Bernie Sanders
Related: About this forumAttended my first Bernie event in California today
Last edited Tue Aug 25, 2015, 10:54 AM - Edit history (2)
The Farmer's Market at Jack London Square, right on the water. Was a beautiful place, beautiful day and awesome little event.
This event was put together by a woman named Joy, a DU reader and Thom Hartmann fan, who helped organize the grassroots campaign for President Obama. Evidently, she was flown to Chicago to learn how to teach volunteers. (Really hope I got that right since she will be reading this. )
Joy brought great flyers, "Meet Bernie" that she shared with two other volunteers and me, that we passed out for a couple hours.
I was very lucky to meet Joy, Cheri and Eve. These are three very well informed women. They're as anxious as all of us here to make sure this country, this world, has a chance, and that Bernie Sanders is our next President.
Had some great conversations with people who were interested in Bernie. The gamut ranged from 18 year olds to people in their 70s. All colors, all shapes and sizes, couples, both straight and gay, etc. Just about everyone was interested to learn more about Bernie.,
There were people who stood and discussed for a while and some that just took the flyer, wanting to learn more, and a few that never heard of Sanders but listened, asked questions and took an interest.
All in all, it was a great little event.
I can't wait to find out what Joy and these women have to teach me.
Joy talking to an interested man who approached her
Cheri and me (In the Guns and Roses shirt) pretending because I screwed up my picture of her passing out flyers, they were all leaving and I wanted pictures of all of us working for Bernie.
Bernie Sanders is the easiest sell in the world!
Total aside but I got the best strawberries I have ever had in my life at the farmer's market
smokey nj
(43,853 posts)marym625
(17,997 posts)Thank you for the rec and kick!
smokey nj
(43,853 posts)marym625
(17,997 posts)sabrina 1
(62,325 posts)'Bernie is the easiest sell in the world'! Yes!! That is what I am finding also. He so resonates with people, he is so authentic that people recognize that right away as soon as they listen to him, and then look at his record!
Thank you for a great post. I hope you stay in touch with those women!
marym625
(17,997 posts)Absolutely going to see them on the 9th at a pot luck Joy is having to teach us to rally our own Bernie volunteer groups.
sabrina 1
(62,325 posts)I know you will keep us informed about the progress you make in your area. This is how grassroots works. I just love the excitement, the genuine hope that maybe it is possible to begin to turn things around IF The people really get involved this time.
marym625
(17,997 posts)And it is exciting. I need to learn to shut up. I can talk about Bernie and why he's the best choice, all the live long day
sabrina 1
(62,325 posts)HappyPlace
(568 posts)Damn, I missed that Bernie deal and to think I was just almost in Oakland yesterday-- I was in Livermore for a matinee showing of the HMS Pinafore.
So that's very cool and the pics are fun! If there's ever a DU meetup in the area I hope I learn about it. Oakland, San Francisco, I'm all over the place!
marym625
(17,997 posts)Truly hope to see you soon!
MannyGoldstein
(34,589 posts)Thanks for this!
marym625
(17,997 posts)Thanks, Manny! Means a lot to me.
SoapBox
(18,791 posts)So what city?
There is a meeting close to me next month but I'm working and...it filled in about 2 seconds! If I wasn't working I would have just shown up and lurked as it's at a cafe.
I've spotted numerous leafleting events on Bernie's site...so very cool and such an easy and inexpensive way to spread Bernie.
Good job, Berner!
marym625
(17,997 posts)Thought I said that. I'm tired.
Are you out here?
SoapBox
(18,791 posts)But it's only a hour away...by jet.
I'm sure we will all look forward to your updates.
marym625
(17,997 posts)It's all good!
merrily
(45,251 posts)Last edited Mon Aug 24, 2015, 08:05 AM - Edit history (1)
outside any event. Even outside a supermarket. Since the primaries are the next step, going where leftists predominate is a good bet. Last Saturday, an environmentalist event in Boston was the target. (Wicked smaht, that was.)
Enthusiast
(50,983 posts)We appreciate it a whole bunch.
marym625
(17,997 posts)And we appreciate you and all your enthusiasm!
eridani
(51,907 posts)marym625
(17,997 posts)marym625
(17,997 posts)Your post just really cracked me up! Thanks!
eridani
(51,907 posts)marym625
(17,997 posts)Rosa Luxemburg
(28,627 posts)marym625
(17,997 posts)PSPS
(13,628 posts)Ever since I saw this SQUEE video, this is what I remember when I think STRAWBERRIES!
marym625
(17,997 posts)Love it!
