The inclusiveness is evident in the campaign HQ located on Motor Avenue in LA. Attempting to volunteer for the Kerry campaign in 2004 was futile. I couldn't even locate the HQ in Century City and once I did, evidently I wasn't allowed in because I hadn't been added to some list.
The Obama campaign is different. Everyone is invited. Do what you can. No one cares what you do outside--it isn't a forum to network and it isn't a venue to brag. Indeed, I've often overheard that many of these people are in the "Industry" which means the entertainment industry. But nothing like that matters, which is unusual in a city whose many inhabitants often care a great deal about such things.
Instead, you bring your passion. Your skills. And you contribute what you can, when you can. It is what I had thought of when I was much younger, that this is what politics was: a collective. On the ground. Contributing what you can. And that contribution is valued.
I enter data. I type quickly. So I enter a lot of data. And then I leave. And I'm always appreciated. And I feel good. Inspired. This is a campaign I can finally believe in.
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