Got a Call to contribute to Obama. A very agressive person...

[KoKo]

who read from a prepared script. I told her...I was holding out for Al Gore...she then read a list of Obama's accoplishments and why I should contribute to him for what he would do for health care. I thanked her for her call but said I was holding out for Al Gore. She went on to list the accomplishments of the NEW Dem Congress and Senate of which Obama is an outstanding leader and listed his bills that he has supported and tried to convince me why I should give to him.

I had to leave for an appointment and was getting impatient so I thanked her for her call again and said.."Let me tell you...I know who Obama is...and I've researched ALL the Candidates and I already have a "second" choice if Gore doesn't RUN in Primaries and it's NOT OBAMA...she then went on talking about Obama's legislative bills his opinions on a few things and that he was a former State Senator.

I repeated: "I am waiting for Al Gore and if he doesn't come in I already have a second candidate I will support. She didn't ASK who my "Second Candidate" was...but she read from the script about Obama's many accomplishments.

I said: "I have to go...thanks again for your call and I wish Obama well but I am not giving to him."

She said: "I hope we can count on you in the future."

I then hung up.

ON EDIT! I felt this was a POLITE/AGRESSIVE call and a good model for those in Campaigns who Hire Folks to follow. The Caller was Agressive....and kind of brain dead with the Obama Script...but was a GOOD CALLER because in many ways she presented an "agressive platform" for the candidate she was hired to call for...but she was not RUDE like many that are hired by PHONE BANKS to promote one Candidate over Another. She did a good job...in her aggresiveness and detachment from her job.

[Colobo]

1. Why is it that me, a staunch supporter and constant donor, doesn't get one of these calls?

Hmmmmm!!!

[Mojambo]

2. Why not just have robots making these calls?

I never understood the whole script based approach.

[AtomicKitten]

3. I view this differently.

I have to say this kind of enthusiasm makes me smile, although I realize it annoyed you. Just keep in mind these people are unpaid volunteers who believe in their candidate. Forgive their sometimes ham-handed technique and be glad there are people out there that can muster some hope and still believe.

Ps: I'm waiting on Gore too. :)

[JI7]

4. considering the money he raised, i think they view these calls as worth it

for all the angry comments we see on DU from those who didn't like the calls, they probably have far more that easily supported and contributed.

[Turbineguy]

5. Ugh Yeah,

I wuz gonna give money to Bush, but the asshole who called me pissed me off. So I didn't. That was smart of me since they stole the election anyway but now my share of the National Debt has gone up by a lot more than they were asking me to contribute.

(is there a "snarky" in the smilies lookup table?):hide:

[madrchsod]

6. my daughter did this in 2004.

she read from a script,was monitored,and could`t give an opinion-agree or disagree. this lady was making a little over minimum wage and worse working on a saturday..

the candidate`s people should be made aware that this type of call is counter productive.maybe they will change the approach but do`t bet on that....

[janx]

22. I've phone banked and was ENCOURAGED

to veer from the script, as long as I was getting the job done.

[hedgehog]

7. SHe's not calling to debate with you, she's calling to convince you to vote for Obama

or Hillary or Richardson or Edwards or whoever. Personally, I'd rather have a candidate who sets up a phone bank to reach out to the grass roots than one who spends all his or her efforts smoozing with big money people. I've had several calls this year already. A polite no thanks is all that's necessary.

[Mojambo]

9. Or 3 or 4 polite "no, thanks" while the person continues to read from a script.

It should really only take one.

[hedgehog]

10. LOL - if you read my thread on GD, you'll find out just why

telemarketers keep on going. The only ""no" they understand is a hang-up. I have been donating to a charity for over 20 years that drives me crazy because of the telemarketers they contract with. it's a good charity, and they spend their money on street kids, but I wish they'd get a new agency!

[noamnety]

8. telemarketing skills 101

You're under no social obligation to continue a conversation you don't want to be in, when talking to an unsolicited caller.

Once you know you aren't interested in what they're selling, you can go through the motions of explaining why - but you should only do that if you have a reason to want to extend the conversation. Think about what your purpose is - especially if you need to end the call to get someplace.

"No thanks I'm not interested please take me off your list."

[napi21]

11. I give them credit for having the courage and patience to make

solicitation calls, but I have to tell you, if I say "No thank you, but thanks for taking the time to call "all I want to hear is Thank you, goodby!

I HATE solicitors, and I'm only polite to the ones calling for a Dem because I know how difficult that job is. I forced myself to call for one of the local candidates in 2006. I managed to suffer through about 1 1/2 hours, and a HIGH % of really nasty people! I'll NEVER do it again!

[ElizabethDC]

12. They called my mom at 8:45 in the morning

she informed them that everyone in her family supported Hillary. I was like, "well, were you at least polite?" and she said, "I doubt it, it was 8:45 in the morning!"

I told her that I had read on DU that they were calling people at odd hours of the day and night - I remember someone had said that they were called by Obama's people late at night. Personally, I've always used the 9AM to 9PM rule - only call somebody at home between those hours (unless it's someone who you know stays up late).

[zulchzulu]

13. What state do you live in?

I'm curious.

If you are firmly for Al Gore, then let them finish their first sentence and then say you are still waiting for Gore to enter the race. If they continue, politely interrupt them and say you are not interested at this time. Your name will then be either marked as a future no-call or your name will be removed.

I'd bet she was a volunteer...possibly this is her first campaign she has worked for. Just be nice and say you aren't interested.

[MaineDem]

14. I'd bet this was a paid caller

They work on commissions and tend to be more aggressive than volunteers. I think the presidentials all use paid callers.

[KoKo]

15. If you read my post you would understand that both the Caller and Me had a Polite Dialog.

I'm here in NC. :shrug:

[KoKo]

24. I'm in NC.......I was nice and she was very good at what she was doing. n/t

[bluerum]

16. You were very patient. I usually say thanks for your call and hang up whether

they acknowledge me or not.

The phone is in my hand - I decide when to hang it up.

[catgirl]

17. This was posted a long time ago-the same exact post!

What'd you mark your calendar and decide it was time to post it again?
No one would remember it? I want Gore too, but I couldn't help but respond
to this.

[Ethelk2044]

18. I remember a post from a month ago

I did not realize it was the same person. If you are correct. I am wondering why the second post as well.

[Colobo]

19. Hit job?

[Ethelk2044]

21. Probably

I just want to know why this was posted twice a month ago and this month. Does not make sense to me.

[KoKo]

25. Excuse me? I've not posted anything about Obama or phone calls from

his campaign. You must be confusing me with someone else?

[WCGreen]

20. These are the same peple who sell magazines over the phone..

These folks are hired to do this kind of work...

[Indy_Dem_Defender]

23. Not on the Obama campaign

over excited college interns thats all.

[Indy_Dem_Defender]

26. Trust me just a volunteer

[AnOhioan]

27. She pushed his healthcare plan?

Why lead with what many folks consider to be a negative?