I got Kerry 3 Undecideds in Virginia

[kwolf68]

3 votes for Kerry in Virginia

I went into the 7-11 tonight to pickup some aspirin for my wife, a couple hot dogs, and a lottery ticket. I walked in and there was this couple in their late 20s talking to the clerk about voting. They all were very disheartened and seemed to be in agreement that they would not even vote this go round.

Well I joined the fray and said that I had never missed an election though I had always voted 3rd Party—since 1988. I said that we owe it to Democracy, to our way of life even if you “throw your vote away.” I said no matter what you have to vote, you have to get all your family and friends to vote. Even if you don’t like the major candidates, go speak your voice…people died for this right.

They were all on my side…they all agreed my argument was credible and they all said they would vote.

That is when I went in for the kill. “This will be the first time since 1988 I intend on voting for one of the major candidates.” When asked by the male customer who I was going for, I replied, “I intend to vote for John Kerry. In fact, I am looking forward to casting that vote.”

That is when both men said they didn’t like Bush. The clerk said, “I’d like to vote for Kerry but I’m not sure what he stands for.” I told him that I knew what he stood for and there was no ambiguity on any of it, that I could supply him with Kerry’s positions or he could easily find them for himself at the Kerry Website. I also said, “This is tough, especially if you have family or friends serving our nation in the services, but the bottom line…the undisputable fact is Bush lied to the American people about this war. No matter what kind of spin you hear, this is a complete fact, easily proven.”

I said that no matter what else is done or said, to lie about such a serious issue should be grounds for removal. I said that some tried to impeach Bill Clinton over a lie concerning a consensual sexual act that didn’t affect any of us. I also expressed my outrage over the SBVT ads and everyone again seemed to also be equally appalled at such attacks.

I continued by saying no matter what you folks think please PLEASE do yourselves a favor and investigate things for yourself, get all perspectives, read what everyone is saying…find the truth…and take what the media says with a certain grain of salt. I said that I would hope they would vote for Kerry, but don’t take my word for it…get on the Internet and find out what the truth is….I said that I was very involved and the media isn’t telling us near all of what is truth.

I said that even if you didn’t vote, or even if you voted for Bush that becomming involved in the issues, knowing the facts will make you more informed and our nation less susceptible to corrupting power whores--who presently run our nation. They seemed to like my passion for the issues, my sharp tongue, and my dedication to the cause.

The clerk then said, “I think you have convinced me to vote this time.”

The other guys said he had wanted to vote for Kerry and would indeed. From there it turned into a Bush-bash with both these “undecideds” railing on about why Bush was a horrible President. I mentioned they seemed pretty informed and they should act on their knowledge. The female was kind of a dip and the best she did was tell her boyfriend/husband that he needed to “make sure she voted.”

I drove home and had a very worrisome thought. Here were at least 2 people that were disgusted with Bush. Neither of them had a single positive thing to say about him, but THEY ALL were going to sit this election out. That is what troubles me.

[Melodybe]

1. No kidding I have converted a few my self

and I have convinced plenty of non-voters to vote for Kerry this year.

This election is going to be saved by voter turnout. It will be amazing!

[RevCheesehead]

2. Congrats on a job well done! n/t

[kwolf68]

6. Wish I could do more

I have donated money to the Kerry campaign, and work on people when I get a chance, but only if the opportunity presents itself.

I just don't believe I am the type who can go door-to-door and ask for people to vote for my guy.

[MidwestTransplant]

3. Great work!

You sure are a good example to us all!

[faithnotgreed]

4. awesome! you sound like you have true credibility and by

encouraging them to investigate themselves, you have done a real service.

you continually hear from some of the undecideds and partisan bush supporters, that they dont know what kerry stands for.

it was right on to direct them to john kerrys website. i wish i knew of a good website for undecideds... i think factcheck.org is one place to start also

thanks again for your awesome work and for caring so much. certainly would be great if more americans got involved...

[kwolf68]

8. That is key

For me that’s the best way.

I simply say don’t take my word for it. If you don’t investigate the issues and come to a conclusion for yourself then you are enslaved to what the propaganda ministries feed you.

If someone isn’t willing to promote a broad perspective and instead wants you to kowtow to whatever they are selling then chances are that person is up to no good and lacks credibility and their agenda should be rejected.

I want people to learn about every issue at play. No matter where they vote, an intelligent and informed electorate has all the power in the world. The power whores want an ignorant electorate and a do-nothing media to go with it = unlimited power with virtually no constraints on their greed and exploitation.

[faithnotgreed]

10. right on!

[RevCheesehead]

14. I love your name...may mention it in a sermon! n/t

[Erika]

5. Bush is Not Liked

We are busy getting the word out whenever there is as opportunity and have met with the same results you had.

Especially when the subject to the economy is raised.

[Kanary]

7. Your worry is realistic

Whenever any doubt is expressed here on DU, people jump down the doubters throat, rather than listen to him/her. That doesn't solve the larger issue, and doesn't do away with the doubts that the population as a whole is feeling.

It's great that people like you are speaking out--we need to do that *always*. That's what our country is about. However, we can't convert the whole nation. None of us can reach out to that many people. The campaign need to be doing it's part. We DUers can bash people for repeating some of what you heard said by these shoppers, but that doesn't change the perceptions in the larger population.

Kanary

[kwolf68]

9. Doubt is human nature

It does not surprise me when a poll comes out that doesn’t look good people come in and lash out about their perceptions of the Kerry campaign.

