Phone Calls for Obama

Last Sunday, after K and I raced from an excellent yoga class taught by F to go see Beverly Hills Chihuahua (very cute!), we headed back downtown to make phone calls for Obama. We went to the very swanky Bowery Hotel at 3rd Street. Even though the Bowery has been gentrified in the last 10 years, it still stands out among the flop houses and rundown buildings that surround it or face it. Yet I loved the second floor lounge that we were stationed at--it aspired to a hunting lodge or a ski lodge, very comfortable, with a sense of humor, and a roaring fireplace to warm us. The campaign workers were very organized and were able to quickly train us on what to say and how to record our phone calls.

We were calling Pennsylvania, which is good but I don't think the campaign should take the state for granted (or Ohio either) now that polls say Obama is leading in Virginia, Colorado, Nevada, and other states the Democrats have not won in the last two elections. In my mind, Pennsylvania is still a battleground state. The people were more receptive in Pittsburgh than they were in Allegheny, and when the exchange numbers seemed to be move into a black neighborhood I was met with enthusiasm. I think I might have recruited some people to volunteer for the campaign which I hope will help in getting the vote out. One guy really didn't like Obama and I politely bid him adieu and a few resented that I had blocked out my number before I called.

I was impressed by the diversity in the people who were calling and though I met with mostly answer machines, it helped to alleviate the anxiety I feel about this election. Mind you, I also feel very excited that McCain will lose. Personally I don't mind if Sarah Palin keeps the clothing the RNC has bought for her.