Hello Everyone,

Happy Halloween.

The confluence of Halloween and the Election has me bewildered, bewitched, and befuddled. Pumpkins and political signs are weirdly juxtaposed. Perhaps writing this report will calm me down. I’ll share several pictures and relate some conversations I’ve had while canvassing.

Canvassing in very hilly Pittsburgh has been a kind of mini walking marathon in that there are many steep hills and steps to get to the door so I can knock on it or ring the doorbell:

I am thankful that I have not yet fallen or tripped.

Dogs in the houses always bark but cats welcome me to the door:

Most of the houses on the canvassing list were registered Democrats. But not all.

I’m with the Harris campaign.
Can we count on your vote for Kamala?
With a big friendly smile the fellow says: "Absolutely not!”
I return the smile and say "Okay! Let’s hope for the best.”

—

Wrong door. You’re not welcome here.
Why Trump? He’s a criminal!
They all are.

—

Two old guys on a porch. They seemed full of grievance. Trump supporters. They heard me at the neighbor’s door and waved their hand for me to go away. Are they just nihilists with an unhappy life who want to "burn it all down”?

—

One young woman answered the door.
No, no. We’re a Republican house.
I encourage you to think for herself.
Yes, that’s why I’m voting for Trump.

—

One Trump voting mother was sure that her neighbors were non-citizen voters. (They weren’t.) She said that her daughter was a Swifty for Harris. I commended her for raising a daughter who thought for herself. She liked that.

—

One lady was not voting at all because she is a Jehovah’s Witness. They believe that imperfect humans can never solve our problems. Jesus will return soon. She handed me a Watchtower pamphlet.

—

A young fellow was not voting because of the Gaza war and the U.S. funding of Israel. He was a "single issue” voter. On inquiry he is a progressive published author with a Wikipedia page: Malcom Harris.

—

Several women were another kind of “single issue” voter: firmly anti-abortion. They are protecting the rights of not yet viable (but they think fully “human”) fertilized eggs.

—

So these were some of the Pennsylvania Trumpists. I did have many encouraging conversations with Harris supporters who seemed glad to have someone to talk to about the election.

I offered them these things which they appreciated:

• For me, the alternative is unthinkable.
• He is not a good role model for our children.
• He is a liar, fraudster, sexual predator, and a cheat.
• He can talk (and talk and talk) but it’s mostly just blathering.
• He is a convicted felon with 3 more indictments for insurrection and theft.
• I’m not a religious person but I am praying.
• I’m sad that that 40% of my fellow Americans have "lost their minds”.
• Inflation was a global phenomenon caused by the pandemic recovery. It was not caused by Biden’s economic policies. The strong U.S. economy is now the envy of the whole world.
• I think it is high time for a woman president. Kamala is very qualified and a top-notch choice.

Let’s hope (and pray) for the best,

Jon

P.S. Culinary report:

I don’t understand tattoos but I found this cool:

Next