obama campaign trail in pittsburgh - part 2

the level of intensity within the obama campaign in pittsburgh continues to build. the pittsburgh area is divided up into two main offices, one north and one south, and there are small satellite "staging offices" in almost every small township and suburb in the area. the hours are ridiculously long, and the vast majority of the staff get paid little or nothing, but the level of commitment is unwavering. the eating habits are terrible for most of us, eating whatever is quick and available, whenever they can. but food and drinks keep arriving day and night from local supporters, which is much appreciated.

one major edge of the obama campaign over the clinton campaign is the ground campaign. over a month of work on the ground here doing canvassing, phone calls and other organizing has created a impressive list of supporters and volunteers. and this week all that pre-work is put in overdrive, and the people have been coming out in droves to make it happen here in pittsburgh.

tonight i will go to a "steelers for obama" rally, which promises to be huge. got the video camera, and will be filming in between volunteering. the obama staff have joked about wanting to get a hold of "steelers for obama" gear, because that alone could win pittsburgh given how much the residents love their football team.

people of all ages stream in and out of the office at all hours of the day. and there are a handful of staff whose main job is to route the volunteers and get them working. younger residents have been making a splash here, including this group of kids who are making phone calls for the campaign (what an amazing education in grassroots democracy!).