Went out canvassing this morning for Organizing for America

Knocked on doors by myself (I was the only volunteer who showed up) and got some people to pledge to vote and dropped off some literature. Came to the conclusion with my pounding heart and shaking hands that I am just way too shy to be doing this kind of work. I think I will just work the phone banks or stuff envelopes from now on. I admire the people who have the confidence and courage to go door-to-door but it's not for me. I'm sorry.

I was always scared when I marched, protested, etc. too.

I would never do a damn thing for a corporate whore like Obama, however. He's just the other side of the same damn coin.

edit to add: Thank you so much for your service work!:patriot:

I called a few dead people. :)

I've done it, too. Fortunately, it's usually possible to back out politely once the family explains.

Survivors seem to be most sensitive about calls from solicitors who prey on the elderly, and initial suspicion and hostility turn quickly to relief when they learn it's just a political campaign calling.

it does get easier after a bit.

Hang in there!

I'm a supposed "leader" for canvassing in our neighborhood next week but I had to cancel, forgot about Father's Day!

Thanks for helping!

give up and go home. I am extremely introverted, to the point of it being a psychiatric disability, really, and I think this is too much for me. I don't think I can do it anymore. I can handle the phone, but going door-to-door is just more than I can cope with. I feel bad about that, I feel like I ought to be out there.

Thank you for being a leader. Our leader was pretty disappointed because only two of us showed up and one person didn't show up until over an hour after the start time and then wasn't willing to go door-to-door at all. So it was only me. And she was out there two hours trying to organize.

should have a buddy.

I've always had crippling shyness. I was just going through panic attacks before ringing each doorbell. I don't think I can make myself get out there to try again. I feel ashamed of that but I think I have to just work within my limitations.

When I canvassed as a Kerrytraveler in Ohio, I went with a partner the first time, and that helped both of us to build our confidence quickly. In fact, we soon decided to separate for a while to get more done, more quickly. We'd alternate--teaming up, because we enjoyed working together, then going solo for efficiency.

(Sometime later, after the election, a friend who ran a liberal website warned me that someone was doing a websearch on my name. My paranoia was short-lived--it was my canvassing buddy from across the country, looking to get back in touch.)

Try it with a buddy next time, and see how it goes. If it's still not your cup of tea, there is always phone-banking--as well as other campaign work alternatives. The main thing is that, to your credit, you took the initiative to go out and DO something--WELL DONE!

:patriot:

i think mostly because it is just easier for people to blow you off on the phone than it is to close the door in your face. but i do love to talk to people in person. the antis are hard, and sometimes i will just give up and go home after clashing with a big one. but the ones on your side are great, especially in places where you don't expect it.

those of us who are introverts, it's extremely hard for us to meet new people, speak to people we don't already know well, go to parties, etc. I usually have to get drunk before I go to social events in order to endure them and be relaxed enough that I don't make other people nervous just because I'm so nervous.

I wish I were an extrovert. I think life is easier for them. Liberal Loner, you sound like me in several ways.

You are a sweetheart and it's a joy to read your posts.

is being asked to campaign for a congress critter that voted AGAINST health care reform and the volunteers don't want to.

they are haunted by Artur Davis' Governor Bid primary defeat.

You did great!

on edit - you're obviously in a different state... sentiment remains the same.

somebody else with you.

:applause: to you for your effort. :yourock:

ready to punch some of the stupid Bushbot asshole people in this neighborhood that I had to stop.

had voted for President Obama) but I can see where it would have been hard to take the Bushbots, for sure. Thanks for getting out there and trying.

I'm shy too and I understand what you are talking about. You were very brave!
:yourock:

And don't feel like you have to door knock. If you're more comfortable on the phone, that is perfectly fine!

Thanks for getting out there.

for for making the effort. :applause: Whatever works for you should have the final say in this matter. At least you're out there trying. God Bless and :hug:

I'm the same way -- I have to go with a partner who is more extroverted. BUT I HATE CALLING PEOPLE TOO! I HATE any kind of solicitation at home and hate being hung up on constantly.

For me, "tabling" is the thing I'm most comfortable with, in other words, they set up a table at a Farmer's Market or community event and you try to sort of catch people's eye when they walk by, start a conversation, hand out some stuff. I'm pretty good at that!

You overcame your fear to do something virtuous. Socrates, Ghandi and Harriet Tubman would admire your heroism, IMO. I agree that buddying up next time would be a good idea. Or work the phones, whatever makes you comfortable following your bliss.

Thank you for being part of the solution. It inspires me to see what I can do.

..and yeah, it's not easy to do that.

I am nice to anyone who comes around whether I agree with them or not. Mormons, the Witness's, even right wingers - at least they are getting involved and trying to make a difference. It is difficult to throw yourself into the fire like that and approach strangers - often ones hostile to you.

Had you come to my door I would have offered you refreshments, snacks and a seat to rest up and recharge in. I make a point of doing that when OFA or other people I agree with come around.

to do. Public speaking is ranked number one fear every year since they started asking, and you're going into their homes to do it.

There's a thousand other things you can do to help.

for various reasons. Chief among them being that the candidate I was canvassing for turned out to be President Obama, who bears no relation to Candidate Obama.

That being said I told them I will only get off my ass for the governors race or state house race. Washington dems are not on my list in 2010. I won't lie and say I think they are doing a good job. Honestly don't know why
my friend called. She knows I hate OFA.