Pennsylvania Canvassers

Pennsylvania is a swing state, so that’s where we New Yorkers went.

On our canvass there were two amazing high school kids who spent the day with us talking to undecided voters. They can’t vote yet but they thought they could make a difference by talking to people. And they did. We saw it happen. People on the fence or reluctantly voting Obama got inspired, signed up to volunteer,committed to vote and to help get out the vote. The kids didn’t know all the issues, that’s not necessary. But they talked to people and connected and had fun, too. People are deeply affected to see someone who cares, and cares what they think.

Also canvassing were some non-citizens who were likewise trying to make a difference in the only way they can. That was pretty cool. The stakes are high; the whole world knows this. Imagine a foreign person walking up to the door of an undecided, uniformed, or uninterested voter, trying to convince them to use their vote! Ah America! Remember our revolution? We were going to do better than those Europeans! Remember?! Remember pledging our “lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor” for the right to self-determination? Remember the long struggle to spread that right to women and African-Americans?

I drove down with some kids in their twenties who were more passionate, dedicated, and informed than anyone I’ve met in a long time, of any age. They too were an inspiration to me. They’re also silly as hell, so try not to get stuck in a car with them. (I kid! I love your love of 80s pop music!) We shot this video and the Philly office edited it.

So all these people, they are why I am for Obama.

Someone recently reminded me that in the shift to identity politics, self-interested and single-issue voting, we’ve forgotten that we are meant to support not just those who represents OUR interests, viewpoints, and goals, but those who we think will best represent the country as a whole. (Thanks Lucas.)

None of these people had to be reminded of that, and they selflessly gave up a Saturday, and more, to try to spread that message, that Obama is that candidate who will do the best job for the whole country and all of the individuals in it.

Except the jerks.

Voting is great, but it’s not enough. Please get involved! Vote plus!