This is why I've been away from myLot.

United States
June 11, 2008 6:39pm CST
I have to say that this has been an interesting year for me. I worked for the Barack Obama presidential campaign out of their Philadelphia headquarters on Samson Street. My first job was getting people to register to vote. I put together voter registration packages along with other campaign literature for the foot soldiers. I couldn't put them together fast enough. I'd fill one box and someone would take them and hit the streets. In a couple of hours they would come back with them filled out. We registered thousands of new voters. My next job was to organize neighborhood meetings for those wanting to volunteer. I acutally made cold calls to people who had recenly registered The positive responce was overwhelming. After that I was in charge of greeting people as they visited our Philadelphia headquarters. Most people came to get campaign literature, lawn signs and buttons. Before directing them to where they could get this material, I asked them if they would like to be a volunteer. Over 75% of the people walking through the door signed up to volunteer, with many going out in teams of 2 to 4 withing hours. People came from all over the United States to volunteer for the Barack Obama campaign. I worked side by side with people from Montana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, California, Washington D.C. , Florida and elsewhere. One of my favorite volunteers was a senior citizen with a Jamaican accent from the Bronx, New York. She told me that the had been on buses and trains all day making her way to our Philadelphia office to volunteer. She said she was tired, hungry, her feet were hurting and she needed a place to stay for the night. I put her in touch with our housing team, we feed her and within 1 hour she was on the phone making cold calls. It was amazing seeing so many people committed to the camapaign. We spent our money wisely. All our cold calling was done on cell phones donated by our staff. Our food was cooked and donated by volunteers. Every other hour you would see food, drinks, fresh fruit, soft pretzels, salads and more coming through the doors. We even had volunteers cleaning the building and taking out the trash. There was always excitement in the air. There were TV crews in the building everyday. I actually saw myself on Fox News. There were also TV crews from India, South Korea and other countries that visited our Philadelphia headquarters.' Overall my experience was very rewarding. I've received a call from Barack's New Jersey campaign headquarters wanting me to work for them. I'm seriously considering the offer if I can find the time. I hope I've given you an idea of what I've been doing lately. Lloyd Cope
4 people like this
13 responses
@jerryn (819)
• United States
12 Jun 08
Well my friend all I can say is wow, wow, wow. You've certainly been a busy body. Obama came to Tampa, Florida a few weeks ago near my job. I wasn't one of the lucky ones who got to go to see him at the St Pete Times Forum. Just him coming to town caused the detering of the City Buses and the traffic. I think it is good that you did volunteer work for the campaign. At least you got to meet other people from other areas of the states. It's been a long while since I've been here as well. Now that I'm all done with my reconstruction surgery and back at work, time doesn't permit me to be online as much as I desire to be. It's hard to make ends meet given the state of the economy right now. I'm fortunate to have a job to go to but no raise is in site. I've been searching for other opportunities to make money. When you get a chance you should visit http://www.123setsyoufree.com and http://www.5linx.net/communicate4less The age of the Jetsons has finally arrived with the technology of video phones. I was blown away when I was introduced to it. The company rewards you with a BMW and a Bentley as you move up the ranks. Let me know your thoughts about it. Ok? Hope to hear from you soon.
1 person likes this
• United States
12 Jun 08
You are right. I have been very, very busy. I remember when Barack visited Tampa, Florida. I was really impressed with the response he received. I didn't know how Floridians would receive him. Barack Obama draws tremendous crowds, so I can imagine his effect on local traffic. I'm glad you are feeling better and have gone back to work. Times are tough now, but hope is on the way. A different way of treating middle class Americans is coming. We'll get some tax relief and hopefully some relief for the millions of uninsured citizens. Just today the Republicans blocked a 13 week extention of employment benefits for those who has lost their jobs due to layoffs. If we can spend 3 billion dollars a week in Iraq, we should be able to extend a helping hand to those in distress here in America. Anyway, it's nice hearing from you again. I will look over the links and we will be in touch. Take care. Lloyd
1 person likes this
@ZephyrSun (7381)
• United States
12 Jun 08
I'm new to mylot and it sounds like you had a great experience. I am so surprised to hear this, we had a Obama office here in Toledo, Oh but the day after the primary it was gone. I did drive by it every day and from time to time there would be people coming in and out of it. I honestly liked Hillary but now I am 100% behind Obama and hope that he is our next president. Good luck if you end up going to New Jersey.
1 person likes this
• United States
12 Jun 08
It was a great experience. I'm glad you are 100% behind Barack Obama. Hillary proved to be a tenacious campaigner. I was very impressed with her fighting spirit. I hope she is being considered for the Vice Presidency. I look forward to working for Obama's New Jersey campaign. I just have to figure out how to manage my time. Thanks for your reply. lloyd
1 person likes this
@sylvia13 (1850)
• Nelson Bay, Australia
12 Jun 08
Well, it is some opportunity that you had! Thanks very much for sharing your experience with the people from Mylot! I don't live in the U.S., but it is interesting to watch this election process, as it has been like no other before! I can't really say that I understand it all, but it sure is interesting to watch! I like the enthusiasm in the people and your own story corraborates that!
@sylvia13 (1850)
• Nelson Bay, Australia
13 Jun 08
Thanks for your answer and for sending me the Obama link! I am a great supporter of him, so I will visit that web page!
