In past campaigns, I have been an avid door knocker and a (not quite as avid) phone caller — although I have to admit that postcard writing is what really sings to my introverted little heart.
I am not going to lie and say that door knocking has always gone perfectly. Yes, I have had some great conversations with persuadable voters that I tell myself have actually swung votes. But, I also still have vivid flashbacks to one door knock in 2016 in Wakefield that went badly off the rails. The Confederate flag draped across the entire front of their house should have convinced me to keep driving. But, I am undoubtedly stubborn. It was not until my foot crashed through the front porch boards and I found myself face-to-face with the homeowner and his shotgun that I realized lists are sometimes wrong — not all people labeled as persuadable by a computer algorithm are truly persuadable.
It took me a long time to get my door knocking mojo back after that experience — quite naturally. But, one thing I found that helped was playing upbeat and politically motivated songs as I drove from house to house. So, for any of you nervous door knockers out there, as we inch closer to door knocking season, below is my curated play list of songs to help you work up your moxie:
- Demi Lovato – Commander in Chief
- Tracy Chapman – Talkin’ About a Revolution
- John Lennon – Imagine
- Cat Stevens – Peace Train
- Bruce Springsteen – Born in the U.S.A.
- Hozier and Mavis Staples – Nina Cried Power
- Bob Dylan – Blowin in the Wind
- The Cranberries – Zombie
- Bob Marley and The Wailers – Get Up Stand Up
- Beyonce – Black Parade
And, if these songs alone are not enough to get you inspired to knock on doors and have the tough conversations, don’t forget to pack lots of snacks and hydration as you hit the road. And make sure to decompress after a door knocking shift — they are undoubtedly hard work.
-Bree J. Schuette
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