Five people came up to our Obama table and said they switched from Clinton to Obama

[zulchzulu]

It was pretty funny.

We have an Obama table at the Madison Farmers Market (WI) where at least 10,000 people can be seen shopping or just having a great time. As usual, we signed up close to 120 names on our signup sheets (we've signed up over 500 people since April). We ran out of 50 bumperstickers and about 70 buttons. We only gave those to people who were sincere, not collectors. We went through a bunch of home-made Avery label stickers with Obama '08 on them.

People from all over the World stopped by to talk to us...my fave visitor was a Kiwi from New Zealand who wished that Obama would be president, saying it was about time an African-American was a World leader and he knew people back home who liked him. Of course, everyone loathes Bush/Cheney...even some Republicans that stopped by to kick the tires expressed absolute disgust with Bush. This made me think that there could be a big migration of Republicans joining Democratic ranks thanks to the recklessness of Bush (even the Newt is predicting it).

What was especially fun was seeing some people sign up and get a bumpersticker and the actually sheer joy in their eyes when we would hand it to them. I've never seen anything like it and I've worked on grassroots efforts for campaigns for a few election cycles.

Over the five hours we were there, we had five people come by and say they had been for Senator Clinton if only because of name recognition but changed their view when they saw the last debate and heard more about Obama. They could have just walked by, but they made a point to come by and get a bumpersticker or sign up to get involved. The overwhelming reason why was that they saw Obama as a unifier and inspirational; they feared that a Clinton nomination would be a disaster.

That message needs to be addressed by the Clinton campaign or it's just going to gain even more momentum. Where ARE the supporters of Senator Clinton in the streets? I've seen supporters for Edwards and Kucinich as well as Obama, but other than that, there is no other representation in the street...yes, on the web, but I find that the real message gets out in the wide open street.

Anyone else doing grassroots efforts these days? It's not too early...

[jefferson_dem]

1. Yup...i'm "out there" also. The Obama bandwagon is just starting to pick up steam!

Go 08bama! :bounce:

[aquart]

2. Inspirational has a lot going for it right now.

Remember when they were inspired by Bush? All those halo pictures and hints that God was telling him things thru that little thingy in his ear?

[papau]

5. Do we need a "halo" picture ala Bush for Edwards/Clinton/Obama?

In any case the polls confirm what the OP is saying

there is a swing to Obama among the unregistered and not likely voters - meaning young - under 25 - voters.

The polls using registered voters seem stable except for Gore taking votes from Hillary, and that is also the same situation in the likely voters polls.

But Gallup's poll of "adults" shows Obama has moved ahead by 1 percent.

If the young prove history wrong and actually vote in 2008, register for the Democratic Party so as to influence the primaries/caucuses, and then go on to vote in November, Obama is in good shape.

[Radical Activist]

70. ???

I guess you think we should pick another uninspiring, boring candidate like our last two nominees?

[silverweb]

3. Great news!

I sent this to my daughter to share with the other students in the Obama club she's been organizing at UC Santa Cruz.

Even though everyone's leaving for the summer very soon, the groundwork has been laid to kick off for an active group in the fall.

All positive reports from around the country are great encouragement, so thanks for sharing this. :hi:


GObama!

[AlinPA]

4. Nice going! You are great.

[AtomicKitten]

6. I applaud the fine work you are doing.

Not nearly as satisfying for me living in the bluest of blue states, which is why I always work a swing state during elections. I'm fully into proselytizing on behalf of a great candidate.

Gobama.

[zulchzulu]

16. Thanks AK

I'm sure you'll get a chance to see a lot of the candidates in Cali... I might be out there in the fall for a bit to help out... we'll see.

[Ethelk2044]

7. I am proud of you for your work

I is nice getting feedback from you weekly.

[zulchzulu]

14. Thanks...photos and video to come...

I've been taking video of some of the moments and will edit down something by mid-summer or before. It will hopefully be a grassroots organizing tool for anyone to check out...not just for Obama fans either...

