What I have Learned Thus Far

I remember the day so clearly it's as if it just happened. I met my good friend Brad Richardson at Young's Plantation Inn for my very first Florence County Republican Party meeting. There also was a newcomer like myself, Renee Woodberry. Together the three of us sat and observed and after we took it all in, I for one kinda liked it. I viewed politics as the perfect vehicle to carry my ideas and thoughts of change for our country and our state to the next level. I was hooked. Am I still? Read on....

It's been a few years now and I here I sit, still involved, still active. Lately it's been more from the perspective of campaigning as opposed to local politics but still interesting and educational nonetheless. And while I still proudly wear the label of volunteer, having not broken through the threshold of being a full time paid staffer yet, I find it fascinating to watch these "paid guys" in their natural habitat. Whatever I thought I knew about campaigning before this, boy was I wrong. It's a world like no other. The people, the sights, the sounds; all have been full of surprises both good and bad. And sometimes indifferent. (And slightly bizarre)

The first poignant observation from this up and coming, non blue blazer wearing (except for that one time and no, it wont happen again) shiny new politico is this. Everything you need to know about campaigning is not contained in a book nor a classroom. You can't take a course on how to win over voters or read through the chapter on how to persuade people to donate to your campaign during these tough economic times. Because that chapter doesn't exist. While I commend those who spend the majority of their adult lives obtaining advanced degrees in politics, public administration and the like, I have found that when talking with these people, they have lost touch with reality. The world we live in is made up of those who care more about how they are going to make their mortgage payment as opposed to hearing about the history behind the political process. While I think that advanced education would come in handy in Washington writing legislative briefs and press releases, when it comes down to the nitty gritty grassroots efforts needed to actually win, you need to have lived and currently live in the real world to understand what the average voter wants, needs, and desires from a campaign and candidate. As Carrie Bradshaw once said, "When real people fall down in life, they get right back up and keep on walking" Yeah... I went there. 

We are only a few short weeks from the June 12th primary. Campaign signs are being erected, our television sets are being taken over by candidates stating why we should vote for them (thrown in with the occasional baby, bible, and hard hat), and our mailboxes are beginning to fill up with palm cards, invites, and even pairs of scissors. As an outsider looking out from the inside I still hold on to the same ideal I wrote about many moons ago. At the end of the day what matters most to your average voter is not who had the most campaign signs out or who had the slickest commercial, what people want is simple. And free. They want to be part of the process.They want to know they matter. What they think, what they want, what they need. They want to know all of that matters to someone. If you can truly touch someone and make them realize you honestly care about them and what they have to say, you have not only gained one vote, you have accomplished what the goal of any campaign should be. You gave a voice to the people. You became an advocate for those who, throughout their lives, have been longing to be heard. You alone gave them something to believe in. And that my friends... That is what wins elections.

So in closing, while this campaign season is far from over, I have learned a lot. The experiences I have had and the people I have met have been priceless. While not all positive, campaigning is like life. You take the good with the bad and in the end, you hopefully wind up a little smarter. A little wiser. And with a new found respect for those who dedicate their lives to using the political platform and process to give the people, the masses, something to look forward to. Something to put their hopes and dreams into. This is bigger than us, my friends. This is our future in the making.

Hard Workin' Man

What do you think of when someone mentions the name, Andre Bauer? The name alone conjures up many a notion but I think it's time the record is set straight. Last night, as Andre was weaving together the story of his life to this point during an interview, I walked away with a much better sense of this elusive figure. To me, Andre has always been a guarded mystery but for the first time last night I saw him open up to us, the public. The words he spoke were a beautiful tribute to Andre, the man behind the blue blazer. 

