228 Comments

It’s interesting. I’m not Christian and I’m offended by the religion the far right is always pushing at us. Tonight there were more religious moments than I can ever remember at a Democratic convention. And I found them comforting, not offensive. It was that those moments clearly were authentically soulful, offered in hope and humility. This is the America where I want to live.

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And did you see when TV cameras caught Kamala mouthing the words that Warnock was quoting from the Bible? I like Warnock. Many of his speeches on Capitol Hill were not often broadcast, but he is a brilliant orator.

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I noticed it immediately and felt warmed!

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You can say that again - can you imagine him as the president one day?

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Yes, I can!

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I'm glad to hear someone feels like I do. I'm not religious either and at times am offended by over-the-top religious diatribe, but, tonight, I too felt comforted.

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Megan, maybe the feeling on Monday evening was from the speakers being genuine, not using religious language to guilt anyone, make them feel shamed or inferior, or to sound righteous and worthy of something, as Republicans who spout religion so often do.

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Right on, Ruth! I have Christian beliefs, but am not religious. True Christianity is warm and welcoming.

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Susan, I am a supply pastor so visit with many congregations. The most welcoming of them actually have on their bulletins "Wherever you are on life's journey, you are welcome here." It's hard to care about or "love" someone who is not welcome in your world. Somehow a lot of white evangelicals and Catholics, supporters of people like Trump have forgotten that if they ever knew it.

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Ruth, I've had experiences with one welcoming church, but all the others I've tried were not open. I mostly felt just tolerated. I think people are too caught up in their grievances to care about supporting others.

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Oh Susan, that is so terribly sad. I know I was lucky to be part of several churches that were not only welcoming but also friendly and supportive. I guess I would never have been drawn to anything other than that. That is, until I accepted a position as Associate Pastor of a congregation that was wrapped up in grievances that I fell into. Since I didn't really understand the situation and no one was willing to talk about it with me, it continued to simmer, and I really didn't feel comfortable there on the whole. Individual members were and are wonderful and I am still in touch with them more than 30 years later, but I was fired for other underground reasons that no one acknowledged but a lot of people knew about, which had nothing directly to do with me. Christians can be so heartless because they may hear Jesus story each week, but don't really believe they should live it. What they do believe often does not match in any way what they are called to live as Christians. The happiest people I know are members of welcoming communities of faith. One would think that idea would get around and spread.

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Yes, I am with those who are not particularly religious but were not offended by the religiosity of the remarks made at the DNC. I don't like religion crammed down my throat but what I have been hearing of late is profound spiritual thoughts and messages which I get some comfort and strength from.This convention is like a breath of fresh air to me.

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I'm not religious - but from my childhood I remember a Christianity of kindness and compassion, not the hate and bigotry espoused by the GOP. This was indeed comforting because kindness and compassion are not the provence of any specific religion - they are just roadmaps for a good life - for all of us.

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Amen❤️

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Laurie - I could not agree more. I grew up Episcopalian, and I still remember the pragmatic and humanitarian feel of it. I no longer worship, but I can see clearly that much of American Christianity has literally sold its soul to the devil. I just don't get it. Sure, they hate abortion. They hate gender related issues. But my god - is that an excuse to turn into one of the most dangerous institutions humankind has ever created? WE do not need that.

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The focus was on inclusivity not exclusion, caring for each other and not taking for ourselves. It was a great first night!

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I agree wholeheartedly 👏❤️

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Time to bring back the God of love, justice, and mercy. My senator, Raphael Warnock, has a message that should resonate across America. The message of love found in every faith tradition at its core. Just love, act on it, and people will come to believe in its power. This is leadership, recovering the soul of America in all its shapes and sizes.

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Pastor Warnock gave a real barn burner of a sermon, that fit perfectly into a traditionally secular space. Hard to imagine Georgia almost didn’t elect him

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Inclusiveness is the backbone of America. This was never intended to be a Christian only nation, that's why separation of church and state was written in. Although I was brought up in Christian churches, I, too am deeply offended by the idea of Christian Nationalism.

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Aug 20·edited Aug 20

I am secular, yet I find comfort in that there are some very good and kind people in our government. It's nice when people flow like a river.

