So, You Wanna Be The President ...

It’s that time of every four years in Iowa. In fact, it’s been that time of every four years for a few months now. Flyers of candidates pictured with decorated veterans in front of red, white, and blue bunting … commercials of contenders listening intently to farmers while walking straight rows of corn surrounded by John Deere tractors… radio advertisements of teachers and doctors stumping for this one over that one. The millions upon millions of dollars in fanfare come to an end in Iowa --- at least for now --- tonight on caucus night. I find that the strategic posturing can be altogether irritating but yet strangely fascinating at the same time.

I didn’t vote in the 2000 elections, and I regret that mistake. I did not honor the many women and men before me who had to fight hard to earn that vote, and I missed the opportunity to have my voice heard in the closet --- and oddest –- election our country has seen in recent memory. In 2004, I delivered my sealed ballot envelope to a convenient hospital drop box between classes. This year, I have spent a couple hours here and there calling in support of my candidate of choice, registering people at campaign events, and volunteering in my caucus precinct.

It took me a while to decide which candidate I wanted to support out of a talented field (in my opinion) of Democratic contenders. Many in the media are dizzy with excitement at the prospect of so many potentially “viable firsts” --- the first Hispanic, the first African-American, the first woman. Racism and sexism are far from over in this country, especially when we are patting ourselves on the back over Bill, Barack, and Hillary in the year 2008. I say this fully recognizing that for the first 125+ years of our history, the only educated individuals eligible for leadership were nearly only wealthy, white men. However, I think for a melting pot nation, a change in the occupant of the Casa Blanca would be very healthy. Frankly, it’s about time.

In winnowing my candidate possibilities, I considered past service record, philosophy or approach to key issues (of mine), intentions, integrity, and the “winnability” factor. What do these criteria mean? It all depends on one’s paradigm and resulting definitions. Does any one person score highly on all five accounts? No. Do I believe what each person claims he/she will do once elected? Absolutely not. Are there shades of gray separating these folks? You bet. Most days for most folks, the expensive attempts to distinguish the runners leave the overall race as clear as mud.

All told, I support Hillary Clinton for president. My decision was not a rash one. I find her to be intelligent, strong, resolved, and a tenacious workhorse with quick wit, humor, and a clear ability to communicate and bring folks to the bargaining table. Can she be perceived as insincere, catty, and driven? Most certainly. But she can and does speak for herself. In many respects, she has to fight doubly hard in this contest for respect and trust --- she must be tough on the war and foreign policy so as not to question her gender but human enough to “connect” with voters over other issues and through her personality and upbringing. The double standard women in power face tows a heavy anchor when it comes to career and family, if a woman chooses to balance both. Would you want an assertive bulldog or a dainty wallflower at the helm of the nation? I’ll take the bulldog --- and I don’t care what color of suit she wears or how she styles her hair. One of the many reasons I support Hillary is because she is a woman … but it’s not the only one.

I am exceptionally fortunate to live my dream of becoming a doctor … every single day. My initial career idea that began as a four-year-old child has changed, adapted, and expanded over the years to include the concepts of public health, social justice, and health care reform. Nonetheless, my ideals are still very much the same, and I am indebted to countless folks for nurturing and supporting me in my pursuit, no matter how crazy (or illogical or unattainable) it seems at any given point in time. One such moment, an afternoon long ago as a first grader, was (and still is) pivotal for me. I distinctly remember climbing off the bus at home particularly troubled by a serious conversation I had just had with a kindergarten boy. When my mother asked why my mood was so glum, I replied quietly, “Mom, I can’t be a doctor. I can only be a nurse.”

“Who told you this?”

“Tim* did,” I explained. “He told me that only men can be doctors, and women have to be nurses.” (* The name has been changed.)

She sat down at the kitchen table across from me and said firmly, “Lauren, you can be whatever it is you want to be. Don’t let anyone tell you what you can or cannot do, especially a boy who is younger than you.”

Relieved by the news, I ran over and gave her a hug … and I haven’t looked back since. As the eldest of three daughters, I was raised, along with my sisters, to believe that with hard work, the right attitude, and respect for others, I could become anything I wanted to become. And in a similar vein, if Hillary Rodham ever dreamed as a little girl of one day being president or arrived at that conclusion later on in life, it’s an honor to help foster (in the most miniscule of ways) her dream as others have for me.

The race for the White House has been waging for nearly a year already, but in many respects, we have just begun. So, flip the channels or recycle the mailings if you must, but educate yourself, and at the very least, register to vote … and then vote. (And for you Iowans, get to your caucus precinct no later than 7:00 p.m. tonight.) I don’t care how you vote just that you vote. And in the months ahead, keep your eyes open for a photo op with your favorite candidate over a piece of apple pie … coming soon to a café near you.