Onward, Obama!

4 years ago tonight, I was flailing around on a treadmill, panting and crying while watching the election returns at the YMCA because we didn’t have a tv at home. Then we drove around town, honking for the sheer joy of being part of an incredible, historical night. I talked to my parents on the phone and hugged strangers with glee. 4 years later, and it ain’t the same.

Almost four years out, and you start to feel safe, like you’re done with all the firsts- you’re over the worst of it. First birthday without him, first Christmas without him, first time you watch a movie without him, first time you eat a vanilla/vanilla cupcake without him. Of course, with timing and all, I didn’t think through that this would be the first presidential election without him. I didn’t think that far ahead.

Greg was politically-minded. He had an imaginary soapbox and he would take a pretend hop down after a rant. He enjoyed watching Rachel Maddow and arguing with Fox news anchors from his armchair. I loved talking politics with my dad, and I’ve missed his insights and attention to detail during this round of election bidness; but I’m still grateful for the analytic skills and interest that he passed on to me.

Thanks to a fabulous benefactress (Thank you Mrs. Sharon), my class receives Scholastic News magazines to keep up with current events. For the past couple of weeks, Room 20 has been Election Central as we read up on the candidates’ stances, re-enacted debates, watched videos online, and tackled tough vocabulary straight from the news. Some of the kids were pretty sure they knew how I felt, but I never came right out and confirmed or denied. I borrowed one of Greg’s lines, and every time they’d ask about my own beliefs, I’d reply: “It’s not my job to INFORM you so you can think like me- it’s my job to INSPIRE you to seek out information and take a stand of your own.”

To make the whole experience more personal, we were gearing up for a Class Presidential Election that also took place today. This morning at my polling place, I charmed one of the election officials into giving me enough “I voted” stickers for every student in my class. Last night I created ballots with all of the candidates, and a space to vote in the Presidential Election just for fun. Students created their own platforms, and a nomination process took place last week. There were debates, town hall meetings, and advertisements (construction paper posters, but whatever; some of those were still better made than the shit I’ve seen on tv these last few weeks). This morning, candidates had their final opportunity to make a speech and take a few questions, and the absolute quality, insight, and intelligence made my heart explode with pride (and occasionally made my face explode with laughter). Some examples:

• If elected, how will you support Mrs. Rodriguez on a daily basis?
• If you were the class president, what would you do if someone was falsely accused of being a bully?
• What is your stance on homework?
• How will you and your running mate handle disagreements?
• What is your position regarding cafeteria rules? 

And then there was the student who asked, “What inspired you to run for President?” and the candidate that answered, “I see a lot of room for improvement in this class- and I've got big plans!” And the candidate who promised there would be a lot more class parties if she is elected, only to be challenged by another candidate: “And who’s going to PAY for these parties? Parties cost MONEY! No new taxes!” Yes, this is really the language they used. I was so impressed (and amused)!

We’re still waiting to hear from the rest of the country, but in Room 20 I’m happy to announce that the Obama/Biden ticket won by a landslide. Voter turnout was 100% and apathy was nowhere in sight. Greg’s inspiration carries on in a new generation……