| Note: I am under a deadline, so please excuse typos (editors feel free to edit).
The time limits tend to entice people into rushing, which is bad. The more people slowed down and took the time to be clear, the points seem to "stick" better. Emotionally connecting seemed to be more important than logically making a point for this audience. We were talking to an audience in the Phillips neighborhood of Minneapolis.
Margaret Anderson Kelliher (5) Margaret is described as a compassionate, energetic, leader, and coalition builder. While her name doesn't always show up first, she shows up on more lists. People like the rural background with the hope that she will appeal both out state and in the metro area. I personally liked that she stepped forward when she spoke, which helped because she is shorter. Stepping forward was also inviting to the audience.
Mark Dayton (3) Everyone who liked Mark mentioned his passion. When ask specifically, they did not think the passion was too much. Mark was especially considerate in answering questions afterward. One person like the answer where health care should be always available, not requiring having a baby to get it. One person did say that his "wealthy pay" argument lost credibility because the wealthy would always have enough political clout to duck paying, so realistically all the rest of us will always pay. On the other hand, another person liked the same statement where wealthy pay more. I personally liked how Mark Dayton did in one-on-one conversation.
Tom Bakk (3) Several mentions that people liked the point that we needed a whole state winning strategy. Liked his emphasis on jobs and small business. The closing speech had an impact because one person tracked me down to change his top answer to be Bakk. Bakk looked like he was trying to get the "on fire" rating of the day. I personally liked that Tom Bakk worked hard to impress people.
RT Rybak (3) People who liked him, liked his "can do" attitude and his success stories. However I also questioned people who were not supporting him because I would expect Minneapolis to be a Rybak stronghold. Some people voted for him because he was acceptable but are not thrilled with policies or the way that he does politics. Everyone mentioned a fear of outstate weakness. For some reason, the microphone was not picking up RT's voice very well today, it did sound as clear as other occasions. I personally liked his success themed stories as a persuasion,
Chris Coleman (3) Liked his emphasis on neighborhoods. Admired the way that the Frogtown neighborhood in St Paul was improving. Admired how he had build coalitions. I personally liked his new persuasion with his Minnesota way of having no blame, just help!
John Marty ( 2) Health care issues are always mentioned. People really trust him. One comment on how well he spoke today. I personally liked how John Marty is handling the issue of having run before - that his issues are now winning issues.
Matt Entenza (1) Matt did not seem his normal self, like maybe the timing was before coffee. I thought that greening up economy to produce jobs is one of his best persuasions and it just came off as "windmills" today. This Phillips neighborhood does want to put a solar panel on every roof. I personally liked the persuasion that paying a little now is much better than paying more later, to keep government finances balanced. One person asked me later what MN2020 does and what does Matt do. One person mentioned Matt as always a top candidate.
Susan Gaertner, who was not there, had at least 5 people who showed up to greet her with a banner on dissent. They had a fact sheet , that was well laid out describing Susan Gaertner's prosecution of the eight organizers of Republican National Convention parades for "conspiracy to riot" . The trials are yet to come. This group says that they are able to talk about 60% of the people who attend these events. Their twitter account is very popular (RNC8). Googling "Susan for Governor" brings Susan's RNC "friends" third on the list. They are sorry to have missed Susan at the state fair but they "hope to see Susan again".
Also missing were Paul Thissen, Steve Kelley, Tom Rukavina, and Ole Savior. |
