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For the hacks

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* Many of you who read this blog run the campaigns, walk the precincts, make the calls, coordinate the schedules, dig the dirt or dish it, deal with goofy candidates, or are a candidate yourself. I’d like to take this opportunity to say my hat is off to you.

The election is less than four weeks away, but you’re certainly weary from the never-ending days and nights. You’ve no doubt been busting your hump for weeks or months on end. Living on coffee, cigarettes, cold pizza and warm beer. Your candidate may be behind, or maybe you’re in a close race and fighting for what feels like your very life.

For the hacks in the streets, it’s starting to get chilly outside. Soon, it’ll be downright cold, which will be murder on your frozen knuckles (Hint: Kick the door, don’t knock, it’ll save those knuckles). You’ve probably been chased by a dog at least once by now. You may even have been bitten (try to remember to carry dog biscuits in your coat pocket). Some idiot has undoubtedly pulled up half the yard signs you placed the last time you were there. Stay calm. They can make more signs.

You may be losing your patience and your voice, but you can smell something familiar in the air: “The end.” People are finally paying attention and you’ve been feeling that ol’ adrenaline rush. You’re gonna need it. It’s the only thing that’ll keep you going through the miserable days ahead.

No matter. You press on. You may not even like your candidate, but it’s always ever onward. Sometimes - maybe more often than you might care to admit - you don’t even know why you’re pushing yourself so freaking hard. Campaigns are never easy, always unpredictable, maddeningly emotional, completely exhausting. Worse yet, nobody on the outside really understands your choice. Some even disrespect you for it. But it’s what you do, and, God help you, you love it.

You live a zero-sum life. You win or go home. There’s no silver medal. And the rewards aren’t all that great unless you are one of the chosen few. For everyone else, it’s just more work. Always, more work. But that rush you get when you win beats the heck out of trading in your way of life for some mundane sideline existence. You can’t just be someone who wouldn’t bother to invest their own sweat in this insanely bizarre American process.

So, whoever you are and whichever campaign you’re working for or with, this video is for you…

Now, go out there and kick some butt.

[Hat tip to a commenter.]

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Oct 6, 10 @ 3:24 am

Comments

I am on the sidelines this round, but I am wishing that I were working 16-hour days, living on cold pizza, waking up in the middle of the night, and chewing my fingernails off. Good luck!

Comment by Soccermom Wednesday, Oct 6, 10 @ 7:14 am
Thanks, Rich, just what I needed to go back to the grind this morning.

Now if only I could get you to start talking about my candidate, I might be in a better mood!

Comment by SlimSummers Wednesday, Oct 6, 10 @ 7:21 am
Thanks Rich. This does help. Sometimes a person is afraid that all of the work they put in for their candidate(s) is going to be for naught. However, whatever happens, if we don’t fight to the finish, it will be for loss.

Much luv, peace and fighting to the finish.

Comment by CM46 Wednesday, Oct 6, 10 @ 7:34 am
Great post, Rich.

But sometimes I feel like dusting off my old motto:

“We’ve upped our morale level, now up yours!”

Comment by Cincinnatus Wednesday, Oct 6, 10 @ 7:57 am
“You may be losing your patience and your voice, but you can smell something familiar in the air”

To add some levity:
On the last day of the 2006 presidential election a friend invited me to travel to Iowa with him to aid with the get out to vote for our candidate Kerry. Directed by local precinct leaders to a rather seedy looking section of one of Davenport, we knocked and knocked and found few people at home during the working hours.

But, I finally hit on someone at home. A burly, bleary eyed fellow opened the door and a strong whiff of sweet smelling ganga filled my nostrils. I followed my scripted spiel, requesting he and friends get to the polls and vote for Kerry. He informed me that they planned on it. They were coming to their sinses.

That may have been my big accomplishment for the day. I was beat. Kerry lost Iowa. The voters inhaled it.