[wakeme2008]

8. In your state, can you pass out voter registration forms and do you

:)

[Ethelk2044]

9. I thought all states allow this

I worked very hard with the Kerry Campaign and will be doing so with the Obama campaign.

[David Dunham]

10. Good work but Hillary will likely still win the nomination.

[zulchzulu]

13. I'm a betting man...

...care to wager?

:hi:

[snowbear]

15. "Likely" in June equals "3rd place" (if that) at voting time.

Although Chris Matthews, Faux Noise, and the rightwing media THANK you greatly for believing their hype!!!!

I do give Matthews at least some shred of credit. He comments on occassion how he always turns out to be wrong come election time.

Don't fret David.

We're going to end up with a stellar candidate.

Not one who claims that America is safer after 9/11 during a national debate either..

[emilyg]

34. Yes she will.

[snowbear]

35. Will what?

Except the Attorney General position when the new administration takes office?

Hmm.. you may be right!!

[election_2004]

53. Gotta love those self-fulfilling prophecies....

Ultimately, they will be what destroys this country - - rather than the Left or the Right. :(

[MH1]

63. Heh, remember 2003? Some guy named Kerry was completely written off.

So, it could be anyone. Maybe not even one of the current top 3.

;)

[zulchzulu]

12. If you get deputized (takes 2 minutes), you can

I've done it before...in 2004. I'll get deputized again. Thanks for the reminder!

[illinoisprogressive]

11. There are alot of repubs expressing a desire to vote for Obama

They will not abandon their party if our nominee is Hillary. I've read several republicans on the obama site who wrote to say they re registered dem just to vote for Obama in the primaries but, won't if it is not Obama.
He just has a way of unifying and making people want him for president. He is very loved.

[wyldwolf]

17. Interesting. I was speaking to three elderly Dem women at an event Wednesday night.

One said of Obama "I wouldn't walk ten feet to hear him speak," to which the other two nodded in agreement.

[zulchzulu]

18. Why would that be and how did you respond....

I know Obama supporters as well as others wouldn't mind seeing Senator Clinton speak. I guess they are just nicer people.

:rofl:

[snowbear]

19. I've seen that too. ......................on the RACIST Free Republic site.

That's sad that you had to hear such Freepish comments from them.



And you know --- just because you show up at a Democratic function, doesn't mean that they are actually true, blue Democrats.

They sound like FREEPERS.

[wyldwolf]

20. So five people switching to Obama from Clinton is ok. But someone who dislikes Obama is racist!

:rofl:

...and they're not REAL Democrats! :rofl: :rofl:

[snowbear]

21. Yes -- their comments sounded racist and Freepish.

And I also know Obama supporters who would go to a Clinton speech ---- without DISSING her one iota.

I'm just saying ... the three woman you encountered sound just like the type of females you encounter on the Free Republic website.

ALL THREE OF THEM:

..."and they're not REAL Democrats!"

I'm glad you said that. They didn't sound like they were. Not at all.

[Ethelk2044]

22. Also you noted they were older

The older crowd still lives back in the 50's and 60's. Those in their 20, 30, 40 then not to have a problem with race.

[wyldwolf]

23. how is what they said racist?

Because they don't like him means they're racist??? :rofl:

And because they said that they're not true blue Democrats and freepers? :rofl:

[snowbear]

24. Just like Freepers, they have to stay their distance from anyone they dislike..

....and just like Freepers, they have to advertise it out loud so they make certain others can hear their bitchy complaints.

But hey... If you think they're true, blue Democrats... fine -- then they're Democrats.

They sure don't sound like any Democrat I've ever met.

Now get off the freak'n floor wyldwolf!!!

[wyldwolf]

26. instead of being sexist and abandoning Clinton for Obama,

....and just like Freepers, they have to advertise it out loud at an Obama table so they make certain others can hear their bitchy complaints. They sure don't sound like any Democrat I've ever met.

