The first time I voted was for George McGovern. I stayed up most of the night listening to speeches. During the years, I have probably picked more losers than winners. There have been candidates I have loved. There have been others that scared me. This year I really don't know about the outcomes. I have tried to listen to both sides. Yet, at the same time, I am weary of all of it. I really don't remember a time when there have been so many issues and so many strong opinions. And these are only the midterms!
For most of my voting life, my husband and I had nearly the same opinions when it came to politics. We didn't usually talk about who we were voting for ahead of time, but we always found out it was the same candidate. I remember one year when I didn't really like any of the major choices, and so I voted for either the Green Party or Libertarian candidate. I don't know which. And then I discovered that he voted for the same one! We liked the same news shows, and the same political commentators. He watched a lot more tv than I did, and was very well informed. Discussing politics was always fun and lively. We both had a lot to say, but we didn't usually surprise one another.
I can't say that this year. John and I both believe in the importance of voting, but I am pretty sure most of our votes will cancel one another out. He surprises me all the time. He's also very well informed, and he makes me think. But I don't think he'll try to change my mind. He just wants to hear my opinion. And that's okay with both of us. I'm looking forward to more surprises ahead.
