THE DEMOCRATIC RUSH
By Brie Urbanec
IV Leader Guest Columnist, Oct. 16, 2008
It’s one thing to be informed on the current issues or to do your part by voting, but nothing can even compare to the feeling of actually getting out there and working for what you believe in--making an actual impact during such a vital time.
I am president of the IVCC Democrats because of the thrill I receive from involvement and the desire for others to experience that same rush.
Our first big event planned was a trip to Iowa to canvas for presidential nominee Barack Obama. Although several students signed up only two showed up that day, Christine Boyd and me. We took our free T-shirts and loaded the bus with local union members. On the ride, I listened to the older men of the group spit out opinions on issues and policies, which is sometimes my favorite part of the political game.
When we arrived we were handed packets and given a brief run down on the process. We were to knock on the door, ask who they supported in this election and then give early voting packets if they said Obama. It all sounded a bit daunting; the whole idea of going up to a complete stranger and asking them something that people get so fired up about. Luckily, Christine and I got paired up with some old veterans of the game.
After so many closed doors and unwelcoming glares, one can’t help but began to suffer symptoms of despair. But then I was lucky enough to be the victor of the trip. One of the last doors I visited was an aged man who firmly stated he was undecided like the rest.
So I shared with him why I am voting for Obama, giving personal stories and discussing the importance. His face softened, and he said that he was leaning towards Obama now. It might not sound so incredible: someone now is considering that they might vote for your candidate, but that was a major victory.
That’s what these things are set up for, to connect with people, help them understand your point of view and get a few people leaning your way. All in all, it was successful.
The IVCC Democrats aren’t ending there; it is now time to hit the local areas. These are the ones that matter. These are the ones we can have the strongest effect on. Last week we did a little bit of door walking for the candidates. It’s much less stressful here. All we do is hand them a flyer and head on our way. But it can make such a difference.
Saturday, Oct. 11 was our biggest day, where we planned to take on all of Streator. Politics doesn’t have to be hard, straight faced work. After most strenuous tasks, we end with a few pizzas and various treats.
Our students are getting to really know the candidate personally. They are getting the opportunity to actually have an effect on an election. I have heard the excuses of people not wanting to get involved in politics.
That saddens me, because politics is so involved with them. I could not stand submitting to other people’s will, but when they opt to get involved, or even to do something as simple as mark up a ballot, they are doing just that.
I can’t wait for the days to come — for that incredible election night when I get to watch those results come in.
In fact, nothing can compare to the democratic rush.