Duers I bear good tidings - the repukes here in red state hell are mad!!

[proud2BlibKansan]

I am helping a Dem run for state rep in my neighborhood. Today, they had a city festival, with bands and a bbq contest and rides for the kids, etc. We were there wearing t-shirts with our candidate's name and passing out literature.

My son went with me and we took our wonderful dog, which got us some attention (she is a very cute dog) and helped break the ice with folks. This is a VERY red county in a VERY red state, so I was a bit anxious about approaching folks. But this part of the county is also a bit more progressive and that became very apparent to me right away today.

Now in all fairness, I did have a few people tell me they were loyal repukes and not to waste my time. But the VAST majority were very interested in my candidate's platform. The first woman I approached asked me if he was pro-choice. I said yes and she said well then he has my vote, I don't want Kansas to become the next South Dakota.

Another man asked if my candidate supported the war in Iraq. I said well I can't imagine that the war will be an issue they debate in Topeka. But the guy insisted I answer the question. I figured anyone who would come out and ask would probably be anti-war and I told him my candidate was opposed to the war. And that was the right answer! The guy said he didn't care if it was a dogcatcher election, he wasn't voting for anyone who supported "bush's folly in Iraq". Then I told him about our regular protests here in KC, and he said he might come and join us. :)

I talked to probably 50 people (I ran out of flyers!) and only 3 said they weren't interested. A feww said they didn't live around here. The rest were great! Several told me they didn't care who was running, they weren't voting for any republicans in November. The thing that impressed me the most, other than the obvious dislike for the repuke party, was most people were very interested and really wanted to talk politics. They wanted to know where my candidate stood on school financing (a big issue in KS this year) and more than a few mentioned election fraud. One guy even said he was a republican but he had no doubt that the election in 2004 was stolen!

So they are waking up folks! We have a lot of positive energy and we need to keep it positive until November.

And if you aren't working on a campaign, find one and get out there and help. I have been helping candidates for 30+ years now and I have never seen more voters who are as up on the issues as they are this year. They are angry and paying attention! Go out and see for yourself.

[NanceGreggs]

1. That IS great news!

And it's these kinds of tidbits that mean way more than polls and surveys, which are always open to questionable parameters.

Thanks for sharing this with all of us!

[proud2BlibKansan]

14. That is really true

One guy today told me he didn't believe the polls that say 70% of Americans are opposed to the war. He thinks it is way more than that! LOL

[porphyrian]

2. Thanks for posting some hope among the hopelessness threads.

It's a rare commodity these days.

[proud2BlibKansan]

12. Oh there is hope

You bet there is hope.

[madokie]

68. in the world I live in there is hope if there is breath

We have a pretty big friend base and I would say that the large majority are opposed to the war in Iraq or the impending war with Iran. The few that are for it is the same ones who tune in to limpballs, just so they know where the opposition stands on the issues though or they say, I say bull.

[applegrove]

3. Great for you!

[countingbluecars]

4. Way to go!

This is great to hear. Thanks for sharing your positive energy.

[proud2BlibKansan]

10. You're welcome cbc!

Any interesting campaigns in your area?

You do know that your governor is from here? He went to the high school where my dad taught for many years.

[countingbluecars]

21. I'm ashamed to say

that I did not know that about Kaine. I just read up a bit. Right now the most interesting thing happening in Virginia is the Democratic Senate Primary. Jim Webb, a former Reagan Republican, looks like our best chance at beating George Allen.

[proud2BlibKansan]

23. I don't know Kaine personally

But I know people who do know him and they speak very highly of him. You are lucky to have him.

[IndyOp]

5. Good job! Good to hear that you got a good reception -

But even more important, good to hear that you GOT OUT THERE and talked with folks. Just keep talking and listening, listening and talking.

:toast:

[proud2BlibKansan]

9. We ALL need to be out there hitting the pavement.

[havocmom]

6. Great!

Hey, ya might consider adding your post to your journal. That way, you can post link when you see posts from the 'woe is me, all is lost' crowd. ;) We need good news like your's to combat the sense of hopelessness we all feel from time to time.

[proud2BlibKansan]

8. Great idea!

I will also post more reports of my campaigning. I am working on 2 campaigns, one in KS and one in Missouri.

[havocmom]

16. Cool. Keep hitting the 'Woe-ists' with tales from the campaign trail

It will likely inspire others, who may be shy or uncertain about getting active.
The more people we get moving, the less depression there will be. NOTHING empowers like a little direct action. ;)

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

7. Good job!

[BrklynLiberal]

11. Fifth rec. Off to the greatest page with you!!!

[proud2BlibKansan]

13. Wow that was fast!

Thank you!!