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Great comment, thanks. Like you religion puts me off but also like you tonight's version was comforting. Perhaps this is because religion is meant to be not a weapon of hate, Satan's vision, rather a shoulder to lean on, a quiet voice of solace, a Jesus or Allah moment. Tonight's version showed the true value of religion, a place where we all want everybody's children to be okay.

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Laurie, I felt that too and it's the kind of country I want to live in too.

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This is a message of hope and of being a good friend like our moms taught us. This is about decency and respect for others. This is how my dad and grandfather would quietly give food to people struggling, and offer my free help to people who couldn't pay- just because. There is no greater gift than in service. America was created for good people, for freedom and democracy. Vote for freedom. Vote against shackles.

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Laurie, it's because the references last night were accurate representations of what Christ intended in His words - love thy neighbor, care for those with less, etc. What you hear from the far right are misrepresentations. I have, as a Christian, been frustrated how Christianity is being "used and abused" by MAGA. What you heard from the speakers at the DNC convention were Christ's words, not theirs. That's why you felt as you did. I was very thankful that my Christian faith was being represented as Christ would have it. Thanks for your comments.

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I so agree with you. Religion should not be about blame or fire and brimstone. Comfort, love, empathy, peace.

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Aug 20Liked by Joyce Vance

I’m so proud of Joe & all the speakers tonite. Such great love & respect for our country! Let’s do this people!

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I am so glad that the audience showered President Biden with their respect, gratitude, and love. For him to get all credit and appreciation for all he has accomplished and will is very important to me. He had to give up a dream for us. I hope we will soon see all of his accomplishments over the last four years compiled and presented for all to see.

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I wholeheartedly agree! I cried through the whole evening, but I cried the most during Biden's speech. He's such a gracious, incredibly giving human.♥️

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Me too. Started with Jesse and didn’t let up.

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I had the same response, from Jesse through Joe's speech. And someone said he showed anger all through his speech. That wasn't anger, it was strong emotion, sadness for leaving the service in government that he has given heart and soul to, and probably a bit of relief to be able to pass the baton to Kamala and Tim...

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He will be around to give advice when needed to Kamala and Tim. I hope they use his wisdom

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Joe Biden is a master at deeply understanding America's issues, the economy, and international affairs. Few can offer the same. In part, that is due to his longevity in government, but more so are his convictions based on experience and faith. It's unfortunate that so few, especially right-wingers, see that. But then again, we cannot accuse them of deep understanding, can we?

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We have to erase age discrimination as we have done for other groups. How this turned out will negatively affect every senior in America and possibly abroad in those countries that look to us.

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Beautifully said, Kay! He deserves it all!

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David Brooks of the NYT headlines said the speech was 'lackluster.' So is David Brooks!

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It was anything but tepid!

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Did anyone catch the words Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett said that echoed "Bleach Blonde Bad Built Butch Body?" ....I almost fell off the chair..... That smile and look on her face ........A priceless moment on a night that was a pricless moment from start to finish........

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Jasmine Crockett cracked me up! Her district in Texas is lucky to have her.

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Love her! She’s a dynamo.

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Yes, we are!

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Jasmine’s willingness to share her feelings and tears also were refreshing! I bet she will be a strong leader in Washington.

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“Will a vindictive vile villain violate voters’ vision?” So good!

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I was roaring at that!!🤣

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Loved :"Kamala has a resume; he has a rap sheet!"

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Me, too, Sandra!

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It’s not all bad in Texas. She is one ray of light. Texas needs a lot more light!

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Texas needs Colin Allred.

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YES!

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Veronica Escobar, our rep from El Paso, is also great. I don't know that she's a fireball, but she gets a lot done. She's another ray of light.

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Texas needs every Democrat it can find!!

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Amen to that!

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She one of my favorites and I can definitely see her holding any office she goes after.

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Cracked up dying laughing. She’s awesome!

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That woman can preach!

She's intelligent, self assured and frankly, beautiful.

We've not seen the last of her

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And she really knows what she is talking about. She's another attorney.

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The entire night was filled with smart people.The Dems have a fabulous back bench who can all be successful in whatever they choose to do.

