I interviewed my mom about the presidential campaign this year. She isn't a political news junkie like I used to be, nor is she terribly interested in the ins and outs of the political game. Retired and living in the Deep South, I thought she could give me an idea of the pulse in other parts of the country. Here are a few tidbits from that discussion:
Me: Mom, are you following the elections?
Mom: Well, sort of. I am watching the debates more than I ever have. We certainly could use someone to shake things up. I'm worried about the economy.
Me: You and everyone I know! Who are you liking so far? (Disclosure: My family has tended to vote Republican since that disaster with Jimmy Carter.)
Mom: I just don't know yet. I like Hillary, but she just sounds so superior when she talks. It makes me mad. I know she's smart, probably smarter than Bill, but I wish she didn't sound so haughty. I like Obama, too. I'm not sure he's got enough experience, though.
Me: Did you ever think there would be the possibility of a woman or a black man in the White House in your lifetime?
Mom: Honestly? No. But it is exciting.
Me: What about the Republicans this year?
Mom: I don't know. I don't like that Giuliani. He hasn't done anything except be mayor of New York. McCain is the only one I kind of like, but he is old!
Me: What about George Bush?
Mom: I can't even stand to listen to him anymore.
Me: I love you, Mom!
Any last thoughts?
Mom: Well, I am enjoying watching the debates more this time. I'm learning about the candidates more. And on another note, did I see the you said "sonofabitch" on your blog?
Me: Probably.
Mom: Well, son, I wish you wouldn't say that. Do you know what it makes me when you say that?
Me: Yes, I still remember you slapped me on the 7th hole at Indian Pines a few years ago when I hit a wicked slice.
Mom: Well then, there you go. Remember your upbringing. Love you.
Me: Love you, too, Mom.
So, there you have it. Mom is basically undecided this year and if Hillary will quit trying to sound like the smartest nerd in the class she could probably win more people over. Also, I should stop using profanity on the blog because it betrays how I was raised.
guiliani hasn't done anything except be mayor of new york???? seriously???
new york city has a population of over 8 million people, which is roughly 3 times as large as Arkansas. and yet running arkansas was qualification enough for bill clinton.
You realize, of course, that in the Deep South we couldn't give three shits about New York don't you? I think that is well known just by looking at Guiliani's performance in the races so far.
best interview ever.
I am disappointed. You said you were going to clean up your act and quit using profanity. And what do you do? You revert to your old habits immediately in your reply to wd. I hope your mom wears out your rear end or pinches off your ear the next time you go home. I hopeshe does not read the comments section of your blog.
I think maybe it's The Doc, that wants to give you a spanking, PD. Yikes!
Your mom is right about the profanity--it doesn't add anything, and sort of shows a lack of imagination. You don't need it.
(But I do enjoy remembering Rick Perry's silly "adios" whenever I leave a comment)