My hat is off to all those of you grunts who are active in this democracy thing.

Comment by vole Wednesday, Oct 6, 10 @ 8:06 am
well said sir

Comment by Leroy Wednesday, Oct 6, 10 @ 8:09 am
The best thing about this election is at least I can get the signs in the ground. I h

Comment by Phineas J. Whoopee Wednesday, Oct 6, 10 @ 8:17 am
Awesome, thanks Rich.

Comment by Vibes Wednesday, Oct 6, 10 @ 8:28 am
“We had no broiler, so he did everything in pans. It smelled up the joint and the hacks used to die…but he cooked a great steak.”

Great clip - good luck to all the hacks.

Comment by Siriusly Wednesday, Oct 6, 10 @ 8:32 am
Awesome Rich. I was a staffer in the 90s. I make a lot more and work a lot less now, but those days were the high
highlights of my career.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Oct 6, 10 @ 8:39 am
Phineas,

That reminds me of something that I always chuckle about. I guess it could be considered one of those great analogies:

In my time working cold Chicago elections, I have seen it far too many times. Those “hacks” and volunteers who have been running around all day will sit there and struggle for an hour to work those signs into the frozen earth, only to come away with a mangled metal mess and a broken will. Now, the “machine”? They bring a power drill.

Comment by George Wednesday, Oct 6, 10 @ 8:40 am
Kudos Rich …

Not much more needs to be said … but thanks!

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Oct 6, 10 @ 8:47 am
The 48% polling support for Justice Kilbride could be reasonably good, depending on the percent for undecided or don’t know. In a retention race with many voters skipping that vote, the burden falls on the negative groups getting a 40% vote against him. The Trib got it right when they backed his retention.

Comment by MIke Wednesday, Oct 6, 10 @ 8:55 am
Thanks, Buddy!

Comment by Bill Wednesday, Oct 6, 10 @ 9:02 am
hooah!

Comment by ChuckT Wednesday, Oct 6, 10 @ 9:09 am
As a former long-term hack, I have to say this is a well-deserved shout out. Anyone not involved in the process cannot begin to comprehend what these folks go through, and frankly, most of the people “involved” in the process can’t either.

Yoeman’s work for yoeman’s pay, and maybe, just maybe, a reward later. But without them, no campaigns would happen.

Good luck to all - but don’t follow Rich’s advice about kicking the door. Use the hard tap of a pen/metal object - it saves the knuckles and resonates better than a thud.

Comment by Anonymous got it right Wednesday, Oct 6, 10 @ 9:09 am
Hey Rich -

Kicking the doors in the cold to save your knuckles isn’t “civilized” — nobody wants their door kicked . . . it leaves dirt and scuffs . . . and if it offends somebody their vote might be lost . . .

Instead carry a golf ball in your pocket. Cup it in your palm and knock on the door with the golf ball (not your knuckles!)

The resulting knock will be louder than a kicked door - that gold ball knock really rings out . . . and nobody will accuse you of trying to kick their door in!

Comment by Mike the Hun Wednesday, Oct 6, 10 @ 9:12 am
Very nice start to the morning!

Comment by Politicalady Wednesday, Oct 6, 10 @ 9:18 am
George, I know about the power drill trick but am always to dumb to charge it up or too lazy to get the really long bit. Many times, I resort to staple guns but wouldn’t recommend it for aluminum siding if you want to keep votes.

Comment by Phineas J. Whoopee Wednesday, Oct 6, 10 @ 9:20 am
We’re criticizing motivational columns now? I wear a keyring on my finger, but kick if you like I say! Beauty for sure, Rich! Cheers!

Comment by a.l.byrd Wednesday, Oct 6, 10 @ 9:21 am
Did we give up when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor??!!?

Comment by walter sobchak Wednesday, Oct 6, 10 @ 9:27 am
Now to just tag in your new tag line :”This blogs for you…”

hmmm I feel like a beer for some reason…..