But I'm glad that they're choosing now to help us strengthen our democracy!

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Oh, I missed that!

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Will be going back to the Jasmine replay......been wearing my 6-B t-shirt all day!!!

Have to find out the new 6-B slogan!! LOL LOL LOL

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President Biden came "along" at just the right time. Something he said tonight really caught my ear as he was talking about GAZA. He said, "Those people out there (meaning the protesters") have a point." I can't imagine another politician doing that. (Me who cast his first vote in 1968 when the Chicago police "rioted" against the Viet Nam protesters.) God Bless President Biden!

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This is truly Love of one another 🌹

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I can only say WOW! through my tears. And Hillary gave the best most magnanimous speech. If others had only listened to her.. let’s not make the same mistake twice!

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She was making these speeches, but Trump was drowning her out. She did win the popular vote. The whole mood of the country has changed. We are tired of Trump.

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We are *exhausted*!

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More than tired, Louise. Disgusted is too mild too. He is the filth, a stinking, suppurating wound, and still an inexplicable national disgrace. He will continue to infect the national consciousness.

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While listening to Hillary speak, I kept wondering to myself, "where was this Hillary in 2016?!" Her speech was passionate and just incredible. I voted for her and I wish I'd seen more of the Hillary I saw tonight in 2016. Kamala is going to WIN!

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That's the Hillary I saw when I was volunteering for her. That's the Hillary that was there in 2016. You might want to ask MSM, aka the New York Times, Washington Post, CNN etc. where they were? He was "good for ratings." He was the malignant entertainer.

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Carol-Ann,

I agree. I saw her in person 6 times between 2008 and 2016 including her 2008 concession speech. I never worked as hard for anyone as I did for her. I never understood why the media never saw what I saw. But young people, minorities and women stayed home. If they stay home during this election, then they deserve the future they won’t ever see!

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I always saw Hillary as both intelligent and caring. I do not understand staying home instead of voting in elections. My parents didn't do a lot right, but they did teach me that voting was important, so I have always voted. I hope all the usual stay-at-homes come out to vote, for a selfish reason besides wanting to see our country continue: I want my old age to end well.

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Hillary was not my first choice because I didn’t want to see her husband in the White House. But after I saw the “debate” where the 💩🎃🤡creep followed her around the stage, I supported her completely. Her speech last night was fantastic.

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Carol-Ann, I agree totally. She’s the same Hillary we worked hard to elect. Many people have forgotten or refused to acknowledge how she was treated by Comey, Washington Post, New York Times, AND progressive Democrats who pouted and stayed home because their favorite Democrat lost to her in the primaries.

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You are absolutely right, Carol-Ann.

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Megan, the challenge in 2016, Clinton was hardly given a chance to speak where it counted. Her speeches were pretty good, but the media was enthralled with Trump and she simply couldn't get through. I remember one speech to people in Appalachia when she told the people she knew coal was leaving the area. The government and industries had a responsibility to provide education and training for the new careers that were coming along like in, and she gave a few examples. The media reported that she wanted coal jobs gone and that she didn't care about the miners and their families. There was a lot of that going on. I can't remember if Trump got 3 or 4 times the amount of coverage that Clinton got. When the media was confronted with it on the rare occasions that happened, they had an excuse that Trump was fresh. So, they didn't care what he said, it was "fresh," so deserved more, a lot more attention. The media used Ben Gazi and emails to keep her actual policy speeches from connecting, as though she were a criminal. She was not, but Donald Trump was then (although not tried) but is now actually convicted of crimes.

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She was there all along. 💔

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Yes to all the above🤞❤️

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I think she and her team did not focus enough on his bancruptcies...after all, he was running as a successful business man who had the business skill that America needed....

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I cried through Hillary's speech, too, and sometimes while I also was laughing. She was brilliant! And she is all in for Kamala, no sign of jealousy there. I'm so proud of her!

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I think that Josh Sarowski's point that abortion rights are an issue for any man who cares about his family--not just for women--should be elevated and repeated over and over.

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I'm a wreck, just weeping through these speeches. So proud of my President.

