Do political yard-signs and bumper stickers actually help?

[madamesilverspurs]

30. Define "help".

In my neighborhood, Dems are the minority party, behind independents and GOPers respectively. As it happens, my apartment complex doesn't allow yard signs or window signs. But they have no say over how I choose to decorate my vehicle.

So, when I got my minivan with its many windows, I viewed it as a rolling yard with lots of space for stickers and signs. I wasn't really a surprise when, just days after my first sticker went up, the van was keyed along both sides. If that action was intended to silence my efforts, it didn't work; if anything, it let me know that I was on the right track.

I can't tell you how many parking lot conversations have happened as a direct result of those stickers and signs, but it has been about half-and-half pro or con. In a couple of instances there was more than a hint of belligerence, I've been called some interesting names, been accused of everything up to instigating a second crucifixion. That said, there have been the uplifting moments that allay any lurking doubts. There was the woman who was hurrying into the store and saw my car, stopped, then came over and said that she and her husband were still unpacking from moving here; they were wondering if there were any Democrats in town and she was delighted to meet one. We chatted for a bit, I welcomed her to town, and gave her directions to our local Dems office. That felt good.

The memory that always makes me smile happened in that same Safeway parking lot. A woman walked by looking at her shopping list. She glanced up, stopped, did a double-take, then broke into a huge smile, gave two thumbs-up, then turned and literally danced the rest of the way to the store entrance, where she stopped and waved before going inside.

For me, at the very least, there's something to be said for letting others know they are not alone.

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