PoliticAverse
(26,366 posts)sabrina 1
(62,325 posts)and it would look like they are singing! Lol! Their little hands are adorable!
marym625
(17,997 posts)Bernie Sanders is the best! Bernie Sanders!
marym625
(17,997 posts)people
(635 posts)Hi Mary. Where can I go to find out what I can do in Oakland to help Bernie? I know I can sign up at the website but I thought if you actually know what's going on here I should ask you. Please let me know. Thanks!
marym625
(17,997 posts)I have a few things. I will send you a message in a bit so I know what you are looking to do. Great! Thanks!
SoapBox
(18,791 posts)cal04
(41,505 posts)information. Looks like you had a great day
Thank you. A kick helps get people involved. Thanks so much!
MrMickeysMom
(20,453 posts)Brought a huge smile to the room here.
You're right
Bernie is the easiest message to get across.
Good on you, girls!
MMM
marym625
(17,997 posts)Nothing like encouragement to help make this stuff easy to do.
MM
Live and Learn
(12,769 posts)And so happy you are back!
marym625
(17,997 posts)I didn't think about grabbing pics until we were just about done. I will try to get some for every event.
So sweet and nice to hear. Thank you!
Thespian2
(2,741 posts)Thanks, Mary...always knew you were great...and we finally have an authentic progressive working to be president...
marym625
(17,997 posts)Yes, that makes doing this stuff easy, an actual, real, honest to goodness, progressive
Spitfire of ATJ
(32,723 posts)marym625
(17,997 posts)Thanks! I wondered. These strawberries don't need a grain of sugar!
Paka
(2,760 posts)This is such a great way to spread the word and feel the Bern!
marym625
(17,997 posts)I'm Feeling The Bern!
chknltl
(10,558 posts)No marym625, I am not exaggerating when I say 'inspiring' . What you did quite honestly 'further' inspires me! Allow me to explain:
A week ago I ran into a very small elderly lady wearing a dirty Bernie Sanders shirt at the Yelm (Wa) Food Co-op. Of course I couldn't resist speaking with her. The first thing I noticed was a beautiful English accent but the second thing I noticed, (and it ran me over like a steamroller) was that this lady had more spunk* regarding all things Bernie than any ten of DU's Sanders Supporters COMBINED! We discussed Thom Hartmann; we discussed why it is critically important to vote for Hillary Clinton if Bernie Sanders does not get the nomination, (especially to fill SCOTUS vacancies was her admonishment to me when I raised an eyebrow on this subtopic); we discussed the Seattle rally that we both attended and the Portland Rally the very next day that she also attended. We even discussed the boxes our Bernie Bears** came in. Outside her car was plastered with bumper stickers, the only sticker that wasn't Bernie Sanders related said: "Proud Student of Thom Hartmann University"! Lastly, (when I was able to get a topic in edgewise), I mentioned that I was a loyal member of the big ol' Democratic Underground. (She said she'd have to check it out, hopefully she sees this post).
I gave her my telephone number because she told me that she wants me to help her promote Bernie Sanders in our area! What you relate here in your OP is inspiring to me marym625 as is the indomitable will of this lady I just met. I've never worked for anyone's campaign prior to this but as soon as my dental work is completed, (2-3 weeks), I'll be out there working hard for Bernie too. (I need to add that I just got a fancy-shmancy new digital camera so hopefully I'll get to be posting way cool photos like yours here too).
* Oxford English Dictionary, spunk synonyms:
courage, bravery, valor, nerve, confidence, daring, audacity, pluck, spirit, grit, mettle, spine, backbone
informal guts, gumption, moxie
dated or humorous derring-do
**
marym625
(17,997 posts)That is some very serious Bernie dedication! What a neat lady.
I'm glad you are inspired and I hope to see photos from your event. It is that lady and Sanders that are inspiring. I just showed up
Omaha Steve
(99,835 posts)K&R!
OS
marym625
(17,997 posts)It was a fun morning
merrily
(45,251 posts)marym625
(17,997 posts)merrily
(45,251 posts)My favorite person in the world to discuss politics with is in California and finding a time that is good for both of us is a challenge.
marym625
(17,997 posts)And falling asleep. Don't know what woke me but I need another hour or two.
Yeah, that had always been a problem for me too, except for with my brother. He gets up and goes to work before I would start getting ready in Chicago. So, we would talk in the morning as he drove to work and I was just waking up.
TBF
(32,121 posts)My first time doing direct canvassing was walking around one of the areas of my own large subdivision for Obama (2008, south of Houston). We are in a diverse area so there was more support for Obama then you might think. Interestingly the people did not understand the primary system - and for us that also meant caucus. They would say "oh I'm for Obama - isn't the election next fall" - this was back in March - so we explained where they had to vote/caucus for the primary. I think that is one area where repugs may have an advantage - they really get their people out to vote in all elections. It is an area where I see we can improve as dems.
Yes, we did meet many who were saying things like that. Or a few, "I love Bernie, he speaks to me. But he can't win." So we went through the, "if everyone that says, 'he speaks to me' voted for him, he will win."