[zulchzulu]

39. The people I talked to who were former Clinton fans were smart, nice people

They didn't yell or advertise it out loud...they just willfully talked about it, signed up and took a sticker to put on their car. Nice, smart people...good Democrats indeed.

I'd love to have a discussion with people that support Senator Clinton at the Obama table...it just turns out there aren't any...

[wyldwolf]

50. and the people I met were long time Democrats, smart and wise, too.

They didn't yell or advertise it out loud...they just willfully talked about it. Having seen the candidates, one let her feeling be known in no uncertain terms.

[zulchzulu]

54. "one let her feeling be known in no uncertain terms"...

Since you were there, what did she say? Be specific.

[wyldwolf]

58. How many times does this have to be repeated?

[zulchzulu]

59. If you answered the question, just answer it again

If it was a joke, then...um...

...but if you answered what the person said, respond in a simple sentence. Can ya do that?

[wyldwolf]

61. OK, you asked, "what did she say," For the umpteenth time the answer is...

"I wouldn't walk ten feet to hear him speak,"

Didn't need any further explanation. I've been around Democrats all my life and believe it or not, some people aren't going to like your favorite candidate.

[zulchzulu]

62. So you didn't ask why?

Not that I really give a crap, but did you follow up with the question or just wink...

[wyldwolf]

67. no, just a nod.

[wyldwolf]

60. self delete

[philosophie_en_rose]

25. .

While I highly suspect many of his critics are racist, I do not think that everyone that criticizes him is inherently racist. From the facts here, they could be racist or they could be rabid supporters of another candidate. Hard to tell from a one-sentence quote.

I don't think defending these ladies is particularly useful, as there's no way to know their motivations. But I suspect this primary will bring a lot of racism and sexism to the forefront.

[jefferson_dem]

27. Because *some* criticism of Obama is not racist doesn't mean some of it is racist.

Regarding the comment you reference, i find it curious at least. It strikes me as such an outlandish statement for a Dem to make - she wouldn't walk ten feet to hear him speak (a "decent" speaker, regardless of whether one supports him) - that it makes me wonder why she feels that way. Did you ask her?

[wyldwolf]

29. perhaps you're not aware of the old sayings that was a rendition of

Someone once told me he wouldn't walk across the street to see Elvis sing. Was THAT racist??

Is it possible this person has seen Obama, watched the debates, and just doesn't like him? That was my take.

[snowbear]

30. OOooooohh good question Jefferson Dem !!!

Yeah.. did you ask them W/Wolf??

If so, what did they say?

[zulchzulu]

37. Shhh...he's black, yunno...

I'm convinced the ruse is truth-lacking...but I'd be quite interested in why three elderly women wouldn't want to be within 9 feet of Obama...gee...lemme guess...

[sanskritwarrior]

28. Interesting I converted 6 people from Obama to Clinton at my church

so I guess I am one up on you........

[wyldwolf]

31. they must be racists... afterall, they were at a church

:sarcasm:

[sanskritwarrior]

46. Well we took a vote today and decided anyone who supported Obama

could no longer partake of the Church potluck...........

It's a joke people........I know wyldwolf gets it........It's just a response to the "Oh my god I converted X number of people from Mayo to Miracle Whip" threads we get everyday..........

[snowbear]

32. Yeah, sure you did sanskrit.

Pulling the old "one up on you" trick to your fello' DU'ers..

[wyldwolf]

33. yeah! Not only were those people at your church racists, he MUST be a liar!

NO WAY anyone would switch from Obama to Clinton UNLESS they're racists! :sarcasm:

[zulchzulu]

38. Hey, send that Carville Le Turncoat...

I'm sure he'd use it so his rancid wife would have a snicker in her half-mouth.

[rinsd]

69. What? only zuluzulch can post personal anecdotes?

I usually avoid them for exactly what you just did to the other poster.

[zulchzulu]

36. Tell us what they said...

Since you offered, perhaps you can tell us how it went...

