Political Party Hats

Super Tuesday has finally arrived! I don't talk about politics in my blog nearly as much as I do in my everyday life, but I am a political junkie. I didn't know Sunday was the Super Bowl until two days prior, but Super Tuesday has been on my calendar for months. I love this stuff. Being married to someone whose views clash with mine has only fueled my love. JP and I debate politics more than we discuss finances, future plans, or exchange general "How was your day?" type talk. It is not unusual for JP to walk in the door saying, "did you read X article today on CNN?!" He reads voraciously about politics and foreign affairs, I read as many internet articles as I can during class (I mean between classes), and I think we've made each other smarter, better informed, and more certain of what we believe in.

So in celebration of all things political, I'm throwing a Super Tuesday party tonight. The menu is classic American: big pots of chili (with special ranch style beans I had to order from Texas), trays of cornbread, a sheet cake courtesy of Citations, domestic beer, and Diet Coke. I dressed Landon in blue this morning and he is looking forward to showing everyone his toes and explaining the difference between regular and super-delegates (he reads Newsweek with his daddy at night). I have no idea how all my guests will fit in our living room- the response was more enthusiastic than I expected for a mid-week, last minute bash, but we'll find room. I wish I'd thought of my Super Tuesday Spectacular sooner- there are so many ideas I don't have time to implement. There could have been buttons, scarlet letter "R's", party hats, elephant noses, Pin the Tail on the Donkey, and so much more! The best I could do at the store last night was blue bowls, red plates, and white cups.

The grocery store shelves were still overloaded with Super Bowl decor and it made me think, wouldn't it be great if Americans got as excited about voting and elections as they do about football? Can you imagine a US where people throw election parties that are just as eagerly anticipated as Super Bowl parties? Where advertising spots on CNN tonight sold for as much as they did on FOX on Sunday? Politics is no more divisive than sports rivalries and can be just as approachable and fun, and though some die-hard fans may disagree, they're SO MUCH MORE important. I know many people who can recite ridiculously obscure football stats but have no clue about the basic positions of the presidential candidates. This is a sad thing. Presidents and legislators make enormously important decisions that affect your life whether you vote or not, don't you want a say in who is making them?

I think it is every citizen's duty to cast an informed vote, and one of the most exciting things about this election (besides the lack of a Bush on the ticket) has been seeing the huge increase in voting numbers- especially among women and the 18-29 age group. It's an exciting time in politics and I can't wait to start planning my November election party. Hopefully nine months will give me enough time to find donkey and elephant party hats...