In the heart of western Wisconsin, a unique approach to political campaigning is taking place, one that goes beyond the traditional door-to-door canvassing. It's a strategy that combines vulnerability, empathy, and a deep understanding of healthcare issues, and it's proving to be a powerful tool for Democrats aiming to sway voters in the upcoming congressional race. This method, known as "deep canvassing," involves lengthy discussions with neighbors, often lasting 15-20 minutes, about healthcare policies rather than specific candidates. The goal is to gauge initial support for a policy and then see if that support evolves by the end of the conversation.
At the forefront of this initiative is Bill Hogseth, the co-executive director and lead organizer of GrassRoots Organizing Western Wisconsin (GROWW). Hogseth, who lives with multiple seizures a week, stands on doorsteps, sharing his personal experiences with strangers. His vulnerability encourages others to open up, sharing their own stories of ambulance rides, hospital bills, and broken bones. This approach is designed to build trust and foster a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by the community.
Healthcare has become a critical issue in Wisconsin, with system failures becoming a political liability. Democrats are highlighting the potential cuts to Medicaid and Medicare, brought about by the Republican-backed 'big beautiful bill.' Two hospitals in western Wisconsin have already closed permanently in 2024, and researchers predict more closures or service reductions. This has led to a surge in deep canvassing efforts, with GROWW aiming to have 4,000 conversations in the northern part of the third congressional district from May to November.
Rebecca Cooke, the Democratic candidate facing Republican representative Derrick Van Orden, prioritizes "healing our healthcare system" on her website. She shares her own experience of canceling her insurance through the ACA due to rising costs, a sentiment echoed by many voters. The conversations during deep canvassing often revolve around personal stories of healthcare struggles, from kidney stones to cancer care, and the peculiarities of medical billing. These discussions reveal the failures of the US healthcare system and the impact on individuals and families.
GROWW's strategy targets the political middle, seeking to talk to people who are neither strong Democrats nor strong Republicans. The script used by canvassers helps illustrate how Congress's decisions affect everyday people. By inviting locals to a summit on the topic, GROWW aims to build long-term organizing efforts. However, not all conversations lead to increased support for expanding BadgerCare, the state's Medicaid program.
Despite some initial resistance, deep canvassing has shown to be effective in reducing prejudice and exclusionary attitudes. Studies commissioned by People's Action in 2020 revealed that this method can change voting behavior. The strategy has gained traction in western Wisconsin, with protests against Republican healthcare policies, including those supported by Van Orden. These protests have brought attention to the personal stories of those affected by healthcare cuts, such as Mark Steigerwald, whose health insurance premiums nearly tripled due to the end of Covid-era subsidies.
The deep canvassing approach, combined with personal stories and protests, is reshaping the political landscape in Wisconsin. It challenges the cynicism and hopelessness that often accompany political issues, fostering a sense of shared responsibility for humanity's well-being.
