I have experienced events like these before back in the 1990's. You go in with your candidates material, you approach potential voters and you tell the people why your candidate is the one they need in their life. It is a lot of fun and a lot of work.
Last night I returned to that excitement upon an open invitation. I looked up the address online and found it to be reasonably easy to find. Until I actually drove it. As you approached the first turn you knew you were getting close. You could not mistake it (I wish I had had a camera). About two hundred or more signs lined the intersection! Then you drive down the road following a ridiculous amount of more signage. I followed that road to the end - neither seeing any evidence of the big get together nor seeing an end to the signage.
I had yet to find to right drive but followed the vehicle in front of me without having any idea if these people were headed in the same direction. A little zigzag showed I had made a good choice. Hundreds of more signs lined a long drive that led to a barn I had been to years ago (oh the memories of a high school band that doesn't exist anymore).
The drive wasn't that difficult. It was the gauntlet I was approaching that would change my thoughts about political fanfare. I parked a long way out (ended up getting a ride back). Before I made seven steps, the person who followed me onto the property approached me. I met the first politician. He was a very nice man who knew many of the people I knew - Bruce Williamson. He told me a lot about himself and some about his faith. I may have been sold on him.
That was easy. Now the walk and listening to various people talking about their expectations for the event - I am a people watcher and natural-born, nosy person. Then I saw it. Yep the gauntlet I just mentioned.
Lining the final part of my trek were overenthusiastic young people with miles of stickers awaiting to mug me as I approached. I felt like I had personal stalkers. My mistake - I didn't have a sticker. "Want a sticker from a great person and overwhelming fantastic politician". "My guy is a vet." "My person stands for Conservative values." On and on and on. One fellow - who really had his stalking points down - followed my for some distance.
All I could say was, "NO Stickers!" I wasn't a personal billboard (at least not for some of those wanting to put stuff on me).
Then I saw the group I wanted to associate with. Two gentleman who did not approach me. Good. I was able to make the first move. I told them, "I'll take one of your stickers!" It was a sticker from Karen Handel's camp. As you can probably tell, I am supporting her for governor of Georgia. Her guys did good (of course, for all I know, they could have mugged several others coming into the main area).
The night was fun. I saw friends I had not seen in years. Some from church and others from my military days. I spoke with one of my former military friends and a man I respect highly - Joe Chapman. I used to like going around with Joe and Tony Brown and others when we had time off during our summer drills. He is the Sheriff of my county now - a good man.
I spoke with my former platoon sergeant - Billy Stone. I spoke with a good friend who is now a counselor - Rick Baker. Oh how I can name the names.
I also had a great conversation with Sean Casey with Mrs. Handel's campaign. He is a really nice guy, and I am excited about working with him to get Karen elected. I also had the honor of meeting both Mrs. Handel and her husband - very likable people!
I write all this because I wanted to acknowledge my friends and to give some advice to some of the over zealous campaign hounds:
- Don't pounce on people. Try setting up a table and letting people approach you. Introduce yourself - earn trust. Then introduce your candidate. You will be amazed at how well that works.
- Smile and say hello!
- Stickers are cute but annoying when thrust upon people. Business cards work better because they end up in pockets and wallets.
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