PLEASE READ: My bittersweet morning commute on super tuesday

On my usual morning commute in the subway full of students and middle class workers, a young black woman takes the seat next to me. My guess was she was a high school student, it turns out she's 16. My Boston Globe was open to campaign news and she asked who I was voting for today. Trying not to establish a hard position and scare her away, I replied that I wasn't sure, maybe Obama but probably Hillary. We proceeded to have a lively, in depth conversation about the benefits and detractions of both democratic presidential candidates.

How refreshing, rewarding and comforting to listen to someone who's too young to vote but still cares about all of the issues. She was spot on, barring some of the main stream media drivel, and gave a reasoned answer to my question - who would you vote for? She supported both democratic candidates but felt Obama was right for the job now. She also mentioned that after watching the debates (yeah, she watched the debates!) McCain wasn't all that bad, that he made some good points. She liked him too.

Isn't this what it's all about? And maybe, just maybe, this is what Obama has brought to the forefront - every voter, no, every american, caring about who's in the White House.

Ok, now I'm feeling a little verklempt. Talk amongst yourselves.

P.S. Please K&R for all of us.

Thanks.

Its great for all of us.

She will be voting for the first time in November and has been following the process closely. My two sons, 14 and 10, are also begging to go. They actually come home from school and watch MSNBC to get the latest. (They refuse to watch Tucker, however.) HA!

Just sweet. :hug:

Just outstanding.

I think we should lower the minimum voting age to 16.

Let's not be afraid of young people. It's their world too.

I remember distinctly those of us in HS in 2002 who were 18 and the massive student campaign to write in "Mr. Bill" (ooohhhhh nooooooooo) in as Pres. Most young people play these elections as a joke and don't take it serious. IF most 16 year olds could prove they're responsible enough, then I'm all with you, but to take our elections as a joke is no laughing matter (pun intended).

and she said, no. She felt that at 16 you haven't had enough experience, knowledge and responsibilities to appreciate the importance of voting. Very cool girl.

My husband and I speak a lot about politics and they always said we were boring them.

For the last few months, they have been caring about it, and both of them really really got into it. My youngest son told me that he was impressed by Obama's speeches. Well, he is only 15, so he does not really understand the issues deeply (he cares about Iraq and education), but I found that interesting, because many people do not care about issues as much as we do, and, if somebody could move them by inspiring them, we might turn more swing voters.

It's great to see her so engaged in the process though. Great story!