I'm really dating myself here.
It was 1972 and the first Presidential election since the Amendment lowering the voting age to 18 had been ratified. I was in my senior year of high school but not old enough to vote.
I was born a Democrat which is probably not so unusual in New York City. Catholic school wasn't exactly liberal but I wore my McGovern button at school every day. My best friend Tony was even more of a fanatic than I was. After school he'd take the subway downtown to go hang out at McGovern campaign headquarters. I have no idea what he did there to further McGovern's chances but he always had stories. It was part of his social agenda. A couple of times I went with him and all we did was stand around looking gorgeous, attracting attention and talking to anyone who dared. What else could a couple of 17 year-old Catholic school boys do?
Tony came to school one morning with a Cheshire Cat grin. He had been at McGovern campaign headquarters the night before and he brought back treasure. They were giving away buttons to anyone who came in and wanted one. Besides the usual "McGovern for President" or "McGovern Shriver" buttons, they also had buttons for each of the boroughs that make up New York City. "Bronx for McGovern," "Brooklyn for McGovern," "Manhattan for McGovern" and "Queens for McGovern."
Since our school was in Manhattan, Tony lived in the Bronx, and I lived in Manhattan, he decided that the "Queens for McGovern" buttons would be the ones we'd wear for the rest of the campaign season. He had one for me and one for him. From then on, we wore them every day.
Even now I can't help thinking about it without a smile on my face. I don't have the button anymore but there are some still around. I found this picture online this morning posted by someone who has "Queens for McGovern" buttons for sale.