Primary Place Online

Election day for me began with a 5 a.m. lit drop at doors of identified supporters of Hillary; it was difficult to find house numbers, but flashlights and warm air and excitement of being involved so early in the morning made it the start of a good day. Though concerned by the double-digit debit in the polls, I felt that maybe Hillary's good sense and good message would win the day for her.

After the early morning lit drop, holding signs at the polls and greeting the long line of voters, I felt further cheered by the good day, the happy people, and the many folks who came up to say, "I voted for her" as they pointed to my sign. Of course folks stopped at my neighboring sign-holders for Obama and Edwards, and said the same thing, and there was an air of comaraderie with these supporters, who are my friends! The peak of the morning came when the sun came up, and U.S. Congresswomen Shirley Jackson Lee from Houseton, Texas joined the sign-bearers behind the barrier, held a Hillary sign and enjoining passersby:"We welcome your vote for Hillary." She had a long chat with some local folks about the reasons for voting for Hillary. Ellen Malcolm, head of "Emily's List" (to which I contribute regularly on behalf of pro-choice Democratic women,) also stopped by, just "checking on how things are going in New Hampshire".

Late afternoon canvassing,with a student assisting as we hit fancier neighborhoods of Exeter, we found folks at home who had always been absent in previous canvass visits. "We've already voted," they told us, and we happily raced off to the next houses as dark of evening descended. The warm air, contrasted with the previous freezing cold canvassing days and evenings, was welcome.

Then back to the polls to talk to voters as they entered the Town Hall. Several older men pointed to my Hillary sign and said, "She's my candidate". Long lines of newly registered folks and many young mothers with children were entering the polls at 6 p.m. Supporters brought ALL the sign-bearers corn chowder and pizza and fabulous sandwiches; the jolliness in the air was infectious among All the groups, REpublican and Democrat alike.

My final role, after making "chase calls" to ensure last minute votes for our candidate, was to observe the vote counting, behind closed doors after the polls officially closed. There were amusing moments when the counters read out write-ins for Vice President: "Bill Belichick, Tom Brady". Not surprisingly, many Obama for President ballots had John Edwards, Bill Richardson or even Hillary Clinton for Vice President written-in!

A friend called me several times on the cellphone to tell me what was happening on the outside: Hillary was leading in the cities! Hillary was leading in the small towns. I was hopeful. But when the final count came, Hillary did not win in my town. I am still trying to analyze why, and if there are future opportunities for that analysis on Primary Place Online, I will offer them. I am, of course, proud of her comeback in New Hampshire, still miffed with the power of (misleading) polls, and permanently distrustful of the media which is anti-woman and anti-Hillary in much of their presentation of what should be the news. She won in New Hampshire, but did not carry the day in the town where I, along with others, worked hard, and that feels like a personal defeat.