Go Vote - Even If You’re Annoyed
In the last presidential election, I worked phones and walked neigborhoods. People were not happy with the thundering hordes. They’d had so many volunteers calling and knocking that some had even posted big “Please! No more campaign workers!” signs on the front doors (and locked gates where possible.) Made me wonder if we’d done more damage than good. Sure, we wanted to get the vote out…but…
So, I’m not answering my phone today (as I didn’t yesterday) At least Obama has real people, not recordings calling. And, the flyer they left told me where my polling place was located (which is difficult to find online.)
I’m incommunicado - but I am voting. If you’re in one of the Super Tuesday states, do the same. And, if you’re underwhelmed by your choices, just remember, the lesser of two evils is at least the lesser.
P.S. Is Seth Godin right in Fear, Hope, Love, The Three Marketing Levers? Is Clinton respected, but Obama loved? People make decisions based on emotion, and then retrofit them into logic. And so it goes with everything from cars to presidents.
P.P.S. Yes, you now know, if you didn’t already, that I’m a registered Democrat. But, everyone should vote, of every party whenever they get the chance. City, state, federal. Otherwise, we’ll never make a difference.
…and if I don’t vote, I lose the right to complain! 
Semi-Related Posts:
Email Marketing: One Size Doesn’t Fit All (Obama may have a great web site and a lotta love, but his email marketing needs some work.)
Marketing Lessons From New Hampshire
Marketing Lessons From the Primaries
(Why do I talk about politics on a business blog? Because politics is nothing but a messy mess of terrible, cynical stupid marketing. It’s not really “get the vote out” - it’s “get the stupid vote out.” Great examples of what not to do in many cases. We can do better, people.)
Tags: emarketing, marketing, Super Tuesday
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February 5th, 2008 at 6:12 pm
I do love how voting here in Australia is compulsory. Instead of “Go Vote!”, we get bombarded with bribes (aka Vote for ME! Election Promises) instead.
I do know better, but from over here it sure looks like you have two diametrically opposed (in thought and deed) primary candidates for US President, and a small handful of also rans from the minor parties. Namely Hillary and Barak. And never the twain shall they meet.
I thought political campaigns between opposing parties was vicious over here! But aren’t those two on the *same* side?
Cheers!
- Steve
February 6th, 2008 at 7:54 am
Steve,
Voting should be compulsory here since many people don’t understand what a privilege it is. And, our candidates are just as into bribing. Look at how the GOP pander to the far right Christian vote every time (and then don’t actually do any of the things promised. One of these days the far right is going to catch on.)
You’ve not seen vicious yet. Wait until the GOP machine kicks in for the general election. (I’m hoping that if McCain gets the nomination, he’ll rediscover some self-respect and integrity and nix the typical mud-throwing, but I’m not very optimistic. He wants the job so desperately.)
However,I think people are really getting tired of negative campaigning - which is one reason you’re also seeing more vote for “change.”
Minor parties? We really only have two - the Democratic and Republican. However, there were minor candidates. Ralph Nader shows up in the general and waves his ego around. I wish we had a viable third choice! (As do many of my GOP friends.)
In business, it’s always a bad idea to diss your competition. Somehow, it’s standard prcoedure in politics. It’s little wonder so many eligible voters don’t even bother.