Posted on 09/05/2004 9:36:37 PM PDT by sc2_ct
I've seen a lot of self-congratulatory posts lately in light of the Time and Newsweak polling data as well as other sources showing Bush up by large margins. This has me very concerned, as nothing can lead to low voter turnout faster than a presumption that victory is a forgone conclusion. Now is the time to fight harder than ever if we hope to win this one.
Whether it's just talking to friends and trying to influence them with good conversation over a beer or getting involved in your local GOP to help with the "get out the vote" effort, we should be fighting like we're 10 points down headed into the final stretch.
I've set myself a goal of influencing 1 person a week, which is a very difficult task due to the polarization of this race, but I have been succeeding as often as not. I urge others to do the same. Every voter we get to the voting booth is another chance at winning.
While the data and historical context of being ahead on Labor Day are very good, there is no time to let yourself get comfortable yet. There is plenty of time for self-congratulations and celebration waiting for us on November 3rd, but until then we should be fighting like civilization depends on out actions -- because it DOES.
Whether you are donating to the Swift Vets, to the Bush/Cheney Campaign or just talking to friends, we owe it to ourselves to keep the energy level high.
BTTT
Relax. It's over. Kerry just brought Begala and Carville on board. The Clinton's are in total control. Kerry is burnt toast.
Just doanted $100 to the RNC with more to come.
BTTT Agreed. ALWAYS take action as if you are behind. Phone banks, walking your neighborhood registering voters, putting up yard signs, helping in candidates campaing HQs, etc. Get Out the vote. ASK if anyone needs a ride to the polls. Provide stamps so ballots are mailed in on time. Help with a list of recommended judges or other good conservative candidates.
DO NOT relax. It is NOT over. If we become complacent...THEN it's over.
That's a fact!
It's over, really, really, really over. Wakeup smell the coffee.
Hosted a party here at home for our local choral society and met a member's wife who said she was undecided. After an initial eye roll (couldn't help myself), I asked her how that could be when the candidates are so very different. She explained that she did not like Kerry, but that as a public school principal (AH-HA!), she did not like what Bush had done to public education.
Rather than argue with her on her turf, where she was likely to have an entrenched position, I explained that for me, a mother of two young children, it came down to a singe issue: who can best deal with the threat of terrorism. I noted that if I truly thought Kerry/Edwards would be better in the war on terror, I would be willing to put up with a lot of social policies that I wouldn't otherwise stand for, if only to ensure national security. I just made clear that there really is only one issue this election.
I don't know if it was persuasive, and I didn't want to go overboard, but at least I made this card-carrying NEA member think . . .
There were a lot of similar posts back in 2000 and it was way too close for comfort in the end. You are exactly right.
Not to mention we need Bush's margin to be as high as possible so it will trickle down into helping other races -- like U.S. Senate.
I want us all to fight like our lives depend on it, which they do. Yes, I DO want the trickle down effect...I want DECENT JUDGES...I WANT IT ALL!!!
I agree with you 100%!! -
This race is so far from over - The media are just starting up - I have seen 2 news stories run on the Networks this weekend talking about the "struggling economy" and how a possible "recession" could return??? (The media is playing Kerry's "economic bogey-man" for him) -
Each of us needs to be doing all we can - Talking with people (not trying to WIN arguments...but trying to reach people and let them understand what GWB stands for and how important it is for them to think about voting GWB and then getting out there and doing it on election day) -
This race is going to be close -
I don't think we have to worry about Bush supporters not showing up to vote. There is too much at stake in this election for even the laziest of supporters to not vote.
More importantly, the importance of this vote has to be impressed on the swing voters. That effort cannot stop.
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