I'm a first-time canvasser for McCaskill. Pointers please?

[dalaigh lllama]

This Sunday I'm canvassing for McCaskill. FYI she's running against Talent here in Missouri and it's a very tight race. Those of you who have done canvassing, can you tell me which talking points were most successful in your presentation? I'm planning on doing research beforehand so I'm up to date on both their records, but I'd like to know what's worked best for you. Thanks, everybody.

[ikojo]

1. WHERE are you doing the canvassing?

That makes a difference. Generally they will send you out with literature and talking points. At least I hope so!!

[dalaigh lllama]

2. we're canvassing in Mexico, Missouri

It's a smallish town about 10,000 people. Tends Republican. Yeah, they're going to give us literature ahead of time, but I know some things tend to hit home with folks quicker and more viscerally than others, so that's the sort of info I'm looking for.

[CornField]

3. Hey -- I drove right by there last week while on vacation!

Beautiful area.

Do as much research as you can, not only about your candidate but the area (if you aren't already familiar with it). Different neighborhoods, cities and counties all have different hot button issues. For instance, corporate hog lots are a hot one here in Iowa, especially in the rural areas. Carry a rucksack with literature and so-forth from the other candidates in the area as well -- visit with your local Democratic headquarters before you head out and get contact information for those who need/want yard signs, absentee ballots, bumperstickers, etc.

Finally, just be easy on yourself. It's often difficult to walk up to a complete stranger and start talking politics so try using ice breakers (i.e., someone is out working in their yard so start the conversation by talking about lawn mowers, cost of gasoline, pesticides in the water supply, or even about your favorite flower/tree/bush). I find that when you are genuine, people -- even people who aren't going to vote as you'd like them to -- are much more apt to be genuine and respectful in return.

Oh... another good idea is to keep some cards or literature for your candidate which has both a telephone number and website for folks to use if they need more information. No one -- not someone legitimately interested in your candidate -- is going to demand you know every nuance of every issue. Give them what they need so that they can look up further information on their own or take their name and info so that someone else better versed in that particular concern can contact them.

Most of all -- ENJOY! After all, if you aren't having fun, it probably isn't worth doing.

[Deb]

4. Try asking if they have an issue of importance first

then tell them the postion McCaskill has taken. If there are any hot button local issues you could start there too.

Good Luck! :kick: