When I was little, my dad always took me with him to vote. After a long line in the gym, sweating in my winter coat, there was a big lever that closed the heavy curtains. When I pushed the lever to reopen the curtains, my dad’s secret vote was recorded! My parents were Goldwater Republicans, raised in rural Nebraska, and all 3 of us kids perplexed and irritated them by ending up progressive. Regardless, voting with them, seeing their yard signs, watching returns come in with Walter Cronkite, arguing about the Vietnam War, created citizens who participate. That seems to me is building the bedrock of democracy. What you did with your son matters.
Thanks so much for this, Garrett. I’m feeling really activated about the midterm elections and this piece was grounding for me. I also recently lost my dad to pancreatic cancer and have been thinking a lot more than I ever did before about legacy and lineage. I find it both awe-inspiring and sobering to think about the ways that the victories in freedom movements are the result of generations and generations of what Ella Baler called “spade” work—working for justice in ways that ready the soil for those who will come after us.
We are still celebrating Mamdani's win here in NYC, and we also know well the disappointment of working hard on campaigns for folks who did not win. I loved taking my springling to vote (every time) and attending a screening of Obama's inauguration in 2009 where we wept for joy. Last night, they cheered Janoo's victory in VT. We know that no one candidate is coming to save us. You are right that "politics is a folk religion of dreams and despair." We have to celebrate when we can, including the chance to be part of a failed campaign in the company of good people, including our children.
“You know, dad, I know it’s complicated, but I do feel like we’re so much farther ahead than when you were growing up.”
Wow. That's a beautiful sentiment. I hope he never gives up the fight. I mean, I volunteered for the Dukakis campaign... you just get back up and keep going. And hopefully the Democratic nominee is an okay guy and will win in November, because he must almost certainly be a better choice than the Republican.
When I was little, my dad always took me with him to vote. After a long line in the gym, sweating in my winter coat, there was a big lever that closed the heavy curtains. When I pushed the lever to reopen the curtains, my dad’s secret vote was recorded! My parents were Goldwater Republicans, raised in rural Nebraska, and all 3 of us kids perplexed and irritated them by ending up progressive. Regardless, voting with them, seeing their yard signs, watching returns come in with Walter Cronkite, arguing about the Vietnam War, created citizens who participate. That seems to me is building the bedrock of democracy. What you did with your son matters.
Thanks so much for this, Garrett. I’m feeling really activated about the midterm elections and this piece was grounding for me. I also recently lost my dad to pancreatic cancer and have been thinking a lot more than I ever did before about legacy and lineage. I find it both awe-inspiring and sobering to think about the ways that the victories in freedom movements are the result of generations and generations of what Ella Baler called “spade” work—working for justice in ways that ready the soil for those who will come after us.
We are still celebrating Mamdani's win here in NYC, and we also know well the disappointment of working hard on campaigns for folks who did not win. I loved taking my springling to vote (every time) and attending a screening of Obama's inauguration in 2009 where we wept for joy. Last night, they cheered Janoo's victory in VT. We know that no one candidate is coming to save us. You are right that "politics is a folk religion of dreams and despair." We have to celebrate when we can, including the chance to be part of a failed campaign in the company of good people, including our children.
Why am I sobbing?? Amazing work as always Garrett. Grateful for you!
Lovely reminiscence that transcends politics.
“You know, dad, I know it’s complicated, but I do feel like we’re so much farther ahead than when you were growing up.”
Wow. That's a beautiful sentiment. I hope he never gives up the fight. I mean, I volunteered for the Dukakis campaign... you just get back up and keep going. And hopefully the Democratic nominee is an okay guy and will win in November, because he must almost certainly be a better choice than the Republican.
THANK YOU!!💖
I thought of you immediately when I saw the news about Hong. You are laudably philosophical here and also, THIS SUCKS. I'm sorry.
Beautiful. Thanks for making me cry and want to call my grown kids.
I Idub Thee Toby Ziegler!