I am not sure what to think about it yet. I admit that I enjoyed reading posts about Kerry’s popularity and him leading Bush by X percent. It’s much better than posts that suggest Kerry is trailing. I do know this race appears to be close and while I can oftentimes be knee-jerk I have decided to stay positive, stay focused, and stay vigilant.

If I can do it, anyone can.

I don’t begrudge people upset with the campaign. Look, the same thing will happen on Right-Wing sites if Bush takes a hit.

However, it is much more complicated that just saying, “Kerry needs to bash bush…Take the gloves off.”

Kerry and his advisors must weigh the response to a “bash.” Not just a response by Bush (which we honestly don’t give a shit about at this point), but how the media will portray it. Dem Strategist was right on when he said “it’s the media” stupid…Nothing could be further from the truth.

Kerry has to understand this. Bashing bush becomes, “Kerry is mean-spirited. He’s attacking Bush”…Whatever claims Kerry lands versus Bush will not be considered…the only thing that will be considered is the tone. John Kerry is playing a basketball game at Duke’s Cameron Indoor Stadium. All the fouls are going against him and if he dares protest too loud he’ll get called for a Technical.

So how do you beat Duke at Duke? Keep the game close, stay out of foul trouble, and make a few special plays at the end. I believe this will happen.

(Sorry for the gratuitous basketball metaphor)

[Kanary]

11. Well, here's the deal -- I won't judge and bash you, if you can manage

to do the same in return.

I'm really SICK of people deciding what others should feel, think and say every step of that way. If that is "freedom", then I'm a movie star.

I'm to the point of just guffawing when I see the posts about how "the freepers" are so mean to each other, and can't allow any dissention in their ranks. I mean, really, doesn't anybody see the irony of this???? If we're going to judge them for something like that, then first of all we need to make sure we aren't doing exactly the same thing.

First people post how important it is that everyone be involved. Then they turn around and tell those who aren't feeling the approved emotions to get out of the way and leave everyone alone. It's like telling a child, "Paste on a smile to please me, or go to your room, and don't come out until I say." It's patronizing, and divisive.

That's the deal.

Kanary

[kwolf68]

12. I have never EVER bashed somone

Displeased with Kerrys campaign.

I have chosen not to do it and have tried to post more positive things, but when I read people frustrated damn...I can relate, I can understand and I surely won't ask someone to supress their opinion because i may not agree with it.

I can feel their frustration. We have the biggest incompetent stooge in the history of the Presidency who has lied to the American people causing the death of thousands, exploits death for political gain, mis-leads, mis-informs, creates laws in secret, advances Social Darwinism while at the same time advancing a nefarious agenda of theocracy. He has taken politics to the dumper that I didn’t know existed. He was appointed by a Partisan (ACTIVIST) Supreme Court.

He has managed to be the worst President since Hoover on job creation, has destroyed the good will he was given by the rest of the world on 9/12/2001, and found a way to eliminate billions of surplus. He is dragging Social Security down, waging war against the environment, and has opened up the White House for every corrupt oligarch in the world.

YET WE CANT WIN? We are behind this guy?

The mere likelihood of Bush winning this election makes many of us out here physically ill. Therefore, I can’t pretend to assume anyone should look at the present campaign through rose-colored glasses.

[Kanary]

16. I'm certainly glad to know we're on the same page in that respect

And, I do mean "respect". We get nowhere without it.

"The mere likelihood of Bush winning this election makes many of us out here physically ill. "

I realize that, and, believe it or not, I have probably way more to lose than you with his reelection. HOWEVER, what some of us have been trying to get people to realize is that, while they have every right to their fear, letting that fear control them to the point of bashing other Dems because their anxiety has been triggered is not just counter-productive, it's just plain deadly. It has resulted in runing off some very good people. People we can little afford to lose.

What has really gotten to me the most is seeing the difference in how people treat repubs they're trying to convert, and how they treat those of us here who dare to express what we're really seeing and feeling. That deserves some deep thought, and not just a quick rationalization.

I completely understand your revulsion at the thought of * winning. Believe me. As I said, I may feel it even stronger than you. I just wish for the same understanding of what I feel at times. What I've had to do is to just self-censor, and not express myself here, and that just shouldn't be happening. That's a sure way to de-energize people.

Kanary

[RevCheesehead]

15. oh oh - you must be a Carolina fan.

But, to the point....

One leader alone doesn't accomplish anything.
I am trying to teach my congregations the same thing. I keep hearing "we should do this..." but if nobody gets off their butts, HOW IS IT GOING TO HAPPEN?????

One simple example: I was in the Dem HQ in Green Bay, waiting for Edwards tickets. When they came in, the staffers were swamped. I simply asked "what can I do to help you?" and they sat me at the table, helping to hand out tickets.

If you don't know what to do, JUST ASK!!!

[crispini]

13. The problem with expressing doubt on DU

especially if it's a noob with a low post count is that it's hard to tell the real doubters from the trolls. think it is an internet phenom. IRL it's much easier IMo to get into a real dialog & LISTEN to the doubters.

[Kanary]

18. So, if in doubt, bash?

And how, pray tell, is that any different from freepers?

:eyes:

Kanary

[sonicx]

19. i think he wasn't saying we should bash. just trying to...

explain our behavior. :)

[Kanary]

20. It's been explained over and over and over and over.

The time comes to take a closer look at unproductive behavior.

The admins say repeatedly that if you're in doubt, alert, and let *them* decide.

Quite simple, really.

Kanary

[Name removed]

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