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This whole thread is a mess in regards to the argument that canvassing is dangerous during Covid and the main reason for this is because it doesn't actually really use any substantive data in regards to the transmission of the virus nor does it show how the others side 1/? https://twitter.com/RossMoRock/status/1305957035624800256
Argument(s) are faulty.
1) "Values" is a ridiculous thing to use when arguing for any position but is even worse when we're talking about science. Ideology is always at play when interpreting the world but u should still use arguments that can be supported with stats so that 2/?
1) "Values" is a ridiculous thing to use when arguing for any position but is even worse when we're talking about science. Ideology is always at play when interpreting the world but u should still use arguments that can be supported with stats so that 2/?
It's easier to analyze the conclusions that are made in ones argument. Feelings are abstract and require to prove things like "intent" which is intangible but arguments using numbers are more easily broken down and apply to the tangible world. 3/?
2) "Scale and compliance" are good starting points to use in this argument against canvassing since in the case of viral transmission the # of ppl having contact with one another is a factor along with the rate of compliance of recommended behavior. 4/?
The points Ross makes though are still flimsy because in talking about the numbers of those involved in a campaign he frames it as if all the candidates, volunteers/staff, and the voters they would potentially encounter would all be in the same area 5/? https://twitter.com/RossMoRock/status/1305957037461975042?s=20
Rather than understanding that they are spread out throughout the country. Even if we just use the example of a particular district there's also the fact that given the factors of the virus spread are both mask wearing and ventilation u can change procedures around 6/?
Door-knocking to still be within those two factors. U can make it so that ppl only have one-on-one convo's with voters who live in houses while keeping both six feet away and wearing a mask yourself. They can even just talk through the window and not step outside their door. 7/?
For apartment buildings that require you to go indoors and thus decreases ventilation u can simply do a combination of calling those voters and simply sliding Literature beneath ppls doors without needing to have a conversation. There's also the possibility of simply talking 8/?
To ppl while they're outside before they enter the building but I know outreach is targeted to specific ppl so it would be impossible to know when to catch them while they're about to go inside but the other options are still viable. 9/?
Finally u can also adjust this strategy given the Political Tilt, how Blue or Red, the area cuz much Bluer areas will be following the mask wearing than more Red ones. This poll is from July but I doubt the numbers have changed by much. 10/? https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/meet-the-press/poll-mask-wearing-divisions-remain-even-coronavirus-cases-spike-n1235028
If ppl are immuno-compromised or have pre-existing conditions and/or live with ppl with such things than they can simply not do the canvassing and simply call voters which is good cuz density of ppl in one area, like a campaign office, is a factor in regards to transmission. 11/?
The offices themselves need to not have alot of ppl and good ventilation to the outside air so if possible the windows and doors need to be opened frequently but density of ppl in one space is the biggest issue given that ppl will be wearing masks inside. 12/?
Just citing this poll doesn't mean much given that most aren't aware of the main vectors of the virus transmission that I have mentioned above plus I also pointed out that ppl don't have to talk from their doors in regards to Houses not apartments. 13/? https://twitter.com/RossMoRock/status/1305957038439137280?s=20
I'm gonna take the position that the "potential blowback" is minimal given that overall Democratic-Leaning voters are much more receptive to logic under the condition that u form your arguments well and give wide access to the evidence ur using to bolster ur point. 14/?
It's a given that no one fully digest info the first time u give it to them so to really have it sink in you'll have to give multiple engaging talks with ppl in the community but as I said if I think most will see the logic given the evidence I'm gonna list in the next tweets15/?
Article from June 17 that shows how both mask wearing and being outside(ventilation) didn't cause a spike even though ppl weren't keeping 6ft apart. 16/? https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2020/06/protests-covid-outdoor-masks.amp?__twitter_impression=true
Article from July 8, almost a month after the previous article, further bolstering the points that given good ventilation and mask wearing the "6ft" rule is made negligible. 17/? https://www.healthline.com/health-news/black-lives-matter-protests-didnt-contribute-to-covid19-surge
Finally the best article so far that solidifies that transmission is largely a function of ventilation and mask wearing and less to do with surface transmission and physical proximity when the first two factors are both being implemented. 18/? https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2020/07/scourge-hygiene-theater/614599/
So actually there's alot of upside to knocking on doors cuz u can reach ppl who may not answer their phones with little downside given the arguments I listed above. 19/? https://twitter.com/RossMoRock/status/1305957039382900736?s=20
I do think that campaigns should try to implement this into their voter outreach strategy as well for the situations I listed above where door-to-door convo's are more risky. 20/? https://twitter.com/RossMoRock/status/1306000519920578560?s=20
I welcome pushback towards anything in this thread and/or questions so don't hesitate but if you're doing the former make sure u substantively show how u think I'm incorrect. This means providing links to studies/articles. 21/?
Finally here's a good article describing the likelihood of transmission given certain factors. 22/22 https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/2020/08/how-to-measure-risk-airborne-coronavirus-your-office-classroom-bus-ride-cvd/
