My weekend in NH

The small room was brimming with excitement as Senator Clinton just finished a solid performance in her last debate and she was soon to walk into the room, fresh from the fight. In walks Hillary, Chelsea and Bill, all with smiling faces, and the room surges with cheer.

This weekend I was given the opportunity to not only participate in our great American political system, but was able to witness the American public being excited and actively involved in determining the next most influential person in the free world. Thanks to a local democratic organization, http://dl21c.org/, I embarked on a memorable journey that I will certainly remember for years to come.

A 5am bus? What? I knew this weekend would be a once in a lifetime opportunity to witness such a historic event, so leaving at 5am was well worth the pain. There were 50 of us who traveled 5 hours to help support our respective democratic candidates. I should have known from the start what the polls would say later in the weekend based on our attendance; about 60% of us volunteered for Obama, 30% Clinton and the rest for Edwards. It was a quiet journey as most had not slept much the night before and knew we would hit the ground running once we arrived.

Once in Manchester, we were dropped off at our preferred campaign headquarters. I was excited to see what a campaign headquarters would be like. From the moment we walked into the Clinton headquarters, I could feel the buzz. There was training happening for the canvassers, food being distributed for the volunteers, drivers being organized to take canvassers out, and lots of organizers helping move people in the right direction. I was amazed at how well-run it all was. There were volunteers from MA, CT, NY, DC and even Australia! It felt great to be with so many different people all working toward a common goal.

Almost immediately we went into a training session and was given minimal direction. I think they were so anxious to get us out to the public, that they basically gave us our designated lists of "undecided" homes and said "GO"! I paired up with John, a friend I had just met on the bus, and he would be my partner in crime for the next 3 hours. Within an hour, we had loaded up with paraphernalia, stuck a bunch of stickers on us, tied up our snow boots and were dropped off in a middle class neighborhood of Manchester.

We certainly had a mix of greetings. It was understandable that those who had already made up their minds were not interested in chatting. Those who were voting for Hilary were very happy to see us out. And of course, the most interesting moments were with those who were undecided but interested in discussing the pros/cons of the candidates and were sincerely interested in making an "informed and educated" decision. One young guy came running up to us to ask us if we represented the Clinton campaign. He was eager to discuss the issues and was still undecided. I mentioned to him my feelings for an immediate need for improving our international image and how former Pres Clinton was the only who is capable of almost immediately restoring our international standing. Since Hillary has said she would appoint her husband as Ambassador, I told him it was our last chance to get one of the most successful politicians in modern history to bring our country back to a positive standing around the world. These words spoke to this young voter and he said he had not thought about that before. It felt good to share my passion for wanting a Clinton White house and have others concur with my feelings.

After trudging in the 5ft deep snow for several hours, we headed back to the headquarters and ate the plentiful food provided by volunteers. The small town environment was such a welcome change to big city hospitality. Shortly after arriving, we were told we would be heading to the debates and would show our support outside the venue. Loaded with signs and stickers, we were ready for the match.

The scene was just like a movie set...large flood lights glaring on the tundra outside the college where the debate was held. We stood for 2.5 hours with our signs chanting our candidates name and interacted with political "extremists", many of whom were for Ron Paul and Kucinich.
After chanting Hillary's name in every infliction possible, we were finally rescued from the cold and taken to the Clinton debate watch party. The room was filled with engaged supporters. There was plentiful free food and drink. After the debate, we mingled a bit and noticed that they were setting up a stage with a blue curtain behind it. I was told by my friend PJ that a blue curtain means someone "official" will be arriving. Suddenly heads started to turn and people asked "is she really coming here now?" Just moments after her nationally televised debate, she was 20 ft in front of me, speaking in a slightly horse, yet spirited voice. I am sure she was slightly disappointed in the small audience she had (there were about 200 of us). However, it was lucky for me since Bill and Chelsea were standing beside her and were VERY approachable. It turns out I was standing next to Chelsea's boyfriend and some of his friends. So immediately after Hillary spoke, Chelsea and Bill made a bee line for me (well, for the people just in front of me). I cold not believe how close I was. I held out my hand and one of the most respected and shaken hands on the planet touched mine. Wow...

