I Get It

It's been almost six months since Michelle's visit to Utah. It amazes me that the REDDEST STATE (for my political babies that are just learning that means a conservative state) was privileged with the presence of a Democrat. Barack was scheduled to come but with the passing of President Hinckley it was decided that his trip would be cancelled out of respect and honor for the late prophet. When it was confirmed that Michelle was to come in his place, I'll be honest, I was even more thrilled. These videos are from that visit.

Having dedicated much of my time during the months of November, December, and January to this campaign I grew to know the characters of Barack and Michelle. How they run this campaign, with respect and dignity, trickles down to even the lowliest volunteer. They care deeply for one another, for their daughters, for their unique heritages, for God, and for this country.

I have found myself defending my regard for Barack and this campaign on a daily basis. A few days ago I received an email from an 'acquaintance' attacking me for going 'against the faith' that I cherish. The argument was that I have simply gotten atop a band wagon without truly knowing in which direction I am heading, that it is the 'hype and fad' I am intrigued with. Oh GOODNESS!! I have cooled down and responded with this ...

I am not one to go with the 'hype or fad'. I am a 25 year old single Mormon Girl working for a democrat in the state of Utah. I have not read Harry Potter nor seen the films. I refuse to talk through my nose and click my tongue. I share my life with a variety of people, only a portion being those that share my faith. I do not succumb to the wind. I am not ignorant of the issues nor of Barack's positions, I share his views on Health Care, the War, Education, Immigration ... I could go on. What we also have to look at however is the fact that enthusiasm, hope, and a man to inspire these things in people is a reason to vote for him or at the very least consider him. To have a man of integrity in the White House will change America. The policies are going to change constantly, the arguments to evolve with time, but a person's character is what ~ hopefully ~ remains intact through it all. It's that trust that will change how Americans feel about the Man in the White House. It's that trust that will continue to inspire the my generation, the previous apathetic generation, to get out and not simply vote but speak up about voting. It's that trust that will make our Nation the Nation that our Founding Fathers dreamed of. It's that trust, that character, that Man that will continue to cultivate hope.

We can argue where Barack stands on the issues, whether he and the Church are in juxtapositions or not (let us remember that the LDS Church takes NO POSITION, simply encourages us to be proactive in our political process)... but at night, he's tucking the girls in bed, kissing Michelle goodnight and praying to God for the chance to do it again tomorrow while helping others to have the hope for it as well.

This is not just hype or a fad, we have gained the nomination. This is historic. This is change. This is hope. I get it!