[PassingFair]

45. Yeah, well I converted SEVEN people from Clinton to Obama.

So we're back in the lead.

:)

[Colobo]

40. I want someone to convince me to pick Hillary over Obama

Hahahahaha! It'll be fun.

[snowbear]

42. William... Yo William.... you're being paged....

Stay tuned Katz.. William, Elmer or Tell should be here any minute.

[Colobo]

43. WOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! I'm waiting!

[snowbear]

49. 4 Clarkies, 5 Edwardsies, and a Hillaryite walked into a pub.......

They said ... "Bartender, give us your BEST stuff"

So the Bartender says - "Well. We're not serving alcohol right now because were closed for an Obama 2008 function, but you're welcome to stay!"

And they stayed.

And they listened.

And they learned.

And they loved him.

And the funniest thing happened .... when the 9 of them left, they all swore from this point on they were Obama supporters.

All NINE of them!



What can I say?

[SaveElmer]

64. Katz is one of the classier Obama supporters around here...

I assume he has thought things through carefully, and have no doubt he will support Hillary should she be the nominee...so no attempt required!!!

[Colobo]

65. Of course I will. She's my 2nd choice.

[ariesgem]

41. Right now, I only have an Obama bumper sticker on my car

and I've also donated $$$.

Today at the Carl's Jr. drive thru, this young guy got out of his car behind me, knocked on my window and asked if I had any more bumper stickers. He was pretty excited about Obama.

I always get plenty of honks and thumbs up on the road when I'm driving.

[zulchzulu]

44. Some photos from the Obama table at Madison's Farmers Market

A sampling from a few different weekends...

[snowbear]

48. Awesome ~ I'm glad you're having sunny weather there!!

Looks like everyone's having a good time! ~~ ~~

[zulchzulu]

52. We've had one rainy day...that didn't stop us...

No pictures from that day...it was too hard battling the raindrops...

[Pushed To The Left]

47. I participated in the "Walk For Change" today in Orange County CA

It was a great experience! I've done precinct walks before, but this is the first time I have done one where there was no "walk list" and we simply went to every home! We talked to Democrats, DTSs, and Republicans. Some of the Republicans seemed very interested in Obama! My partner for the walk was actually a very young DTS voter who was inspired to become politically active by Obama. What I really like about Obama is that he is a progressive whose approach to solving problems appeals to some moderates and conservatives and well as progressives.

Last Saturday, we had an Obama booth at the Tustin Street Fair and Chili Cook Off and we ran out of all of our buttons, literature, and small stickers! About 3/4 of the 100 bumperstickers were gone as well! I have worked political tables/booths before and have never seen that amount of support. I think one Republican re-registered to DTS so he could vote for Obama! (In California, a DTS can request a Democratic or Republican ballot at the polls)

[zulchzulu]

51. E-x-c-e-l-l-e-n-t !!!

Thanks so much for your hard work! Actually, it's easier than a lot of people think...

:hi:

[MzShellG]

55. In my state there was a walk for Obama drive...

Somehow the local news didnt mention it until after the fact. I believe they were local Obama campaign supporters and volunteers. I want to be a part of that.I would have loved to have been at the 1st Democratic debate in O'burg which is just 40 miles away from me but unfortunately my car choose that week to break down. I even missed the events they had in my city that weekend. Grrr. How do I find the Obama headquarters in my city/state? Would it be on his website?

[zulchzulu]

56. The best way is to sign up on the Obama website

Click on the logo:



Once you sign up, any events in your area will be emailed to you and you can start your own as well.

[MzShellG]

57. Thanks so much...

I will do that.

[ShortnFiery]

66. Yeah baby! It's the grass roots that makes the difference. n/t

[demokatgurrl]

68. Here in PA the only bumper stickers

for presidential candiate I've see are for Obama. For whatever that's worth- I've heard Hillary is kicking butt in the statewide polls. I'm near Philly though, the "liberal" wing of the state I guess.