November 2

So here I am, in Columbus Ohio. Me and Mr. Bush, together at last. I woke up on the floor of my pal Cathy Rion's room, at 5:15 am, a whopping 3 hours after my head hit the pillow. I had a pillow, that was great!

But let me back up. My intrepid co-workers and I sallied forth in a rental car, with only a 45-minute delay, to Columbus. I met my pal Cathy after we met with a student from OSU, and she convinced me to part company with said co-workers and stay to help in Columbus. It's pretty awesome that I did, not because of being far from them, but becasue I got to spend my day with high school students from Columbus door-knocking in various neighborhoods. Between that and the near ear-shattering hip-hop in between precincts, ya can't beat it.

We got in by 11, I was out with Cathy and a crew of folks dropping Young Voter Alliance literature until 1:30 am. So far, so good. I even got in a shower.

Off to the Hertz, where we rented big vans to haul the students around in, and I was nominated a driver. After a brief tussle with Hertz policy around debit cards vs. credit cards, we were off and running.

It started raining. I had to get creative with the pep talks, but despite the grumbling, the students were faithfully knocking every door we could find.

Three rounds later, it's dark and we're slogging through the rain. We found a single potential voter who wasn't planning on going out, and contrary to our script, my comrade entreated him for 15 minutes. He was somewhat closer to putting his shoes back on and forging forth, at least I'd like to think so.

After yet another tri-level apartment complex with slippery metal stairs, well, I slipped. No terrible injuries, just a sore butt. We decided to call it a night and get pizza, Kerry leading by 1 point in Ohio, 15 minutes till polls closing. Even the few visible Bush voters I encountered - all young white men - seemed moved by our willingness to stick it out in our torn plastic parkas and wilting doorhangers.

I think Cathy is out giving cookies to remaining voters in line at the polls...I await a well-earned small vegan pizza from next door and try to understand conversation during the same five songs we've heard all day.

I love young people. There is no sarcasm about that. I don't think I could've made it out without the amazing crew of East High whippersnappers to brighten up my day.

I also love Ohio-ans, these people trucked out and VOTED, bless their hearts!

OK, all for now, time to see if the exit poll sites are still so flooded that I can't get them to load ;)