Today I start canvassing for Barack Obama in PA! Its the first official day in Pittsburgh!

[EmilyAnne]

I've never canvassed before and I'm a bit nervous. Wish me luck, guys!

[tekisui]

1. Best of luck to you.

Way to participate in Our Democracy!

[Raven]

2. I hope you have a partner...that always makes it easier. After the

first few doors, you'll be more comfortable and you'll get to love it. People really want to talk and you will learn a lot. Have fun and thank you for doing this!

[EmilyAnne]

4. I'll be with my brother, my partner and a good friend. Everyone is supposed to meet at 11,

so maybe will grab some other people or switch up into different groups. There have been so many "gotcha" attempts with Obama supporters that I think I am most afraid of being tripped up on detailed questions about his specific accomplishments or policies. I've read is books, I've listened to most of his speeches as well as Hillary's and I have been comparing their policies as outlined on their sites. I hope I don't flub up.

[Raven]

9. You won't! If you're canvassing chances are that you'll know more

than the people you're talking to. Also, a good way to deal with a question you can't answer is to say, "I don't know the answer to that, I will find out and can I call you or write to you?" People appreciate that.

[flpoljunkie]

3. Good for you, EmilyAnne!

I understand the Obama campaign gives folks who canvass materials and guidance. As I recall, the main point the stress is to remember that you are personally representing Barack Obama and to be polite. I am sure you will do fine.

[EmilyAnne]

5. By the way...its COLD here. Snow is on the ground. If any of you PA DUers pass a canvasser today,

a nice cup of hot cocoa would be appreciated.

[flpoljunkie]

12. Stay warm out there!

[liberalnurse]

6. Stick to the Northside of Pittsbugh

and also on 5th Ave. Oakland.

[EmilyAnne]

8. I think we are going to start in East Liberty. That's the area I am most familiar with, anyway.

I recently moved here from Austin, so I'm still figuring out my way around, but I do know Oakland and the Northside. Thanks for the advice, liberalnurse.

[Support the ACLU]

7. Thanks for posting nothing but a positive message about your preferred candidate

[AlinPA]

10. I think you will find Pittsburghers to be nice people. Please check in on your progress. Thank you

[EmilyAnne]

11. OK! I'm off to conquer the world (and grab a cup of coffee). I'll check in tonight! Bye. n/t

[City Lights]

13. Have fun, EmilyAnne! And thanks for volunteering!

My family and I spent last weekend in Toledo, Ohio, phone-banking on Friday night and canvassing on Saturday morning and early afternoon. We were a bit nervous too, especially since we were from out of state, but everyone we talked to was very, very nice, regardless of whom they supported. Most people were impressed with the fact that we were going door-to-door, taking the time to talk to people about supporting Obama.

The icing on the cake for us was shooting over to Cleveland in the late afternoon in time for the rally that evening. :woohoo:

Good luck. I hope your experience is as positive as ours was! :bounce: