Tonight we had dinner with an 82 year old Obama supporter and my 93 year old mother (who is a Republican). I have written about Herb before, because he lives in this assisted living facility, was a former Republican but who read Obama's books and who has just voted for Obama via absentee ballot.
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How did I convince a lifelong Republican to vote for Obama? In Herb's case, it was because he was educated and smart to start with. He had no alzheimers or dementia but had had a stroke and was stuck in this facility with very little stimulation. When I would go visit my mother, I would stop by and talk to him, and after awhile, we talked politics and I discovered that somehow he had a copy of Obama's book, and that started the dialogue.
As I would visit, we would discuss the issue of the day -- Obama's support of the FISA bill which Herb opposed but admired Obama's independence on the issue; the debates which he watched attentively but didn't always think Obama "won". But Herb steadfastly stayed with Obama, reading both his books, following everything he could in the newspapers and on the internet when he could get access to the facility computer.
Tonight at dinner -- Herb admitted that he would have to seriously consider returning to Australia, where he lived for some years and has co-citizenship -- if McCain wins the election. But he said he is upbeat about the election and thinks Obama has a good chance.
On the drive home, Herb said that he "just likes Obama." He said he felt Obama was a good man, the kind you would want to just give a hug to if that opportunity came your way. Obama will not come to our town. We are too liberal and too safe for any visit. But I love the idea that 82 year old Herb could ever have a hug with Obama. It would be a picture I'd love to take.
Here's the main point -- how many of us have the opportunity to talk to older folks about their political preferences? How often do we take the time to have a dialogue, argue a bit and try to make our point to them about the importance of this election? I would love to hear from all of you about your contacts with grandparents or their friends, and other than going to Florida to threaten your grandparents ala Sarah Silverman, how do you plan to influence the older voter in your life?