My son’s elementary school, located in a bustling small town of around 4000 found squarely within the big battleground state of Pennsylvania, voted Barack Obama into office today. I believe that settles it, far ahead of schedule. I hope that CNN doesn’t get too upset that I’ve broken the news so early. At least everyone can get to bed early tonight, my son in particular. He voted for McCain.<\/p>\n
I wonder if he had to wait in line. His mother and father did. My 50 minute wait to vote was an extended finale to weeks of politics overload. Pennsylvania is a swing state and you can feel it. The constant phone calls don’t allow you to forget. The mailbox is filled with pamphlets. My doorbell often signaled that another chat about our future president was about to begin.<\/p>\n
As a long time Maryland resident and registered Republican, this pleases me greatly. Concrete statistics aside, it’s nice to feel that your vote matters. It’s nice to live in a state that doesn’t hand out its electoral votes almost as a celebration of a singular mind set. It’s fascinating to live within easy driving distance of a place where a presidential candidate actually makes an appearance. It’s nice to be loved or, at least, have your vote loved like it matters. I’d tell you that it is not all sour grapes brought upon by my political affiliation but, I’d mostly be lying.<\/p>\n