Despite the fact that Wisconsin doesn't vote for two more weeks and that I may or may not have a vote that really matters here, I am more excited by this Super Tuesday than I have been by American politics since, oh, watching election night returns in 1996 (the first year I was eligible to vote), or possibly even since 1992.
I'm not sure why. It's not just my man Obama, as exciting as he is. It's not just the prospect of a non-Bush presidency, as exciting as that may be, because I truly won't believe that until I see it.
I think it's seeing actual Americans excited, the giddiness of seeing votes slowly trickle in from all over the country in so many regions, the incredibly high turnout rate, particularly among the 18-24s, etc, that have been happening for this whole election season. My greatest shame as an American has always been our atrocious low voter turnout rate. We preached democracy but Bush was actually "elected" by 1/4 of the American populace--- not half, because barely half of us usually vote. Elect who you want, disagree with me on politics, as long as you've read about the person you're voting for, fine, I respect you. Just vote.
Today all of the states in which I have previously lived, even for just PARTS of weeks-- New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts--- have voted, and all I did was bring in my proof of residence to REGISTER to vote. Now here I am in the Badger State and I have to wait two more weeks.
But we'll be a swing state in the general election. Won't you all be jealous then :-)
Above, the blazing sky over Wisconsin on Christmas eve when we went out for a scenic drive. Even though I know what time it was, I'll muse, like Ben Franklin, on whether it is a rising or a setting sun for America.
And that's about as patriotic and schmaltzy as I get.