But also blown away by the speeches of Hillary Clinton, Raphael Warnock, Jasmine Crocket, and the brave women (and a man) who spoke about the impact of the overturning of Roe on their lives. I am hopeful for the future, but so incredibly grateful for Biden and all that he has accomplished in the past 3.5 years AND during the rest of his career, including creating the Violence Against Women Act. So proud, joyful, sad, and moved. My heart is just bursting.

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Tonight is a night for the ages.......home run after home run......no worries whatsoever about musicians complaints!!!! Joyce Vance.....thank you, thank you so much......It is my privilage to be on your site with the most amazing people on earth

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Ditto!♥️🇺🇲♥️

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founding

There was a time when I wished we had a great leader like Volodymyr Zelensky. We do. Joe is OUR great leader. Both of these men are of global, historical import. Both are leaders of the Free and champions of Freedom.

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Thank you, Joyce. I was able to hear most of Joe's speech tonight - great as usual - in parts magnificent. I'm so glad the audience showed the love that many of us feel for the man who not only brought us safely out of COVID, but saved democracy and after 40 years turned us to redemption from all those years of worshiping wealth above all else.

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Watching the GQP making voting more difficult at every turn is all you need to know.

Vote by mail has been vetted in multiple states for decades and has proven that it is secure, more inclusive, not weather dependent, no work or worship lost, no long lines, ETC.

National vote by mail is long past due.

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I've been saying the same thing for years! Mail in paper ballots are the most secure and make it easy for everyone to vote. Those voting machines can be programmed and are not nearly as dependable as just a good old paper ballot.

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Aug 20Liked by Joyce Vance

I cried tears of joy through the whole thing. We are going to WIN in November! 🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲

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First time ever watching a political convention. Just brilliant, and I suspect most conventions have not been this exciting, maybe ever. Some amazing speeches, with Jasmine Crockett's coming to mind first as being full of meme-able one liners. I can't imagine how exhausted they must be out there on the East coast right now.

JoyAnn Reid and Alex Wagner both stated that this was the most powerful convention they've seen in years, with a significant expression of love for Joe Biden, and the smooth transfer of power, with the sustained emotional gratitude on display.

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You work fast. Thank you for capturing the essence.

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it was an overwhelming night; overflowing with feeling, sharp lines, strong embraces and determination filled with energy. The spirit was towering and reminded me of Biden saying that he wanted to save the soul of America. I felt the souls of thousands in the stands and in the people who came to speak to us. Joe's speech was strong, full of vigor, love for America and we the people.

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Well said, Fern. My heart just quelled with joy and emotion.

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Marlene, it is always good to hear from you.

There is I think legitimate reason for optimism, , along with hard work to educate each other and get out the vote. I recognize cohesion in the Democratic Party as well as a strong and determined bench that I have not seen before. Kamala Harris chose wisely in her selection of Tim Walz as running-mate. Defeat of Trump and the MAGAs, a strong tilt to the needs of the people in terms of governmental functions, particularly with reference to our economy, will bring us much closer to the democracy we need.

Cheers!

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Broadest Bench in a party in my lifetime! Fired up. Ready to go. Actually think we can do this. Actually think she could be a great president.

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I'm sure she would be great. She has all the empathy Joe Biden has, plus she's always been an activist. Especially if we are smart enough to take the house and increase our senate majority, she will get a lot of good things done.

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Awesome night at the DNC!

Absolutely loved President Biden’s fiery speech!

Fraud Trump had washed up Clowns Hulk Hogan and Kid Rock and wife beater Dana White. Harris had America’s Coach, Patriot Steve Kerr!

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I’m with you! I can’t wait to vote for President Joe Biden’s choice for our 47th President, Kamala Harris!

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I carry a business card with a QR code to register to vote or check your registration . I keep it with me always and ask everyone I encounter “Are you registered , do you want to check your registration?” I got it through Mobilize. I wish we all had that card. I feel like I might be making a difference . Plus I love to talk to people😁

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Fabulous, Marsha Scott! I love talking to people too. I love canvassing! I canvass on Saturdays. We need more canvassers; it really helps!

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Our Vote Blue group just did the same thing, passing them out at our last meeting.

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founding

Thank you, Marsha.

That is great idea.

A simple action any one of us can do.

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