It was a chilly 58 degrees as the University Democrats met for an ice cream social in Iowa City Park on Friday. A good sized group of citizens and students turned out to hear Iowa Democratic Party Chair Sue Dvorsky talk about getting involved. You know, in the 2012 campaign to re-elect Barack Obama.

There was a bit of news, there is a canvass in Iowa Senate District 18 on Saturday and Michelle Bachmann has announced that she will be campaigning for the Republican candidate (Yes!) in the district. But at the bottom, the talk provided reasons to become involved in politics, and in the re-election campaign, letting each person decide for themselves if this was something to be a part of. There were no guarantees or commitments, but a lot of quiet listening.

University of Iowa Democrats

Dvorsky asked for how many people would this be their first election to vote. A few put up their hands. We forget that not everyone is cynical about politics and the possibilities of good governance. This group reminded us of that. For while we have our election weary veterans and critics, we also know that good things are possible in society.

Sue Dvorsky, Senator Bob Dvorsky and Terry Dahms

The re-election campaign will involve a lot of tough conversations with people who voted for the President before, but may not be sure this time. Nothing is assured. But as Sue Dvorsky asked the students, “what legacy will you leave?” Many of us still have hope it is possible to leave one of value, and that is why we will be working to re-elect the President.

~ Paul Deaton lives in rural Iowa.