Good for you! I can't wait to hear what you hear when you're out there for Sanders!
Trajan
(19,089 posts)It's gonna be a good week ...
KICK!
marym625
(17,997 posts)We aim to please in the Bernie group
Have a great day!
dreamnightwind
(4,775 posts)Inspiring, maybe I'll try it out here, plenty of meet-up opportunities, haven't waded into it yet. I'm up in Sonoma county, tons of Bernie supporters here.
Glad you're back posting on DU (I even inquired about you, was worried you'd been chased off), and welcome to California!
marym625
(17,997 posts)And thank you for your concern. Sorry I worried you. Just was busy moving then became really sick for about a week and a half.
Please post when you do your thing up there. Have found that even in the Bay area, where Bernie is huge, there are still people that don't know about him, how electable he is or have preconceived notions of the socialist aspect.
Thanks again! Very sweet of you!
dreamnightwind
(4,775 posts)We've lost too many good posters lately.
I've recently been reading up on the Socialist aspect of it myself, started with an old thread (and the underlying discussion) of Merrily's:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/12806844
It cleared up a few things for me, plus I learned about the Democratic Socialists of America (http://www.dsausa.org), who of course are backing Bernie. I wonder if he has any relationship with that group, they are not a party but call themselves an organization of activists (which is probably what a party should be), anyway they don't run candidates. You probably already knew of them but it was news to me.
Also I found this OP and discussion interesting:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10027104443
I don't care about the labels so much as the policies and what kind of relationship the movement does or doesn't have with the Democratic Party, which at this point is highly resistant to even modest reform, when the need for radical reform is huge. I've always thought I'd be happy with a heavily regulated capitalism, the beast harnessed to serve the people, but climate change in particular is driving a rethink, if the economic model can't be sustainable then it's unacceptable.
When you discuss it with people while leafletting, do you just present it as a heavily regulated capitalism like the German and Scandinavian systems or as an actual socialist approach? Just wondering how to approach this myself if I end up talking to people, don't feel qualified at this point.
SoapBox
(18,791 posts)I'm in the same boat...I am never an expert and am always uncomfortable in getting into detailed discussion, without having materials in my hand..I know I fully support Bernie and can nod in agreement but I'm no debater.
However, the difference between Socialism and DEMOCRATIC Socialism makes so much sense to me...Democratic Socialism allows for capitalism but with regulation...it can't just run amok like it feels now. Socialism ends up being much more, uhmm, dictatorial (for lack of a better word).
Someplace I saw a great side by side comparison of Socialism and Democratic Socialism...wish someone could find it.
snagglepuss
(12,704 posts)to let people know that he believes that government is for the people and by the people, not for and by billionaires and corporations.
That billionaires and corporations for the last 30 years have had laws passed that benefit them alone, at the expense of everyone else, has got to stop by getting rid of tax loopholes and other dubious if not criminal financial practices.
marym625
(17,997 posts)Stupid phone!
Good question and great links!
So far, I just say, "it's just what Democrats used to be." Then I start talking about FDR and the policies that saved America back then.
dreamnightwind
(4,775 posts)No need to respond, thanks for all you do here.
lovemydog
(11,833 posts)Thanks for getting out there and spreading good news.
I'm still undecided and I like Bernie very much.
Good seeing people getting involved at the grass roots level.
Good luck to you!
marym625
(17,997 posts)Very nice of you
What would you need to convince you to support Bernie? Is there anything you don't like?
lovemydog
(11,833 posts)Our primaries (New Mexico) aren't till fairly late. I'm going to wait till the debates before forming my opinion. Honestly I think Sanders, O'Malley and Clinton would all make fine presidents, and great ones with a more liberal Congress. I'm not into infighting here so I don't want to 'declare' so much as support democratic socialists and progressive democrats of every kind.
marym625
(17,997 posts)I have no doubt so I'm going to work hard for the only candidate I believe is worthy of the office of President of the United States and our last chance.
lovemydog
(11,833 posts)May you meet a lot of wonderful people along the way. I'm glad people are connecting with Sanders. His message and policies are incredibly important to building a better future for all.
marym625
(17,997 posts)And, yes, they sure are! He rocks!
davidpdx
(22,000 posts)I haven't been through Oakland in quite a long time. I was born there, but grew up in Oregon. In 2009 we took the train from Chemult Oregon down to Oakland and then BART all the way over the SFO to fly back to Korea.
I still haven't been on the BART. But we're supposed to have another flyer event at the BART next week. The date hasn't been confirmed yet.
This is the only part of Oakland I've been to so far. Since I didn't have a clue where I was going, I parked about a mile away. Definitely some yicky areas between where I parked and the square. But the square sure is beautiful!
I'm anxious to see more