2016 is a presidential election year. Once every four years, New Hampshire and Iowa become the places to be for presidential politicians.  This is something new for me. Missouri is often considered a fly-over state. Presidential politicians are not often seen stumping in Missouri except for an occasional stop close to the election. For six months leading up to the New Hampshire Primaries, New Hampshire experiences election season. With over a dozen Republicans, and a few Democrats running in this primary there are events almost every week. New Hampshire is really small, maybe two-million people and maybe one-third the size of Iowa. If you don’t see a politician you’re probably hiding inside your home.  My middle school is scheduled to host Jeb Bush later this winter and I saw John Kasich’s bus pass by on the highway the other day.  When I learned that Hillary Clinton would be speaking in Concord I got my name in right away. These are free events, but you need to sign up as the venues aren’t very large. Some of my colleagues talk about years past when these candidates came to coffee and tea gatherings in their homes.  Like all government sponsored activities, security is tight and everything is highly monitored. The event was in a school gym and when I entered I spied one empty seat in the front row that I immediately snagged for myself. Regardless of your preferred candidate, it’s amazing at how much access the people of New Hampshire have to these future leaders of the country. During her talk, she came over and stood so close I could have touched her. Political campaigns are burdensome to watch on television, but New Hampshire gets to see and speak to these people making the experience real and personal. I know 2020 is a ways a way, but I’m certainly going to take more advantage of this unique opportunity in 2019.

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” – Helen Keller