by Carmen Polvere

Created on: November 17, 2010   Last Updated: December 15, 2010

My best friend Rudy and I were first introduced to the difference between Democrats and Republicans by our precinct captain while helping him put up “Humphrey/Muskie ‘68” posters in Chicago’s 31st Ward. He told us between puffs on his cigar, “See boys, here’s the thing, Democrats are for the poor, folks who got nothing, old folks, veterans and working stiffs,” the Precinct Captain explained. Rudy then asked, “What are Republicans then?” To which our precinct captain replied, “Why son, Republicans eat babies.” He then took another puff on his cigar and further enlightened us. “See, here’s how it is, these Republicans are for the rich and only out for themselves.” Rudy nodded in agreement. “That’s what my father says too,” Rudy replied. “Wow, so them Republicans must be pretty bad guys,” I chipped in. “You’re learning son, you’re learning,” the Precinct Captain said, taking another puff on his cigar.

For our efforts in the Hubert H. Humphrey Presidential Campaign we were given a dollar that day. Back in 1968 you could buy a 16 oz. bottle of Orange Crush, a Hostess Cupcake and still get change from a dollar. Over that Orange Crush Rudy and I discussed politics. “If the precinct captain said it, it must be so,” explained Rudy, who just turned 13 and was six months older than me. “I sure hope Mr. Humphrey beats those guys then,” I said as I gulped down the last of my Orange Crush. “Don’t worry, he will, look at al those Humphrey signs in everyone’s window,” Rudy pointed out.

Such was my introduction to the difference between Democrats and Republicans. It wasn’t until I ventured off to college attending the University of Minnesota at Minneapolis that I actually became friends with Republicans and learned to my surprise that they were pretty good guys. Over many a beer we discussed our political differences and along the way I came to develop a healthy respect for their views on government and fiscal policies. As a former McGovern Volunteer Coordinator and Students for Carter Chairman I was able to give a good presentation of what Democrats valued.

Watching the 1976 election results with my roommate Phil, who was raised a Republican, was terrific. We downed a six pack together and as the results were announced with the rising sun, Phil shook my hand. “Jimmy Carter has my support, he’s President for all of us now.” I’ve often wondered over the years if had President Ford been elected if I would have been as gracious in defeat as Phil was. With the passing years, I’ve come to miss the respect both parties once had for each other. While the differences between Democrats and Republicans have increased over the years, there is absolutely no reason why civility had to completely disappear when discussing the differences.

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