Today I again worked out of the NE Philadelphia office. It was a very hectic day — started at 8:30 am and just ended at 10:30 pm. Hillary Clinton was making an appearance at the Mayfair Diner. We just found out late last night and had today to spread the word. The plan was call all known volunteers, post signs, and pass out 3×5 flyers with the news that Hillary would be here right at the Mayfair Diner.

My job was to pass out flyers and, according to my GPS, I walked 12.2 miles today. I delivered small stacks of the flyers to businesses, especially food establishments and the seemingly dozens of nail salons — there sure are a lot of those around here. I also spent time at the bus/train depot, but it wasn’t as welcoming because it is right next door to the Obama campaign office. The majority of the people responded very positively. I was back at the office at 4:00 pm for a meeting and a huge blitz visibility even to remind commuters that Hillary would be here tonight. I guess our work was successful. We had expected possibly 1000 people, but went way over that number. We started working at the event site signing up volunteers from the crowd, then directing them to the seating and standing area. It was much nicer than the Hillary rally at Pier 33. Anyone who went will remember how stifling hot and uncomfortable it was in the warehouse-style bldg. This event was outdoors on a wonderful, warm, balmy night. Chelsea was there and so was the mayor of Philadelphia and Governor Rendell. Hillary was beautiful and inspiring and the crowd loved her.

Tomorrow we will spend a great deal of time calling all the people who signed up to volunteer this weekend. Then, this weekend, we plan to visit or call every single solitary registered Democrat in Northeast Philadelphia. We will have hundreds of volunteers on the ground and on the phone. Several huge busloads from New York will arrive Friday night. This will be our biggest push yet and the effort is expected to push us into a 22-point lead in our NE Philadelphia area. It is definitely doable.

The response from attendees tonight was amazing. Prior to the event, I was feeling a little disappointed that I was not able to actually canvass door-to-door today. I love doing it and it is the single most effective way to get votes (other than to have Hillary show up at the door herself). However, I guess I forgot that the event brought in thousands and was great exposure for Hillary. The pizza place around the corner from our office sent us free pizza and thanked us for the great event and that it brought in a lot of customers for them tonight.

I cannot believe that I haven’t heard news about the slam dunk Hillary carried out at the debate last night. Yes, I realize the news anchor spent a lot of time on some of the more “gotcha” issues, but he did get to real issues and she answered each question with poise, intelligence, confidence, and knowledge. Obama didn’t come out well at all, and the focus groups unanimously declared Hillary the winner. The tactics he accuses Hillary of using, were exactly the tactics he used. Oh well, moving on. When she gets elected, it is going to be because she is light years ahead of any other candidate in her intelligence and her knowledge of the issues — but that often is the way it is with women — you have to be twice as smart and work twice as hard to get half as much acknowledgement.

I’m looking forward to getting the volunteers organized tomorrow and then hitting the streets all day Saturday, all day Sunday, and all day Monday. Of course, something I have learned about campaigns — circumstances change in a split second and you have to be flexible and ready to go in a different direction at a moment’s notice.

I am feeling good about our girl — she can’t please the press, but the people love her. She is gaining strength in Pennsylvania and I am sure the polls do not show it. Can’t remember what my prediction was yesterday, but I’m thinking about 15-16%. One volunteer keeps saying it will be 21%. Hey, I’ll take it if it happens!!

Thank you to everyone who is phone banking. It is by far one of the most powerful tools in getting extra votes — and we need every single vote we can get.

I better close since I have to do some laundry — I have been wearing the same pants for 8 days now. I am going to feel so good tomorrow with my clean pants and brand new Hillary T shirt. It is going to be a good day!!!

Cathy Wittel

Mark It!