smart bunch. Keep up the good work.

I've canvassed in the past but since that's just as creepy and ill-mannered as when the religious do it, I've stopped.

When I decide on a candidate this time around, it'll be a donation, attending the rallies, convincing friends and stuffing envelopes.

:) all I have done so far in enthusiastically talked about Edwards and donated. I think I'll donate again!

Not much happening in my state until February

I'd like to help out in one of the early states, I'm not sure if I'll be able to.

running a giant campaign in new york. i would love to volutneer if possible, but i can't.