Chess

First day in the Chicago office.

By now, I'm pretty used to showing up to an office only to be relegated to a phone bank in the corner of the room. Without a contact, I might as well support Hillary. Luckily I have a strategy.

This strategy has three fronts.

First, I build on the coalition formed in Galveston. This group of people is probably the greatest godsend that I could have hoped for. We have a new operation forming in Indiana, and my first priority is to see this form into action. My first rush of adrenaline in this new phase came today when I received an email from Kelli, ending in all caps: "OWN IT, NICK!"

Second, I plan a trip to Philly. This comes down to one word... experience. In Galveston, there was one guy who kept quiet, but was always there when something important happened. If there's one person I want to show me the ropes, it's him, and he's going to be in Philly for the PA primary.

Third, I search for the holy grail... that strategy team that is hidden behind the smoke and mirrors of "grassroots organization." My quest has had some clear leads. I have identified an external consultancy that models the importance of precincts based on demographics. After some careful research, I now have a treasure map. All that's left is getting past the ogre of secrecy and closedmindedness that guards the gates.

With these three fronts, I will have a network, experience, and expertise, to make up for a lack of money, wit, and boyish charm. And who needs any of those when I have Obama on my side?