When I blogged about the Suffolk Poll results, I was focused on the negative numbers. Yes, the 8% was astounding (representing a greater than 50% surge from one poll to the next). But the un-likability of the 3 suits blessed by the corporate media was what caught my attention. That's Jill's opening for sure.
But the more I thought about it, the more I focused on Jill's likability as borne out in the numbers. To this point, my optimism for Stein's chances has been based on her demonstrated ability to speak up for everyday people in a clearheaded, passionate, and visionary manner. Her debate appearances in 2002 — well, the 2 they allowed her into — were powerfully persuasive. She'd make a point, you'd think "why didn't I ever think of that?!", and then you'd go and tell your friends. She was speaking truth to power, but not in some theoretical vacuum. There was real power in each word she used, the power to transform. But that's all subjective.
Now in May 2010, a full 5 months+ before election day, I'm looking at this latest poll result.. and realizing what it really means… BEFORE we even get to see her make a case for herself as the best candidate for We, The People.
The most important number in that Suffolk Poll is the 85% number. 60% of voters never heard of Jill, and 25% haven't formed an opinion. That means that Jill is pulling 8% of the vote… in May… with 85% of the electorate still completely open to her. Projecting her current numbers, assuming she can hold steady at the same rate, would make her a majority winner in the November election. In this 4-way race where a plurality winner seems almost assured… these early numbers say something different… that is, if Jill can reach the people of the Commonwealth with her message.
And that's why I'm inviting you to join my pledge at pledgebank! Pledge to give $10 to an amazing candidate on Democracy Day, and let's make a splash!
Read on for the latest announcement from the campaign:
Dear friends and supporters, Your hard work is paying off – Suffolk University's latest poll on the governor's race is out, and the news is really encouraging! Our share of the vote has more than doubled to 8%. And this is despite 60% never having heard of us AND a virtual media blackout on our campaign, AND an operating budget that's a fraction of what the other candidates raise each month! We have always maintained that a powerful, well-organized movement at the grassroots level is the only thing that will bring real change to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and your dedication is apparent in this latest poll. Keep up the good work!
So how are the corporate media able to marginalize us? Part of the answer lies in the fact that we haven't yet qualified to be on the ballot. The state requires us to submit signatures from 10,000 voters in order to appear on the ballot this November, and we're still collecting those signatures. Until we do it, some media may deny us the coverage we need to break through. Station WRKO, which is excluding us from a debate next month, is a case in point. When I get into the debates, you can rest assured that I will carry with me the voices of the people of the Commonwealth – everyone who's sick of the bailouts, the layoffs, the rip-offs, and the payoffs. I will make you proud to be a supporter of this campaign. But for that to happen, I need your support like never before. I need you to redouble your efforts to get our slate of candidates qualified for the November ballot — and to do it by July 1st. I need you to get out this weekend, and the weekend after that, and get your 100 or 200 signatures, so that our campaign can be fully qualified for the ballot. Will you make that commitment? To get involved or to find out about events in your area, contact Omar at omar@jillstein.org, 617-508-8576! Finally, to capitalize on our strong showing RIGHT NOW, please make a donation to our campaign today. State matching funds are available that can vastly expand our campaign– but we need your help to get to the threshold by raising $125,000. Please help us get there by contributing whatever you can up to the $500 limit.* You can make a secure donation online here, or send a check made out to “Friends of Jill Stein” to 12 Locust Ave., Lexington, MA 02421. Thank you in advance for your help, and I hope to see you soon as we celebrate the success of this historic campaign! Upward, Jill PS. To get involved in our signature drive or to find out about events taking place in your area please e-mail omar@jillstein.org or call (617) 508-8576. PPS. To contribute click here! *Up to $250 per donor will be matched by state campaign funds, once we have reached the $125,000 threshold of matching donations (of $250 or less). |
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I'm on the campaign trail every day, and what's becoming clear is that the 8% of people who support us now could easily become 18% – or 28% or 38% – if we receive the same coverage the other candidates are getting. Voters are responding because our campaign is willing to talk honestly about the problems we're facing, and we're proposing real solutions. The other candidates offer more of the same. 
