I know a lot of people have already written about new volunteers. There are countless stories of people getting involved in politics for the first time. That is, in part, what this election has been about. But I thought I'd share this anyway.
My mom is a two time Bush voter. She voted for him, not really for any specific reason, but just because she felt good about him. In 2004, although she liked him less than before, she didn't really trust John Kerry. She had been, up until this year, a low-information voter and had never done anything to actively support a candidate, nor indeed ever supported someone enthusiastically enough to want to.
There is though, something a little different about her political involvement story. A lot of people, this year, have been motivated and inspired by Barack Obama. And that's great. But for my mom, I think you credit this one as a victory for the traditional media. Believe me, it feels strange to say that, and it probably is weird to read it for you. But with all the attention focused on this year's elections, my mom began to be more curious about politics. As she educated herself about things, she became more and more liberal in her positions. She is now an active supporter of Barack Obama.
And I just have to say, that makes me feel really good. I've always thought, if only people knew what was really going on, they would never be able to support Bush/McCain! But anyway, it's been pretty cool watching that happen, and I'm glad that I can now discuss politics with her, and she knows exactly what I'm talking about. Even, she says, when she is doing things around the house, like laundry, she turns on C-SPAN to see what's up in the Senate!
I also want to add the story of some other people I know: a retired couple from St. Louis. They are the type of people who like to rail against the corrupt politicians and despair of anything every happening. But this year they aren't just unhappy citizens who leave off voting, thinking it won't do any good, anyway. They phone-banked for Barack Obama.
I'll bet, and I hope these stories seem familiar to you. It's people like them that have powered this campaign, and are marching us towards the finnish line. And of course, if you haven't already - get out and volunteer! Let's win this thing!