Over the past month politics in New Mexico have heated up. We have had actor Robert Redford (Lions for Lambs), Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, John McCain and Sarah Palin all visit the state looking for our, your, my vote. The Democratic Convention and Barack Obama’s speech went down just a few hours north of the NM border in Denver, Colorado and the youth feedback here in New Mexico showed real support on the organizer and volunteer levels. One week after Barack Obama officially accepted the Democratic nomination, John McCain took the stage in St. Paul, Minnesota at the Republican National Convention. The night McCain accepted the Republican presidential nomination, was a cloudy and rainy night in New Mexico due to hurricane Gustav, yet young people came out to show support at McCain watch parties in New Mexico.
I attended an Obama watch party for his acceptance speech where I interviewed three young people all supporting the democratic nominee. A 15-year-old high school student named Hannah Montoya (not Hannah Montana) attended an Obama watch party held near the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque on a school night and missed out on her homework time. She felt that no matter your age you should be responsible in your community. She told me that she has worked hard to get her parents, teachers, friends’ parents and neighbors all registered to vote and campaigns for Obama. This watch party was bursting with young people cheering Obama on, via satellite feed.
The McCain watch party scene was a bit scarce in Albuquerque but once I found a party, talking to NM youngins’ who support McCain was not a problem. This party was a bit snazzier than the Obama party, there was a flat screen and snacks served. The UNM students for McCain student organization was in full effect and cheered on McCain. At this party I talked to college sophomore, Rob Salazar who attends the University of New Mexico. Rob said that, “..enlisting in the military right now, would be an honor..” and supports John McCains’ plan to continue the War in Iraq.
Along the campaign trail I’ve met so many different young people who have taken the leadership role as field organizer, media correspondent, volunteer, door knocker, phone banker and campaign contact. With nearly 60 days left until Election Day, the reality of the importance of our swing state is becoming more apparent. New Mexico has the Hispanic vote, the Native American vote, the general vote and the youth vote. I wonder who will come to New Mexico next. Have you registered to vote yet?