[BrklynLiberal]

20. Guess we are thrilled to hear good news...

;)

[yellerpup]

15. Keeping it positive

That's the way to do it. Good work!:kick: Kick!

[KoKo]

17. We could use some good news & your candidate is running on the issues

that folks want to see a Democrat take a stand on. If a candidate is clear and doesn't waffle...that means they stand for an Opposition to Bush and his Gang.

THANKS!

[motocicleta]

18. Thank you lib

I need all of this I can get.

[proud2BlibKansan]

19. Oh you are very welcome

[motocicleta]

25. We need a DU convention

I'd love to meet a bunch of you who have pulled me through some bad times.

:hi:

[proud2BlibKansan]

26. I am all for that

I met a bunch of DUers in Crawford and I met some in NY when I was there in April. They are good people!

[gordianot]

28. Great idea

[motocicleta]

29. Thanks Gordianot

Let's get this going. Naturally, I prefer having it in Boston, rather than yearlykos's Las Vegas. But I'm open.

[proud2BlibKansan]

30. How about your house?

:)

[motocicleta]

33. Don't get me started

No, if DU wants my apartment, I'm there. I'm flattered. What my wife, daughter, and ill-behaved dog might say about it, I don't know.

I do have a huge grin on my face right now, though. I suspect I can convince them.

Maybe just a Boston get-together? Anybody else up for it? Will? You there?

[druidity33]

38. Western Mass?

I'd love to meet some DU'ers... and do get to Boston occasionally. But the environs here in Western Mass (Amherst, Northampton, many small progressive country communities) are absolutely beautiful in the fall. We have great restaurants, good local beers, are closer to upstate NY, CT, VT, NH, ME and RI. A few local "intentional communities" which may be willing to play host (ie. a solid place to crash)

Campfires and barbecues? Dogs and tents? Woodswalks and maybe we could do a cider tour or berry picking depending on the time of year...

i don't know, i just think looking toward a hopeful future, bonding with compatriots, and enjoying the moment all point toward being closer to the Natural order of things. Solutions can be whispered from trees.

either way, be sure to post a convention date and significant details as they arrive...

[motocicleta]

41. I think we may be on to something here.

I'll definitely keep people updated if things start coming together. I certainly could use some companionship. We moved to Boston a year ago, and we have some new friends, but not so many that I feel comfortable talking to about politics.

[Scout1071]

22. Nice report Proud. Which festival?

Corporate Woods?

[proud2BlibKansan]

27. Mission

Do I strike you as the corporate woods type? Lord no. LOL

[spooky3]

24. Great work!

[Bozita]

31. Prop your feet up ... and get a cold drink

You've earned it!

Thanks for posting.

[Breeze54]

32. Thanks for all you are doing!

Great news!! :woohoo:

Kicked and recommended!
:kick:

[blue neen]

34. Thanks for posting the good news.

I've been working on the Casey campaign here in PA and actually had Republicans tell me that they'll help--they hate Santorum that much!

[proud2BlibKansan]

53. Hey I hate Santorum so much that I wish I could come to PA and help you

He needs to go so bad. And he can take Brownback with him. :)

[rockymountaindem]

35. People posted stuff like this all through 2004, I don't buy it anymore

Back in '04 I eagerly read all the posts of people who voted for Bush in 2000 but weren't going to do it again, of "real conservatives" who couldn't support the Republicans and were going to pull the lever for Kerry, etc... I'm not buying it anymore. We can't pretend that stories like this are anyhing other than an unrepresentative sampling of a few people.

I remember the feeling well: back in 2004 I saw a plethora of Ken Salazar signs in my town, one of the most conservative in America. I was excited because it didn't look like anyone was tearing them down, which I otherwise would have expected. I began to feel a little hope. Wrong. El Paso county, Colorado, voted a solidly Republican as ever come November.

When the mainstream media turns on Bush and the Republicans in a massive, undeniable way, then I'll get excited.

[Sleepless In NY]

36. rockymountaindem .. I'm afraid I agree with you

I want to be hopeful about the 2006 midterms, but after seeing what's gone on in California, I'm worried. I thought Busby would take Cunninghams seat, that the voters in that area were "fed up", but it didn't happen, she lost. And what is happening with Arnold Schwartznegger, making a comeback in his approval ratings? I know a lot of people are fed up with bush, but are they fed up with the whole republican party? Are traditional Red areas really going Blue? Seems like its anyones guess. Pennsylvania gives me some hope, Rendell way ahead of Swann, and Casey way ahead of Santorum. But isn't Casey Pro Life? It's very confusing to say the least & I don't think we can take anything for granted.

