Gary Younge (Guardian Utd): Politics gets personal

[Jack Rabbit]

From the Guardian Unlimited (UK)
Dated Monday June 28

Politics gets personal
The race for the presidency is likely to be won painfully, vote by vote and with old-fashioned canvassing
By Gary Younge in Akron, Ohio

To find Regal Montrose cinemas in Akron, Ohio, just head down the 77 interstate and follow globalisation's glowing signs. Using brand names as landmarks, helpful people will guide you past Chilis ("Like no place else") and Steak 'n' Shake ("May I take your order?") and warn you that when you get to Taco Bell ("Think outside the bun") you have gone too far. Eventually you'll find it next to Staples, the chain stationers, whose slogan, appropriately enough, is "That was easy".
On these strips of Americana, which serve as both pit stops for the long-distance traveller and shopping centres for local people, you could be anywhere in the country. Only the weather suggests that you are in Akron rather than Anchorage or Arizona.
And so it was on Friday night as hundreds of thousands of people across the country turned up at their local cinema to buy a ticket for Michael Moore's film, Fahrenheit 9/11 on its opening night, either to find it was sold out or to emerge two hours later with tears in their eyes.
Linda Lejsovka, a 25-year-old supply teacher, walked away from the sold-out sign for the 10.30 screening saying she'd come back another day. Earlier, Suzanne Aylward came out of the 7.30 screening vowing "to get everybody I know" to see the film. Aylward was greeted by canvassers inviting her to a meeting to discuss the film and handing out John Kerry stickers and badges, which she declined.

Read more.

I saw Fahrenheit 9/11 this afternoon with a group of NorCal Evil DUers. It is important to get those with an open mind about the election to the film. It is very powerful.

[struggle4progress]

1. He's right: "it will be the lost art of old-style politicking ...

... of door-to-door canvassing, mall leafleting and coffee-shop and bar-room conversations that will really make the difference."

Thanks for the reminder!