The Countdown is Coming to an End

A day of canvassing in Loudon County

One more day until the election! I urge everyone to make their voice heard and get out and vote, especially since many of the issues addressed in this election will affect young voters. I must say, this week was quite productive. Last Monday the International Affairs Program had a panel of representatives speaking on US-Korea Relations. The panel consisted of three speakers (from the Department of State, Korean Embassy, and John Hopkins University) who had a tremendous amount of knowledge about the United States' relationship with Korea. The panelists not only addressed the history of US-Korea relations but also engaged students about ways they could get involved in international affairs in Washington, DC. Both approaches were important in capturing the diverse interest of students in the audience. The panel definitely freshened up my knowledge about US-Korea relations. I enjoyed the breadth of knowledge of each speaker, especially since they clearly answered the questions presented by the students in the program.

For those of us who celebrate Halloween, this weekend was quite exciting. On Halloween night many of us headed to the streets of Dupont and Georgetown for some excitement. Earlier in the week, I happened to stubble upon the High Heel Drag Race in Dupont Circle on my way home from a coffee shop. It is a tradition in Washington, DC to have the Drag Race a few days before Halloween. Despite the low thirty degree temperature, the crowd was quite thrilled to watch men in glamorous costumes and male cheerleaders strut and dance through the streets of Dupont as if it were the red carpet in Hollywood. I found it amusing especially since it reminds me of the traditions of my home town. I must say, the most popular costume of the night was Sarah Palin. I found it typical of DC to have an incredible amount of political costumes. But this is a very historic election that has gained the attention of people who have never had interest in politics.

Cheerleaders in the streets of Dupont

Glamorous Marilyn Monroe

Furthermore, I had the opportunity this weekend to canvass in Loudon County, Virginia, one of the most conservative areas in Virginia. It was very exciting to campaign for Obama in a swing state, especially since I believe he has a strong chance of winning over sporadic and prior Republican voters. Despite the extensive banners for McCain and Palin seen on the drive into Loudon County there was a tremendous amount of support for Obama when knocking on doors of individual homes. Many individuals were responsive and have been or were looking to volunteer for the Obama campaign. I felt accomplished to cover over 60 homes in the county and to see signs for Obama throughout the lawns of residents. I am looking forward to the end of the count down and am excited to be in Washington, D.C. for the end results.

Afterward tourists were taking pictures of us because we were holding Obama signs.