As I revealed in my last blog, I have begun volunteering for the Obama campaign. Mostly, I've been canvassing for them guaging the local interest in Obama and his chances in the precinct.

My neighbors have been a decidedly Republican leaning precinct for several decades now. Occasionally, a Democrat will be elected but because of its strong conservative history the Republican party loads up to make sure the Democrat is a one-termer next time around.

For that reason, it has been a curious election year to see the number of Obama signs. My wife and I often play a game of counting signs on our way to our various errands. While no one round of the game can determine a real winner, after 8-10 rounds you can get a sense of how your neighbors feel. Most years we are disappointed. This year, we've seen a neck and neck run between Obama and McCain. Needless to say, we're pleased thus far.

Canvassing can be a grueling and slightly boring job. Our assignment is to knock on selected doors (the alchemy that chooses the doors is unknown to me) and ask if they've decided in favor of Obama in the fall. Most often, we get unanswered knocks. When we talk to someone, we don't always get greeted with much positive. Some people ask us to leave or tell us it is none of our business. Others will answer for McCain, some nicely and others not so nicely. When we get an answer for Obama, we probe a little deeper to see if they want to volunteer, need a yard sign, etc. At the end of our shift, we take our completed surveys back and the details help the coordinators decide how best to organize the locals supporters. Then, I'm afraid it's rinse and repeat.

On a particularly warm Sunday afternoon, I'd not had much luck in talking to many people and those I did weren't always the nicest, so I was a little discouraged when knocking on one of my last doors. A woman in her middle 30s answered the door. When I identified myself as a volunteer for Obama, she lit up with enthusiasm. Not only was she voting for Obama, she'd thought earlier in the day that she should volunteer some time. I was only too happy to provide her the information she needed.

As I began to walk away, she stopped me with a question, "Are you hopeful? Can he really change what's happening?" Without hesitation, I turned and said, "Yes, I believe it's what America wants. If we work for the government we deserve, we can have it. That's why I'm working for Obama." I hadn't planned that statement. It truly was spontaneous for me, but it sums up why it is worth it to me to give my time even though life is so busy otherwise. A better tomorrow is what we all deserve.

Note: Hope for Deliverance is an early 90s Paul McCartney song. While not a favorite of mine, it was a favorite of my then-young son. Not only did he know all of the words, when it came on the radio he'd yell "turn it up, Dad" within just a few of the opening notes. Certainly, it will always be a soft spot for me for that reason.