I am sure many of you reading this now have many a poor story that would bring a tear to the eye of anyone who knew of your plight growing up. I sure do have my share. I remember when I saw 9 my mother and I lived in Texas. My parents had just divorced and I was thrust into a whole new world. The childhood I once knew had been forever lost. That year all I looked forward to was Christmas. My mother couldn't afford to buy me much so I waited for my father to send me, and I remember this as if it were yesterday, a Gameboy and games and several new micro-machine cars. We didn't have a car at the time, our feet being our main mode of transportation, so of course my presents arrived at the post office on Christmas Eve late in the day. The postmaster knew we were waiting for that particular package so she called us. Then, armed with not much more than a coat and gloves and pure determination, my mother and I walked for several miles in the snow and sleet to the post office and back because growing up, it's always just been my mother and I. No big family, just us. And it turned out to be a great Christmas. Staying up late playing with my games, my mother making me hot chocolate and the two of us looking out the window, watching the snow. Looking back I have to admit those were some of my happiest memories. It's because of those experiences growing up that I have a better understanding of mankind and what makes us tick. And for being someone who wants to break into the world of politics one day, I am one with the people. The masses. I have not and will not lose touch with the common man. But, guess what? I stand here not alone. Last night I found out that one man stands side by side with us. Andre Bauer. 

I can read people fairly well. If you're lying to me, I'll know it. But last night, as Andre painted a picture of his journey from young boy going through the divorce of his parents to young man working his way through college to the strong, independent man he is today, he was genuine. Honest. He spoke so eloquently of his boyhood memories and working hard from an early age to live the life he not only knew he could have but that he knew he deserved. I have to be honest. I never knew Andre had such an inspirational story. He recanted us with one tale of a time when he would sell candy at school instead of using his free lunch card because even at a young age Andre knew that to make it in this life you don't wait for someone else to pick you up, you pick yourself up. What a strong willed, determined young man he must have been. That perseverance and will has stayed with him to manhood.

Andre may be many things and during the past few months as I have been helping him with his Congressional campaign, I've seen a glimpse into the man behind the curtain so to speak. I am here to tell you that, by all accounts, he is a true politician. And he's good at it. The reason being is that he really is one of the good guys. (Yes, they really do exist) Whatever you know, or think you may know about him, he really does want to make a difference. At his core, he knows this and that is why, everyday, he gets up with one purpose. To leave the world a little better and a little brighter than he found it. To give those who look up to him hope. Hope that one day they too may find the success and happiness he has. See, my friends, after seeing his interview last night and having gotten to know him a little, I am here to tell you that Andre Bauer represents what America is all about. Taking what this life gives you and, through hard work, determination, and by the sweat of your brow, making a good life for yourself and for those around you. Life is hard. We need guys like Andre to give us that hope. Thanks Andre. Keep up the good fight. We are here, right beside you, every step of the way.

Book Review: Crashing the Club

If someone were to tell you that you had lost before you even began playing a particular game, would you still play? Or would you turn your back, dumb with terror and defeat, and walk away opting to let those more experienced players win? In the world of politics, there are those of us who begin playing the game at a disadvantage. I know that should I choose to forge ahead I will probably lose. I will probably succumb to my  own insecurities and fade away into the background. But those of you out there reading this who may be in the same boat I am, we have a new mecca of hope. A shining ray of light to look to for guidance and wisdom. My friends, we have a book that reads like a love song for us political misfits and outcasts. 

"Crashing the Club" by Mande Wilkes

We all know the world of politics is full of corrupt politicians, crooked staffers, and media vultures. It's what makes the machine.. work. It's never going to change. Never. So what do you do? At first, I was unsure of the answer. But after reading this, as the back cover states, part motivational manual, I realized that it's not the people or the circumstances or even the environment that will ever change. It's my perception of this crazy mixed up world that needs to change. To score an almost impossible win, I have learned from this book that instead of working against the "establishment", I have to work with it. And do so by being myself. Just like in swimming, if you swim against the current, you'll tire quickly and give up. But if you swim with it and make it work for you, then it's smooth sailing. 

I've also learned that one need not compromise in order to survive the shark infested waters of South Carolina politics. Instead, from what I learned reading this book, you can use that which makes you different, unique and make it work in your favor. As I finished the book and realized this fact, I breathed a deep sigh of relief. I like me. Others may, others may not. But I like me. I don't want to change in order to, as one of my new year's goals are, become a paid campaign staffer. I want to be me. Stubborn, indecisive, picky, temperamental, emotional, slightly neurotic, and at times even a bit mean. But I'm also worth it. And that's what this book gives you. Self worth, self awareness, and confidence. 

So on behalf of those out here on the island of misfit politicos, thank you Mande. Thank you for this poetic journey which you take us on. In my opinion, it's equal parts reality, truth, and above all... hope.