At the back of DECLARATION OF INTERDEPENDENCE there are a dozen questions to inspire readers to talk, argue, be silly, and write. I'll invite you to answer questions from that section by posting a comment here, OK? (These questions weren't in the "collector's edition e-book" but they're now in the revised e-book and will be in the paperback version that is coming out on Presidents' Day. But don't worry...I'll post all the discussion questions here.)
#1:
What is the first election you remember?
And WHAT do you remember about it?
Was it an election where you were a volunteer? An election you heard a lot about from your parents? A school election for student government or an election of a team captain?
Please tell!
The election I remember most vividly is when I walked door-to-door for McGovern near my college, where my candidate was a clear favorite. I was sure he was going to win! Nixon won by a landslide.
ReplyDeleteThe headline in the local paper the next day was: MCGOVERN SWEEPS MASSACHUSETTS.
Door-to-door: I'm impressed. I imagine that some people/houses were friendly and some...not so much...I pity the volunteers who come knocking at my door when I'm in the middle of something!
DeleteThe one that stands out for me was former President Bill Clinton. I had turned a corner in my life as a young adult, finally feeling I found my own voice and I wasn't just repeating what my parents were saying about politics. I was working at adidas and joined colleagues to listen to First Lady Hilary Clinton talk about the Clinton Healthcare proposal in Pioneer Square, downtown Portland. I really felt I was doing something by attending a rally and making a difference.
ReplyDeleteThere is actually a more recent election where I caucused for the first time - Obama and Hilary Clinton were neck to neck. I was supporting Hilary at the time! That was a really fun experience and great way to get to know the neighbors.
I've never been to a caucus but I heard that some of the caucuses that time around were amazing--so full of energy and people shouting to be heard that you felt like you were at a party!
DeleteI remember running down the big hill from the dorm (at UCLA) to campus, trying to make it to the polls in time. A friend stopped me along the way and asked why I was running. I told her, and she said, "Forget it. Your vote doesn't matter. Carter already lost." I think I got there 2 minutes before they closed the doors. It probably would've been smarter to go earlier in the day!
ReplyDeleteThe first election I remember was a mock presidential election in grade school--I think it was between Reagan and Mondale. I remember asking my parents who they were voting for so I would vote the same way in school - just wanted to be faithful to the family's ideals, I guess. Interesting to think about now.
ReplyDeleteI'll bet your parents were very pleased with you (wanting to be faithful to the family's ideals)!
ReplyDeleteI wonder: when do most kids start to think independently about political issues and candidates?