I turned legal voting age in 2001. I missed the 2000 Gore V Bush election by one year. I was a senior in high school that year (2000-2001) when I first caught the political bug, thanks to a brilliant, enthusiastic History and Government teacher and current events at that time.
I missed the 'Clinton' years because I was too young and was not interested (but can appreciate it in hindsight). The following year i went on to get my BA in Political Science blah blah blah, and obviously, I'm a proud liberal Democrat.
That being said, the last 8 years of my life, the entire span of my political junkiness, has been fighting against 'the power', being against the 'status quo', and rallying against the 'evil' leader of the other party, George W. Bush.
Now, it seems (and I hope and hope and hope) that Democrat Barack Obama will win the White House. Furthermore, it looks like the Dems will control Congress.
YES! WE FINALLY DID IT! After heart breaking losses in 2000, 2002, and 2004 (with a slight reprieve in 2006), MY SIDE WILL WIN! My party will control the White House.
But my brain is not wired to play Offense! The last 8 years I had the ultimate antagonist, George W. Bush, to frame my political and philosophical and world views against. It energized me to want to change the direction of this country. Bush was the ultimate political antagonist, punching bag, punch line, and stress inducer.
Now my party will be in control, and I have to defend. I am glad, but theres something special that occurs when you 'fight the system'. Will I be as engaged in politics? There are no 'enemies' only 'good guys'. Will this disillusion my political views? Will i end up complacent and indifferent?
So, my plea is for HELP! How do i play Defense when all I've known is political offense?!
Any thoughts, ideas? Thanks!