[rockymountaindem]

37. I'm actually not all that pessimistic

I think the Democrats will make gains this November. Casey's stance on abortion does not bother me, and I never planned on winning the CA-50 race. But what worries me is all the people on this site pinning all their hopes on winning the House and Senate together this year. I don't think we're going to do that well, although I do think we'll do better than in 2002 and 2004.

[proud2BlibKansan]

46. I live in a red county with a Dem US Congressman

He was re-elected in 2004. So I KNOW it can be done.

However, hoping people will tear down signs (or actually tearing them down), as rockymountaindem mentioned, is not exactly a positive way to win an election. At least I am sure that won't work where I live.

So get up, get out there and help a Dem win an election. It feels good! Remember what Tip O'Neill said: "ALL POLITICS IS LOCAL". So start locally and try to change your little corner of the world. It will make you feel like you are part of the solution. I highly recommend it!

[proud2BlibKansan]

45. Well sorry to upset you then

Tearing down signs? Hmm The way we win elections here is by canvassing (like I did yesterday) phone banking, and actually talking to voters. And this is a very red county with a Dem US congressman. I know the voters here would not take kindly to vandalism. I remember reading those posts here in 2004 and cringing. But good luck with that plan. :eyes:

[rockymountaindem]

60. I'm not tearing down anything

I was surprised the "GOP" didn't tear down the Salazar signs. The fact that they didn't made me hopeful before. That's what I was talking about.

[proud2BlibKansan]

62. Oh sorry I misunderstood

:)

[rockymountaindem]

63. No prob. n/t

[greiner3]

39. While I'm not ready to go one-on-one with most people;

However, I sent a copy of the below post to friends and family. My internet buddy's husband is a somewhat white-supremist although I'm trying, sort of, to hit on her. She is right leaning and I sent her this poem copied and pasted into an email;

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=364x1395448

expecting her to say something nice but condesending. Her email was glowing with praise for the words and laughter over the content. I too feel that when we can win over usual fence-leaners there is hope!

[proud2BlibKansan]

47. I am sure your local candidates will appreciate your help

If you don't want to talk to voters, you can help stuff envelopes or prepare voter contact lists. There is always lots of work to do on campaigns. Call and offer your help and I guaranteee you won't be turned down.

[JNelson6563]

40. Thanks for posting this!

Out among the people is where you learn what's going on. I urge everyone to find a local candidate, hit the doors and events with them. It's very enlightening!

Julie

[proud2BlibKansan]

49. I second that!!

Thanks Julie. :)

[Minnesota Libra]

42. People everywhere are getting angrier and are determined to...............

....vote for :patriot:anyone:patriot: but a :puke:republican:puke: this time around.:applause:

[Patiod]

43. Or, if they're rightwing but non-fundie Repubs, to not vote at all

Works for me!!!

[proud2BlibKansan]

50. I am working on two different campaigns and I hear that all the time

Yes, people are angry. We need to capitalize on that.

[w8liftinglady]

44. this was a great post,and a reminder to all of us-you make a difference

we all need to take this and get more active with our candidates.now is not the time for complacency.The more people that appear in support of a candidate,the less these moderate republicans will view us as the lunatic fringe.While at our state coinvention this week,i was reminded that there are a wide variety of democrats,and we need to capitolize on our differences.I have found my niche with the bikers and fitness buffs in my area.Go out and seek yours....pet lovers,gardeners,sports lovers,book lovers,music lovers...we can all find our niche,and spread the message.

[proud2BlibKansan]

51. Great post

Yes, getting out there makes a difference and makes you feel good. I think you will find you have a lot more in common with the voters in your area than you realize.

I live in a very red area and I am stunned at the lack of negativity I have encountered so far. Not one person has been rude or has sworn allegiance to dubya and the repukes. Not one!! Yet they voted for him here in 2004.

[ariellyn]

48. 6% approval sounds accurate. Good sampling! n/t

[proud2BlibKansan]

52. I am keeping my fingers crossed on those stats!

Sounds good to me too! LOL

[Skidmore]

54. We need to encourage people to come to the polls

in large and overwhelming numbers so that if the elections are "too close", people can stand up and protest with authority.

[proud2BlibKansan]

55. We also need to work on voter registration

It is more complicated in many states now.

[WA98296]

56. Wonderful....BUT "He who COUNTS the vote decides everything"

He who casts the vote decides nothing... At least according to Stalin.

