matthew ( @imatthewi.bsky.social )

Here's a story from canvassing today in Western North Carolina that is worth reading: I went to a house somewhat off the beaten path. A woman around 40-years-old answered the door. I introduced myself, told her I lived about 25 minutes away, and told her I was out volunteering on behalf of Kamala Harris for president. She told me that Kamala had her vote, but she's not sure about her husband, who is a lifelong Republican. I asked if anything I might say to her husband could change his mind. She said she wasn't sure, probably not, and that he "comes from a family of hardcore Trumpers." Right as I was saying "you never know," her husband comes outside. He's the same age as her (and me). Big old unkept beard. Tattoos up and down. Wearing a "protect the 2A" shirt that had some sort of big ass gun on it, and old baggy blue jeans. He said, "What's all this about?" I introduced myself to him. I told him I heard from his wife that he may be supporting Donald Trump and that's totally okay, but I'm curious why. He told me he wasn't really sure, it's what his family has always done. He asked me why I'm supporting Kamala Harris. I told him about my views on taxation, abortion, and health care, and then also just the importance of having someone who wants to unite America and who is not a character-depraved asshole, which I think Donald Trump is. He asked me why I think that of Trump. I told him about the racist remarks from the MSG rally, the pussy grabbing stuff, January 06, the signed bibles, and so on. He looked me in the eye and said "You know what, you're right. I can't vote for that guy. He's a fucking piece of shit." (This is verbatim, his words not mine.) I thanked him for giving me the time of day. I wasn't going to press him any further. As I was walking away, he said, "Hey." I turned around and he put out his hand. As we shook hands, he looked me in the eye and said "I am going to vote for Kamala Harris." His wife was almost tears. He seemed to be too. Truly. Like this big fucking weight was off this man's chest. Needless to say, it was the highlight of my week. It shows that people are decent. Yes, many people are low-information. But many are decent. And many people want what is best for America. It's also a reason to keep knocking doors. There are more people like him out there 🇺🇸