“I am a student at Columbia University’s School of Journalism. I was referred to you by my reporting and writing professor, Ms. Ruth Padawer, for a story I am writing about youth and the Barack Obama Campaign. I wonder if you would be willing to answer a few questions for me?”
This was a wonderful e-mail to get, as you might imagine. I replied instantly (I have to get the manuscript for a new book to my editor at St. Martin’s Press this week and am therefore looking for any excuse not to write what I am meant to be writing, naturally). The student, named Laura Nahmias, was open to my suggestion that I’d respond to her questions if I could then also use them — and my answers —for this post.
We made a deal.
Here’s the exchange — notes for what the writer described as a “fun piece on politics-based romance” — and it is, as you’ll see, unedited:
LN: I am writing about the large numbers of young people actively participating in the Barack Obama campaign and whether or not that political ardor that they have for the candidate translates to romantic affection for each other. Is there a sociological or theoretical basis for assuming that people are attracted to each other based on political affiliation?
GB: Given that there’s a sociological or theoretical basis for people to be attracted to others for any reason whatsoever, including how they smell, what size their feet are, what ring tones they use, how and whether or not they like anchovies, I have no doubt that something with an actual basis in thought, perspective, emotional sensibility, and a reflection of a systematic vision of the world, would inform one person’s attraction to another. My God, I hope so. For example, my graduate student just said, “I could never date a Republican.” She said it in the same tone of voice that she might have used to say, “I could never date someone who never brushes his teeth,” or “I could never date someone who kicks puppies.” She was not being discriminatory, however. She did not say it in the same tone of voice as she might have said “I could never date someone short,” or “I could never date someone who has recurring sinus infections.” These, after all, would be aspects of the self no person could change. Therefore, to remove someone from the romance pool because of them would be evidence of a prejudice. In contrast, not brushing ones teeth, or the repeated kicking of small, cute animals, reflects a choice (and, as we know, Republicans are anti-choice).
The short answer to your question? Sure.
LN: Does the “sexiness” of a candidate impact him in terms of the types of people who vote for him, and do you think there is a measurable effect of that in the campaign of Barack Obama?
GB: I think that the “hipness” of a candidate has a lot more to do with the people who flock to his or her side than the actual good looks of that candidate. In terms of Obama, his youth and his style probably impress some younger voters. For about 15 minutes, some people were impressed by Sarah Palin, but then she opened her mouth. And while some people may go see a candidate because he’s “hip” or she’s “hot,” I certainly hope that’s not what would get anybody elected. In fact, that’s the difference between an election and an audition.
LN: Are people more likely to vote for someone they think is physically attractive?
GB: I think that good looks are a mixed bag. There are a lot of guys who resent tall, robust, virile men with an easy smile, a good sense of humor, and easy charm — a lot of men did not like Bill Clinton. They were deeply resentful that a lot of women did. There were a lot of women who felt more comfortable with Hillary Clinton and her pant suits than they were with Sarah Palin and her ruby-red high-heels and extra-tight skirts.
LN: Is there any precedent for this kind of youth participation?
GB: It was before my time, but everyone keeps talking about how excited people were about Jack Kennedy. I don’t know if they’ll ever make today’s version of “Camelot” concerning the Obama campaign, but I sure hope that if they do, I’m there to see it. My graduate student, Morgan, says that “participation,” however, does not necessarily mean that more young people will bring themselves to the polls on November 4. She hopes she’s wrong, but this remains to be seen.
LN: Is there a precedent for romantic relationships forged on the campaign trail?
GB: I think there’s a precedent for romantic relationships formed under any circumstances; just think about academic conferences or journalists on deadlines. The hothouse atmosphere of a campaign where ideas, emotions, hopes, and strategies are all compressed by the idea of a deadline — I don’t think it surprises anybody to find that passionate discussions lead to other kinds of passionate expression. I’m just hoping that most of it won’t end up on YouTube. Especially not if it involves John McCain. Or Sarah Palin. Or both.
