Update: Wow, featured on the Election Diary Rescue? Thank you for the warm, welcome guys. I look forward to continue to write on here!
I've been fortunate enough to be 18 - soon 19 - in a presidential election year. To those who say 2012 doesn't carry the passion of 2008 are wrong. Many of my peers have become politically aware during this election and care deeply about its outcome. I have to thank the Evergreen State's initiative to do all-mail voting, it's allowed us to cast our ballots between school, work, and family. I've yet to meet a person who wishes Washington organized elections like the rest of the country.
That being said, you guys here at Daily Kos have been instrumental in informing not just me, but my girlfriend and my friends, about progressive issues and ideas. It's inspired my previously apolitical girlfriend to volunteer for Planned Parenthood, myself to volunteer for Darcy Burner's Congressional campaigns, and my best friend whom never talked politics to take progressive issues to heart.
We're all passionate and hope for the President's reelection and believe in everything that he has put forward for our generation. On the economy, on education, on foreign policy, and on social issues. From what I've witnessed as myself and others my age become more aware to politics, it's social issues that are swaying us. To Republicans this cycle who say social issues don't matter: you're losing potential future faithful. Overwhelmingly do my peers support the President because of his progressive stance on social issues: marriage equality, healthcare, women's health. If the GOP decides to endorse similar positions (which we all know they will not), it will be too little, too late.
I wanted my first diary to be a thank you to Daily Kos. I've followed you guys throughout the primaries and the election, and it's shown me that my greatest passion in life are the issues facing us today.