When we started this last round of phone banking for our next governor, I was very apprehensive about calling homes where there was an (R) next to the name of one of the residents, and given my luck, there was a high likelihood that they would be the person answering the phone. Now, I almost hope that they are person on the other end. My retorts to the usual noise (illegals getting driver’s licenses, free tuition for their kids, and the trite “soft on crime”) are now so well honed, polite, and sincere that I almost feel sorry for them when they bring up these wedge issues. As they slowly realize that they have been told half-truths[1] bordering on outright lies[2], they begin to distance themselves from their current standard-bearer. Thats when the line, Deval will be a new kind of governor, starts to work upon their doubts. He doesnt owe anybody anything. (Except all of us grass roots!) Hes very intelligent, has a wealth of experience in the real world, and best of all he is determined to work as hard as he can to make Massachusetts great. Now, would you like a lawn sign, or just a bumper sticker?
1: The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) established a long time ago that while those accused of a crime in this state are not entitled to a perfect trial, they should receive at least a fair trial. The Boston Phoenix 10/11/2006. The missing fingerprint report.
2: Columnist and talk-show host Howie Carr described it as free tuition in the Boston Herald no fewer than three times in a two-week period. The MIRA coalition .
Maybe people in my hometown listen to more right-wing radio than most. I had almost zero success in getting a favorable response from anyone who was harshly against Patrick. A few said they would think over what I had to say. I used my name since it is a small town and I wanted to make sure people know who I am–mostly because people my brother and mother know a lot of local people and they are well-liked. I work out of town and don’t know many local people that I didnt grow up with.
I don’t even try. If I get someone who is strongly anti-Patrick I just say “Okay, well thanks for your time”, hang up and move on.
Don’t get me wrong, I’ve had many of those “5” types on the other end and quickly get off the phone. It is the leaners, who don’t have a good reason to vote for their candidate, that are my favorite targets. If their first talking point is one of these made up issues, then I immediately suspect them of being weak in their conviction to vote the party line. Alas, contrary to how I end my post, I have yet to get an (R) to accept a lawn sign or a bumper sticker. In addition to that, there is probably little GOTV value in persuading someone from a “4” or a “5” into a “3”. Lastly, if they just can’t vote for Deval, then I suggest ending with a hint to them that Mihos would very much appreciate their vote as a rejection of the person that “doesn’t love Massachusetts.”