Many Americans say they feel alienated from politics. Many don't even bother to vote. That's too bad for a whole host of reasons, including some serious ones related to the health of our Democracy, etc. For the moment, though, I just want to focus on another reason: they're missing out on a whole lot of fun! Food, friends, comaraderie, team bonding, meeting new people you never would have met otherwise, getting a lot of great excercise, working up a sweat, pushing yourself to the max, talking, laughing, crying, taking up a challenge and then accomplishing it. That's what grassroots politics can be all about. And that's exactly what I had the chance to experience yesterday, with the David Englin campaign. Today, although my feet are a bit sore and my voice a bit hoarse, I wouldn't trade that experience for anything. A few snippets from yesterday:
*Meeting up at 6 AM at the Abingdon Elementary School, where over the next few hours I had the chance to get to know some of my elected officials (Paul Ferguson and Mary Hynes, both super-nice people who were campaigning for Libby Garvey) as well as other friendly folks working hard for other candidates.
*Having the chance to talk to the local Republican organizer, a good guy despite our political differences. I'll tell you, working side-by-side in the 90-degree heat can really break down animosity and inter-party divisions.
*Discussing his just-announced candidacy with Chris Gregerson, a Republican who has never run for anything before but will be attempting to take on David Englin this fall. Although Gregerson' s chances are miniscule (actually, that's a major overstatement), he certainly was enthusiastic as he told me about his unorthodox views (for a Republican) in favor of gay marriage, stem cell research ("go for it!"), and legal abortion to protect the life and health of the mother. It was also refreshing to hear an honest admission from a politician that he hadn't thought at all about lots of issues, like capital punishment or guns. In other words, these politicians are real people, something you realize when you get out there and interact with them. (By the way, I wonder what Jerry Kilgore would have to say about Chris Gregerson, an Alexandria/Arlington brand of Republican who makes most Democrats look conservative!).
*Checking out "Camp David," filled with youthful energy, air conditioning (phew!), and a well-stocked pantry filled with food (mmmm...raisin cookies!) and drink, all much needed after standing out in the blazing hot sun for several hours.
*Walking all around the neighborhoods of south Arlington and Alexandria, knocking on peoples' doors to GOTV. This can be a thankless, frustrating job, but it also has its rewards, like the woman who told me that not only would she vote, but that she would also send out a listserv message to her entire community, urging them to get out and vote for David.
*Working the whole day with a creative, smart, focused precinct captain named Kip, taking the bull by the horns, and "just doing it!"
*Experiencing the low point of the day in the mid-afternoon, when things didn't seem to be going well, turnout seemed abysmally low, and the campaign was scrambling to figure out the best course of action for the waning hours.
*Watching one of the most talented volunteers I've ever seen in action, a guy (I think his name was Nathan, but correct me if I'm wrong please!) who I swear can read people better than just about anyone I've ever met. This person may have singlehandedly helped David Englin win dozens of votes he wouldn't have gotten otherwise, talking to them as they arrived at the polls and talking to them about the issues they cared about. The enthusiasm, talent and commitment of people like "Nathan" and his friend Amber give me hope for our country.
*Waiting for the results to trickle in along with a packed, hot crowd of anxious but optimistic campaign volunteers as people munched pizza, sushi, fruit, and one of the most decadent chocolate cakes I've ever seen! :)
*The anticipation every time the telephone rang, as the results became clear and as opponents called in to concede to David.
*The impromptu, inspirational victory speech by David Englin, which inspired everyone in the room, not that they needed much more inspiration at that point! Still, it was truly touching to watch the mixture of sweat and tears on David's face, as he thanked his supporters, hugged his wife, and tried to speak as his voice choked with heartfelt emotion and gratitude. I've got to say, it's moments like that which make all the hard work worthwhile.
*David's classy comments about the Democrats he beat, particularly Libby Garvey, as well as about his desire to help elect Tim Kaine and other local candidates like Greg Werkheiser this fall. To me, having the chance to work with the Englins on this effort, "RaisingKaine" and "VotingStrong" together, would be a great privilege.
*The words of one of David's supporters - I didn't get her name - who presented David with a very special gift, a blue porcelain (?) donkey pulling a cart stuffed with inspirational notes from his volunteers.
So, you see, politics is not all cynicism and attack ads. It's not all smarmy political operatives. It's not all entrenched incumbents and backroom deals. It's not al "top down." It's also people like Kip, Nathan (?), Mara, Stephen, and the many others I talked to and watched in action yesterday from "Team Englin." It's meeting new friends and neighbors. It's about getting involved with your community. In other words, it's fun - try it sometime!