Hey All--
I'm somewhat uncomfortable taking up diary space with a personal topic--but I've been touched to hear that folks have been asking about me the last few months, so I wanted to write a short note.
After 11/2, it took me about three or four days to even begin to deal with the reality--and once I started to get some perspective back, I felt like I needed to finally drag my lazy ass away from poll numbers and finally study for the LSAT/apply to law school. Things have, luckily, gone well on that front--at the moment, I'm debating between Penn, Duke, UVA and Gtown. I've also moved from NY to N. Carolina to live with my girlfriend--so operating now in the heart of Bush Country, which I actually think will be an invaluable experience.
Really only recently started to read the political news extensively, but it didn't take much to get those juices flowing again. Deep down, I'm just a junkie. I'm also no doubt an optimist, and, for me, the dark days of Novemeber have past. No doubt a brutal defeat that will, sadly, come with its share of hugely undesirable consequences--but at the same time, I do believe that the opportuniy exists for sweeping change on a level that I'm not sure (in hindsight) really existed this cycle.
I remain a strong believer in John Kerry--but am much more ready to acknowledge that the man was a hugely flawed candidate who ran a campaign that was, at best, competent in spurts. And despite many hugely admirable qualities, some of his blatantly obvious attempts to be all things to all people no doubt were harmful. But it's done with, so onward and upward--looking forward to fighting new battles with y'all. One of the big allures of going back to school at Penn for me(beyond it being my alma mater) is really the chance to try and take an active role in taking down Santorum--can't really think of a better use of my time than that.
I'll be back on here regularly, though it'll take me a bit of time to really get informed enough to make any kind of sensible posts. I'm also gonna try not to be as poll-oriented, just 'cause I think that 11/2 showed how even a fairly thorough and balanced look at poll numbers can lead you in the totally wrong direction. I'm gonna try and focus more on trying to really just get a feel for the pulse of what folks are feeling out there. Definitely a more broad and amorphous area of interest, but I'm pumped.
Thanks again to all those who have been asking about me and who have contacted me. Feel free to drop me an email anytime. And please excuse the use of diary space for a personal note. Look forward to debating with y'all and fighting the good fight.
-Matt