Ordinary citizens canvassing in an election seems almost quaint in the current cycle, which has all the dignity of a middle-school food fight. But last weekend, 62 volunteers from SB4Hillary rode a chartered bus to knock on doors in Las Vegas. They signed up for a weekend of no glamor, pizza on the run, and sizzling temperatures to urge Las Vegas–area Democrats to get out and vote.
At 8 a.m. on Friday, October 14, riders and assorted well-wishers assembled in front of organizer Debbie Rogow’s upper east house. Pastry, coffee, volunteers, and a number of dogs were assembled to send off the bus riders. Activists Susan Rose and Allan Ghitterman cheered everyone on and snapped pictures. People honked at the growing crowd, mostly favorably. A few sour faces drove by.
Overnight bags and backpacks loaded, box lunches were stowed and people settled in for the six-hour ride. At least the bus was plush and comfortable. The bus driver told everyone to buckle up. Then announced he’s a Hillary supporter. There were games and prizes, naps and texting. Jill Littlewood said she hadn’t had this palpable sense of togetherness since the Martin Luther King march on Washington.