Obama Takes Iowa

I introduced my Diva in Training to politics on December 9th, 2007 when I took her to Columbia for the Barack Obama rally. There was a lot of speculation that the crowd was there just to see Oprah. Some probably were, but based on the energy and the organization of the volunteers, many were there to support Obama. To show up and show out, as we southerners like to say. Now, it's a risky thing taking a 12 year old to anything, but especially something that does not involve other 12 year olds or shopping. DIT was all over it. She took video footage with her camera, she really listened to the speakers and got into the entire process. She clapped and yelled and had a great time. But what was amazing to me was when she called her dad on the drive home and was able to give him a succinct, but accurate report on the rally. Her final thoughts to her dad were that she was very happy that I had taken her to her first political rally (her exact words) and that she couldn't wait to support Barack Obama.

Now, at the time, I was still back and forth about who would actually get my vote during the primary. Let's face it, the lines aren't that distinct when it comes to the issues. It is the energy of Obama that started to draw my attention. Most of all, it was his ability to capture the attention of my 12 year old that made me stop in my tracks. She has been watching the news, and hearing the discussions I'm having with friends and family. She is weighing the pros and cons of each candidate and learning where they stand on the issues. She is learning to be an informed voter, years before she will ever cast her first vote. But most importantly, she is learning that she can take a stand. That while she may only have one vote, it is her inalienable right to cast it any way she wishes. When she got off the phone with her dad, she expressed to me that she would like for us to work as volunteers on the Obama campaign. I was bustin' at the seams with pride. All my lectures about social responsibility; too whom much is given, much is required, etc. were not in vain.

Now granted, she still has some hard lessons ahead of her regarding politics and the political process. Disappointment, distrust, and cynicism await. Sad, but true. But I hope that she never loses the belief that she can make a difference. Her excitement about the upcoming presidential election is innocent and wondrous. I wish that she could always have those feelings when it comes to politics, but I know better than that. If she manages to remain passionate about making her world a better place, then I have accomplished one of my goals as a parent.

But the title for this post is : Obama Takes Iowa. This excerpt from an article in today's New York Times by Adam Nagourney says it all for me:

"Mr. Obama’s victory in this overwhelmingly white state was a powerful answer to the question of whether America was prepared to vote for a black person for president. What was remarkable was the extent to which race was not a factor in this contest. Surveys of voters entering the caucuses also indicated that he had won the support of many independents, a development that his aides used to rebut suggestions from rivals that he could not win a general election. In addition, voters clearly rejected the argument that Mr. Obama does not have sufficient experience to take over the White House, a central point pressed by Mrs. Clinton."

I'm pretty sure it's evident by my post who I am supporting in the South Carolina primary. I don't care who you vote for, I just care that you exercise your right to vote. You don't want me coming back and giving the "people died so that you would have the right to vote lecture". It ain't pretty, and it's really long.

Just remember, your kids are watching you. They aren't going to do what you tell them, they are going to do what you do.