• United States
12 Jun 08
Hi Sylvia. You are right that this election has been like no other before. The ups and downs of the campaign can make you sick some days. This election process has bought out the enthusiasm on both sides. It's not over yet. There's lots of work to be done up until the general election in November. The lies and distortions about Barack Obama has begun. It's so bad he had to launch a new website, FightTheSmears.com. At this site, you can not only find information that thoroughly debunks smears and false rumors -- you can take action now and spread the truth with your friends and contacts. Isn't that just amazing? lol Lloyd
• United States
12 Jun 08
http://www.FightTheSmears.com
@cwilson26 (2735)
• United States
12 Jun 08
Sounds like you have a had an interesting time. I voted for Hilary but since she is no longer in the race, I hope Obama gets it. I probably saw you on Fox news because I watch it every day and night. Was it Fox 5 or 11? Glad to see you back. :)
1 person likes this
• United States
12 Jun 08
Nice to hear from you again. I was actually on Fox News 11 o'clock on a Saturday night. Lloyd
2 people like this
@anniepa (27955)
• United States
12 Jun 08
Lloyd, I'm so jealous! How I'd love to do that, if there were any need for any campaign workers or volunteers in my area that would be right up my alley. I can imagine how exciting and interesting it must have been. Let's hope all your good work brings Obama a huge victory in November! Annie
@tigertang (1749)
• Singapore
12 Jun 08
Hey, I'm not American and the only parts of the election I see are the bits that the news covers. I don't get the bits about what actually goes on behind the scenes. So, it's really good that you have managed to provide us with the people story behind the scenes.
• United States
12 Jun 08
Hello Marleysa. It's nice to hear that the people in Turkey are rooting for Barack Obama. I've been reading newspapers from around the world and there is a lot of support for him. I truly believe that he will heal some of the wounds that opened up over the last 7 years. Lloyd
• United States
12 Jun 08
Hello Tigertang. I'm glad that I was able to provide you with a little insight of what goes on behind the scenes during the primary season. It's fascinating to see the process unfold. Lloyd
• Philippines
12 Jun 08
good day. there's nothing like working for something or someone you believe in. It draws inspiration from within and at the end of the day amidst the tiredness and confusion you sleep contented. i hope that your president will live to your expectation. I am hoping that one day in our country there would also be a candidate that we could believe like you believe in Obama. Good luck to your campaign and God bless.
• United States
12 Jun 08
Hello Blackmantra. I too hope that Barack Obama lives up not only to my expectations but to his own expectations. If he does, there should be a great improvement in our economy and how we are viewed by people all over the world. Lloyd
• Philippines
30 Jun 08
good day. i hope he does and thanks for the best response.
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
15 Jun 08
Well it is Good to see you back on here. I was wondering where you had been. I would think it would be Fun working for a candidate like this, and be very time consuming for sure. I just started myself working at the Voting booths and helping people Vote. I do plan on doing this in August and November as well hopefully. A lot of it just depends on whether or not our Condo sells, and when as to where I will do it, and if I can do it. Glad to have you back on here, and wishing you the best. You were missed.
• United States
16 Jun 08
I am glad to be back. It was fun working for Barack Obama, however it was serious business. I glad that you are doing your part in helping people to vote, regardless of your political affiliation. It's important that people make their voices heard. Thanks for the kind words. Your friend. Lloyd
@lingli_78 (12822)
• Australia
12 Jun 08
sounds like you have had an interesting time lately... and now that obama won the elections, you must be very happy... anyway, glad to have you back again and see the update on what you had been doing lately... waiting to hear some interesting discussions from you again... take care and have a nice day...
• United States
12 Jun 08
Hello Lingli. Not only is it interesting, but very inspiring. To see someone you are working for overcome so many obstacles and reach it to the top of the Democratic party is priceless. I'm glad to be back and it's good hearing from you again. Lloyd
@bonbon664 (3466)
• Canada
12 Jun 08
It must be very exciting to be part of the process, and really get the ins and outs of how everything works. It's amazing how much can get done. Good on you, and welcome back.
• United States
13 Jun 08
It is very exciting to be part of the process. I've always wondered what actually went on in campaign headquarters. It takes a lot of comittment from a lot of people to run such an organization. Thanks for the welcome back. I'm glad to be back. Lloyd
@Aussies2007 (5336)
• Australia
12 Jun 08
Almost seem like a contradiction in terms... seeing all those people volonteering for the presidential campaign... while on D Day... only a third of the country turns up to vote. But it sounds like you having fun doing it. That is the main thing.
• United States
12 Jun 08
Voters came out in record numbers during the primary season and there is no reason to believe it won't be the same during the general election. There is absolutely too much at stake for any registed voter to stay at home and not vote. So many people are opposed to the war. Our middleclass is disappearing. Our economy is on the decline. People have a reason to get off their butt and go to the polling place. Lloyd
@maddysmommy (16230)
• United States
22 Jun 08
Welcome back to mylot Lloyd and wow what a year huh? very interesting indeed. Sounded really fulfilling too!
• United States
24 Jun 08
Hello maddysmommy. Nice to hear from you. It definately has been a very interesting year and it continues to be. Just going through the ups and downs of the campaign keeps you on pins and needles. Just dealing with the attacks from the other side and the blunders on my side is enough to keep you awake at times. However, I'm ready for a change in the direction our country is going in and I'm willing to give Barack Obama a chance. Lloyd
12 Jun 08
i'm not an American.i just want to know the detail about the election.i am curious that ,what did you do ?how did you do?can you give me your Messager? thanks
@GregPC (11)
• United States
26 Aug 08
Sounds like you had a blast. That is a great experience to have under your belt. Thanks for sharing. If I were you I would have documented my experience in a journal; if you haven't already. There will never be anything like this for years. You have been a part of history and that is something to be proud of.
• United States
27 Aug 08
I did have a great time and it was a great experience. I have been documenting everything. I write for BarackObama.com and other blogs. I have a a trunkload of campaign gear such as bumper stickers, buttons, campaign literature and other documents. I don't think we will ever see a campaign like this again. However we are finsihed yet. Although we've made history, we haven't closed the deal. I look forward to seeing Barack Obama as the next President of the United States of America. Lloyd