Comment by Ghost Wednesday, Oct 6, 10 @ 9:36 am
Awe, Rich! You brought a tear to my eye. But I second SlimSummers…if only you would start talking about my candidate.

To all the losers sitting in State offices working 8:30am-4:30pm, you’ll never understand what it’s all about!

Comment by ugh Wednesday, Oct 6, 10 @ 9:47 am
Why don’t you guys just ring the doorbell?

Comment by Bill Wednesday, Oct 6, 10 @ 9:48 am
Woow, Thanks, I don’t know what was better…what you wrote, or the Vid??

Comment by VoterUSA Wednesday, Oct 6, 10 @ 9:49 am
Much appreciated. Spending this cycle in the South though- canvassings much easier when it’s 80 degrees out.

Comment by Coming back Nov 3rd Wednesday, Oct 6, 10 @ 9:53 am
Thanks for your great commentary and encouragement, Rich.
and that your words are written for any worker, man or
woman, young or old.

Comment by Amalia Wednesday, Oct 6, 10 @ 9:56 am
That is a great video. Maybe I’ve just been unlucky, but the “warriors” who come to my door never seem to look anything like Kirk Douglas, Mel Gibson or Brad Pitt. Just sayin’.

Comment by Responsa Wednesday, Oct 6, 10 @ 9:57 am
I’ve always considered the term “hack” to be a deragatory term and not typically applied to the real worker bees. I thought a “hack” was more a do-nothing political seat filler. But good piece.

Comment by just sayin' Wednesday, Oct 6, 10 @ 9:58 am
Nice stuff Rich. And for all of you out there for November, go for it. You’re doing the hard work. It is appreciated.

Comment by justbabs Wednesday, Oct 6, 10 @ 10:01 am
why not just ring door-bells?

Lots of doorbells don’t work and it is a waste of time to stand and wait while wondering if the doorbell actually rang. Good door-to-door folks ring and knock both . . .

Comment by Mike the Hun Wednesday, Oct 6, 10 @ 10:01 am
The doorbell is a wildcard. Very unreliable. Plus, most people enjoy the subtlety of the knock. Kind of like saying “excuse me” while tapping on someone’s shoulder increases the likelihood of a warm response. Damn, I need a vacation.

Comment by a.l.byrd Wednesday, Oct 6, 10 @ 10:04 am
Let it not be forgetten that it was hacks that also launched the careers of such notables as Rod Blagojevich and Rahm Emanuel. A few hacks even took up boarding in Club Fed as a result of their precinct work.

Comment by Honest Abe Wednesday, Oct 6, 10 @ 10:21 am
As a former “hack” I really appreciate this. Your friends on the outside have no idea what you do or why. You go 4 months without a day off and you can’t remember the last time you ate with silverware.

Comment by ChiefM Wednesday, Oct 6, 10 @ 10:25 am
That was beautiful. Thanks!

Comment by Ivory-billed Woodpecker Wednesday, Oct 6, 10 @ 10:26 am
“And the beatings will continue until morale improves.”

– MrJM

Comment by MrJM Wednesday, Oct 6, 10 @ 10:28 am
This is great! Maybe I should play it for all my clients right before I sit them in the call room and attach a phone to them, it might give them a little inspiration as they “dial for dollars”

Comment by Mia Wednesday, Oct 6, 10 @ 10:37 am
KUDO’s to you, Rich, and to all those working so hard out there! Excellent clip!

Comment by SouthernIL Wednesday, Oct 6, 10 @ 10:40 am
And God bless us all - everyone.

Comment by NameWithheld Wednesday, Oct 6, 10 @ 10:44 am
Adding Sloth to the video at the end was inspired.

Comment by Tom B. Wednesday, Oct 6, 10 @ 10:50 am
This is great - as a former staff/hack in late 90s early 00s we lived that life. It certinly did stink back then, but now I look back on those days thinking “man that was a fun time!” I will never forget the one phrase which was constantly uttered in our campaign(s) - “it is like 4 monkeys and a football!”