As I was coming down from that high, I realized I wanted more! (No, it's not what you are thinking!) I wanted a photo...I had to remember this moment for life. So my wonderful new friend PJ pushed me along in the crowd until I made it back to Bill. I tapped him on the shoulder and was able to nab one of the last few photos of the evening...me and Bill...almost cheek to cheek. (see below!) I then wandered over th e Chelsea as if she was an old friend and took a photo with her and PJ.

After such a historic day, not only for our country but for me, I was excited as to what was in store for the next day. Several of my roommates (Clinton supporters!) were getting up very early to head to the Obama rally. Everyone says there is nothing like hearing Obama speak in person. I figured I had already met the Clinton's, so now I had to check off another box. We waited for our bus to pick us up to take us to the downtown rally. I should have figured that the hottest man in politics at the moment would surely lure a huge crowd. Well, we a rrived 10 min too late. We could not get in. M y other friends who got in earlier got to shake his hand. I was disappointed but also this gave me more time to canvass.

Another day of canvassing and this time I was with another NY campaigner. We covered a different middle class neighborhood and this time had less people home and a few less responsive families, however, we did catch some people at just the right moment. We visited a home where the wife was decided on Hillary but the husband was still undecided. He said he was just in the middle of reading the paper and trying to decide how he will vote in 48 hours. It was interesting to see how many people were still undecided such a short time before the election. I think the buzz over Obama confused them and made the m re-evaluate their stand. This man was genuinely torn and I hope we were able to swa y him. (His wife certainly hoped we did too!)

I was happy for those few moments where I felt I could possibly make a difference in this very important and close race. NH is such a small state and most understand that their vote counts - and I don't think many Americans can feel this way. I really felt like I was exercising my American rights by speaking with my fellow countrymen and passing along my feelings for how best we can direct the future of our country.

We then got an urgent message that we were leaving to once again try to see Obama live. This time we drove to Sale m, NH, about 30 min away. We arrived to a large school and saw hundreds of cars. The line to get into the rally was wrapped around the school. We were not optimistic. However, we used our New Yorker ways and walked straight into the front door, bypassing the snaking line. Yet once in the building, we quickly realized we snuck in only to be sent to the "overflow" room. There was no chance of seeing Obama live - once again. I guess considering I was not supporting him, I deserved this fate. We did attempt to be part of the "media crowd" but they did not even have room for additional press.

While all of the rallies and canvassing were going on, continuously throughout the day was a big party on Elm Street - the m ain drag in town. This was the place for all those who could not "heckle" at the rallies, but knew the media would interview them for any radical comments they could make. Th ere were abortion protesters, Guliani opposers and even a random crazy guy who has named himself Vermin Supreme and has been infamous for many years in NH for mocking the political system and canvassing for himself on the Manchester streets. It was like a sports rally or huge

tail gate party, yet with reporters from all over the world covering what ever story they could get a hold of. I was interviewed by Polish radio and there was Japanese, French, Norwegian tv and many others wan dering the streets, looking for some good stories. Ron Paul even drove by for a quick hello.

Our wonderful trip ended with pizza and soda on the bus ride home. You could tell everyone was energized from the trip and many (including myself) did not want to go home. The heat of the moment had just begu n and we were leaving right before the climax. I am looking forward to reconnectin g with the people I met on the trip. It was interesting to see the types of people who made the journey - many lawyers and ivy leaguers, but also "regular" folk like me who were passionate about their candidates and wanted to pass along their support.

I know today (Jan 8 2008) will be memorable when the results come in and I am proud to have been a part of this exciting time in history. Thank you for listening...