Is JE's message "playing in Peoria?"

[pamela]

I have a confession to make. I read a lot of non-political message boards. I don't post a lot, but I do try to throw in a few words for Edwards here and there, whenever the discussion turns political. And it turns political a lot these days, in the most unlikely of places.

One thing I've noticed is that while most people like Edwards, his message isn't resonating with them as much as you might think. I'm not talking about ignorant folks or haters, either. Just plain hard-working, middle class people-the very people that should be voting for John in droves.

I'm not trying to be negative. I just thought I'd throw this out here and see if anyone has any comments or suggestions. How is Edwards message playing in your community or the online communities you visit? Personally, I love John's message but I would like to see him speak a bit more about the middle class and the very REAL CHANGE that the average American would see during an Edwards' administration. It's one thing to say you will fight the corporations but don't forget to add that you will fight FOR THE PEOPLE. That may sound simplistic but that's the message that I think is getting a bit lost.

Gas prices and energy independence, prices at the grocery store, college tuition, education, retirement, health care, global warming and, last but not least, the war. These are the issues that people are talking about and worrying about. I get, and I'm sure most DUers get, that when John talks about fighting the corporations, he is talking about fighting for the people in all of the aforementioned areas. He just needs to say that. He needs to drive home again and again, that he is fighting for the middle class.

One more thing I'd like to add: I think there is a way we can help to get this message out. We need to get out of the strictly political message boards and forums and go into other online communities and talk about Edwards there. Hillary and Obama (and Ron Paul) are dominating the conversation on the web. It's sad and frustrating, but maybe we can do something about it. I'm open for suggestions.

[saracat]

1. It isn't resonating because they don't know he exists! Your idea of

posting in "nonpolitical" blogs is great but be aware they can turn "politcal' at the drop of a HAT AND SOMETIMES THEY CAN "BAN' YOU.I WAS ALMOST "BANNED " FOR SIMPLY HAVING A POLITCAL OPINION ON A GENERAL CONVERSATION SECTION OF A WEIGHT CONTROL SITE.gO FIGURE,BE CAREFULE.SORRY ABOUT THE CAPS BUT I AM TOO LAZY TO RETYPE!

[pamela]

2. Oh, I'm careful.

I'm more of a lurker than a poster and I try to get the "lay of the land" down before I do post. I don't post political stuff in forums where it isn't allowed and I don't usually start the discussions. I also try to post in some non-political threads so I don't look like one of the Ron-bots that are all over the internet. It's amazing to me how many message boards allow political discussions, even when the board is geared around something completely unrelated like sports or a tv show. It's frustrating though. People are so fucking stupid sometimes it makes my brain itch.

Right now, I'm working on South Carolina and trying to find some newspaper message boards in that area. Newspaper message boards are my favorite because they almost always allow political discussion and attract a lot of people with diverse interests. I never lie and try to pretend I'm from an area if I'm not. I just don't bring it up at all.

I know this is probably controversial but I think campaigns should really work on getting the message out on online communities. There were only two or three people posting pro-Edwards stuff on the Des Moines Register website and I was one of them. I honestly don't see how that's any different than going to someone's home or calling them or trying to talk to them in a grocery store or mall. The same principles apply-be polite and positive.

Sorry to go on and on about this. It's just something that I've always be interested in. I think it's way past time to take internet activism past the political forums where you are pretty much just preaching to the choir. There aren't many "undecideds" on DU or Kos but I bet that's where must staffers are spending their "online" time.

[saracat]

3. And I think you are doing a very useful thing! Keep up the good work. I will

look for some places as well!