Wonderful news on the local opinion, however it can only be great if the vote couting is legitimate. Otherwise it ends up being just another "close vote" with the dems losing. Most everyone chooses to believe the outcome, because the "media" keeps feeding that idea -- that it was "close" or became close just as the election approached.

[proud2BlibKansan]

64. We have paper ballots in KS

We can advance vote using a paper ballot. And we can even make a copy of it.

[WA98296]

72. HOORAY!!!! That IS GREAT News!! Good Luck!

I'm feeling better already!

[Blaze Diem]

57. I Always include Dem Underground in every political discussion

I'm been sending interested people to DU for the truth about politics for many years.
NEVER as many as the past few months, however.
I am just hearing more people, than ever before, pissed off at Bush, and sick of the b.s. on the regular new stations.

Americans are indeed wise to the damage done by Bush, and are looking for some freakin unity .
DU is a great place to begin to satisfy that need.

For every one I send to DU, they in turn tell someone, and they tell someone..etc.
pure grassroots!

Its easy.

I cannot answer all their questions about todays politics and criminal actions going on in our White House, but I absolutely KNOW that wiser and more politically savvy minds exist here in Democratic Underground.

I'll keep heading them in this direction if DUers continue informing and unifying our Nation.
Even if its One Damn Person At A Time!!!

Thanks DUers..you make my 'job' easy!

Blaze

[Demeter]

58. Thanks for the Encouraging Report from Your Neck of the Woods!

Perhaps we will all come out of these woods, together as a nation! Wouldn't that be awesome?

[ejbr]

59. Could it be?

I was convinced that red staters were either brain dead or brain washed. It is nice to know that me fellow Americans do understand that dangers our country faces from within. I never thought I say this, but I miss the days of Reagan republicans...sigh.

[proud2BlibKansan]

65. Welcome to DU

:hi:

[Nothing Without Hope]

67. yes, welcome to DU!!! Glad to see you joining the discussion!

:hi:

[Maestro]

61. Way to go!

I went out with last night with my boss. Her husband is a repuke but after a few drinks we got into it. He conceded that many, many mistakes were made and that basically * is an a$$hole! The tide just may be turning, but I have been so skpetical lately, I'll just say that I am guardedly optimistic.

[proud2BlibKansan]

66. My boss is a repuke too

But knows nothing about politics. I don't even think she votes most elections. A few weeks ago, she said to me "I don't care who is running in November, I am going to vote and I am voting for all Democrats."

[Maestro]

75. Cool! -nt

[izzybeans]

69. Yes but most I see are veering far far and even farther to the right

Straight into Klan land. I hope your experience is more typical (edited to add, please emphasize this when reading the rest-I have no idea what is representative).

I don't find that this is something to celebrate in my area. In my district they voted out an old school fiscal conservative in favor of a man who advocates public flogging, and whose only notable campaign idea was anti-choice to the extreme-- in the republican primary.

Discussions I hear about the war and immigration seem to call for more blood not less-hence Klan land. It seems old schoolers are jumping ship, but the paleo-cons (who are now the conservative red state standard bearer in my experience) are becoming recalcitrant. They are hunkering down neo-fascist style.

[newportdadde]

70. But will the sentiment stay once the TV ads start whirling?

Posts like this are great to read but I can't help but ask myself is this because the propoganda machine isn't running yet. You know the RNC will start funneling money soon and we will get the whole "Candidate X supports gays, letting felons out of prison, wasting your money on poor people and uses the bible as toilet paper" type TV ads. Then factor in the 24/7 cable news pro-RW media blitz.

I hope the responses are still the same in 2 or 3 months once the fog of TV ads begins anew.

[myrna minx]

71. Yay. You're changing from "what's the matter with Kansas"

to "what's wonderful and exciting about Kansas!" Thank you so much for your grassroots activism. :bounce:

[proud2BlibKansan]

77. You are most welcome

[Ian_rd]

73. DUers I bear bad tidings - It doesn't matter because Diebold is still here

[proud2BlibKansan]

78. We have paper ballots in Kansas

We can advance vote and get a paprt ballot. We pass out advance voting applications with campaign literature.

[ComerPerro]

74. this is a woman who is not intimidated easily by red state thugs

in fact, she intimidates them...

[proud2BlibKansan]

79. who - moi?

:hi:

[raccoon]

76. Thanks for your hopeful post, and for all you're doing. nt

[bdamomma]

80. that is great news

I guess people are realizing what is happening in this country, again, we are the only ones to change it, start locally. And to those who are waking up welcome to the light, it's about time.