The Local Keys to Obama's Reelection

For local Barack Obama supporters, working hard and staying motivated are essential to reelecting the president in 2012.

Eleven supporters gathered at the home of Elaine and David Ahearn in Hampton Falls on July 26 to discuss what they feel are the most important issues in the upcoming presidential campaign, as well as what they must do to ensure the 2012 election outcome is "their" outcome.

The big key, many said, to remain optimistic and get the hard work started now.

“If we get a leg up now, we can be successful,” said Hampton resident and Winnacunnet High School substitute teacher Charlie Rydan.

Summer organizer Taylor Barnes, originally from Chicago but doing work in New Hampshire for the Obama campaign, said through that hard work Obama supporters must stress one thing.

“Democrats must stress that Republicans make decisions on emotion, whereas Democrats make them off of logic,” said Barnes.

Hampton Beach resident Joe Ford echoed this sentiment.

“Republicans don’t care about the truth, they ignore it," said Ford. "They think that if you say something over and over again, eventually people will believe it, and unfortunately that tactic often works.”  

Barnes said the main thing that keeps her motivated is thinking about Michelle Bachmann or Rick Perry being president.

“Thinking about them in that position is incredibly scary because both have stated they will constitutionally ban gay marriage and reverse Roe v. Wade," said Barnes. "When I’m tired and don’t feel like making any more calls, thinking about them in power keeps me going.”

Because of this, Barnes emphasized the importance of “get out the vote” efforts and the simple act of talking to each other about the issues.

“New Hampshire is a smart state, “ she said. “If people talk to their neighbors, they will respond well to word of mouth. TV ads can only go so far.”

Ed Beattie, a teacher and coach at Winnacunnet High School, echoed the importance of people getting involved in the cause.

“There are ramifications for not working hard,” he said. “We can clearly see that with the result of last year’s midterm elections. The atmosphere within our current state legislature is poisonous, and it became that way because many people did not work as hard as they could have.”

One thing Barnes and others in attendance said Democrats will have to overcome is the Voter ID laws, which Barnes said stifle the Democratic vote.

“The elderly, the poor, the disabled and minority groups are often registered Democrats, and many of these people do not have valid photo IDs," she said. "In states where ID laws have taken affect, these people can often have a very difficult time casting a ballot. When this happens, Republicans win. But when more people are included, Democrats win."

Supporters also discussed how state and local governments are not mutually exclusive, which they said can't be forgotten at the polls.

“Everyone is bound together," said Hampton resident Sara Moe, a 2010 graduate of Winnacunnet High School and current summer organizer. "We won’t lose Obama but gain back a Democratic state legislature, and we won’t lose a Democratic state legislature but gain Obama."