Notes From the Road: Fear and Loathing On the Campaign Trail:
The Thrill Is Gone
At 3 o'clock in the morning, the challenger to an entrenched incumbent dipping his toe into politics for the first time asks himself some very deep, soul-searching questions: What business is running the town of mine? What right do I have to try and bring these kind of changes to a community that, on the face of it, wants to be left alone? The answer is always the same: In order to keep what I have, I have to give it away. In order to stay solvent, I have to help others find solvency. This is the main principle that governs my life today, and I have to apply it to running for mayor. I have no doubt, however, that if I'm wrong, or if it is simply not meant to be, I would soon find out when the whole thing came crashing down around my ears.
Even though it is quite clear that many locals don't get it, I've decided to go ahead anyway. Shortly after announcing my candidacy I had two dear friends rush to my aide and volunteer to be my campaign manager and finance chairman. No sooner than they joined up they wasted no time in telling me to cut and run, because the alternative was picking up the cost of the campaign myself, which would cost an enormous amount of money that I would probably never see again.
While I knew there was no choice but for me to go ahead, I don't think that my closest friends ever really understood the kind of commitment that I feel for this campaign. To start with, I had given my word, if only to myself, that I would finish what I had started. If I abandoned this, it would probably mean that I wouldn't be able to show my face around town again. The other thing is, I really believe in this campaign. I have seen enough people who are hopeless cases turn around and start new lives as happy human beings. I know this will pay off, and my reasoning is that if people come out of poverty and despair, and manage to succeed, then the whole thing will have been worth it.
Deciding to go ahead with the campaign after my manager abandoned me and my finance chair quit due to a conflict of interests was one of the first decisions I made for myself, and it felt great. I have proceeded with the help of an old family friend who built my website and a few close friends who have anted up the first donations. The media largely ignores me and considers me to be a novelty. But I know my site is being followed on a daily basis by more than 40,000 individual users and I know who they are. Some very big people are watching and remain silent-- for now. I am hoping that the consistency of my message and the conviction with which it is delivered will cause them to take a more active role in my rebellion.
It's 4 o'clock in the morning. Half the world has gone to sleep; half the world is on its knees dreaming of someplace else. Me, I'm listening to BB King and planning the rest of Friday. Thank you for your support.
I'm asking YOU to support my campaign any way you feel comfortable.