Comment by smackie13 Wednesday, Oct 6, 10 @ 10:52 am
Seems like “The Truth” is violating a few blog rules with the ALL CAPS and the accusations. Check back on the 3rd Truth, when we will change your nickname.

Comment by Old Milwaukee Wednesday, Oct 6, 10 @ 10:56 am
Will The Truth’s comment be here when I submit this post? Wlll he receive banishment for life? These and other questions will be answered in 3… 2… 1…

Comment by Cincinnatus Wednesday, Oct 6, 10 @ 11:00 am
POOF! Gone.

Comment by Cincinnatus Wednesday, Oct 6, 10 @ 11:01 am
Nicely put. I’d been in total political emo mode (guess which party I work for) and this gave me a nice lift right when I was needing it. Thanks, dude.

Comment by Bill F. Wednesday, Oct 6, 10 @ 11:11 am
Don’t do it anymore, miss it sometimes (like now) but realize it’s a young person’s game and I ain’t anymore

Comment by steve schnorf Wednesday, Oct 6, 10 @ 11:18 am
==For the hacks in the streets, it’s starting to get chilly outside. Soon, it’ll be downright cold, which will be murder on your frozen knuckles.==

Still not worse than having those Primary elections in the beginning of February (which meant campaigning before Christmas for House Dems). That was brutal!

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Oct 6, 10 @ 11:19 am
Did anyone else make the connection of Fozzie Bear to Pat Quinn while watching the inspirational video?

Which character would be most like Brady/Whitney/Cohen?

Comment by MKA1985 Wednesday, Oct 6, 10 @ 11:22 am
YEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!

Comment by Living in Oklahoma Wednesday, Oct 6, 10 @ 11:26 am
Did I actually see a clip from The Last Starfighter sneak in there? Amazing.

Comment by A.B. Wednesday, Oct 6, 10 @ 11:40 am
Much needed - thanks for this, Rich. I’ve already shared with our folks who are out pounding the pavement. Would send to my candidate too, but no way I’m interrupting call time!

Comment by Anonymiss Wednesday, Oct 6, 10 @ 12:23 pm
Rich-

You will be happy to know this piece is making the rounds. A relative of mine that does campaign work in Nebraska with no connection to IL or this blog just posted this piece on facebook with great appreciation. Well done.

Comment by Montrose Wednesday, Oct 6, 10 @ 1:46 pm
Wow! Thanks Rich! Nicely done video. Great commentary. Great posting.

Up until a few years ago, I would personally vent on that certain special person who got me involved in all of this, and she would laugh and describe it as good therapy and a good means of gaining additional knowledge about what citizens want from their government. And then she would send me back out!

Your comments make me want to go back out and pound on some more doors!

Comment by Louis G. Atsaves Wednesday, Oct 6, 10 @ 2:22 pm
wonderful piece and video — I hope you use this in one of your newspaper columns.

Comment by justsickofit Wednesday, Oct 6, 10 @ 3:47 pm
==Anonymous - Wednesday, Oct 6, 10 @ 11:19 am==

Oops, sorry. That was me; forgot to leave name.

Comment by Feech Wednesday, Oct 6, 10 @ 4:30 pm
I’m a “loser” who sits in a state office building from 8 to 4:30 (not 8:30 to 4:30) and I knock on doors and make calls in the evenings and on weekends. I think I understand what it’s about. Many of us do.

Comment by werp Wednesday, Oct 6, 10 @ 8:00 pm
Rich, this is one of the more Royko-esque of your postings, at least something about it struck me that way. My imaginary ear has it being read aloud in the stentorian tones of the legendary NFL Films narrator John Facenda. Guess the clip really motivated YOU.
:-)

Comment by Newsclown Wednesday, Oct 6, 10 @ 9:57 pm