What a great piece, Kristin!

I remember Carter being elected - I think largely because for me it was fascinating that he had a young daughter who would be living in the white house. That was new and interesting to a six-year-old. I remember the Weekly Reader poll that we had that year - and wanting to change my vote when it turned out that I was the only one who did not vote for Reagan in the class!  I very much remember watching the Reagan swearing-in. Do you remember the split-screen? One side of the screen showed Reagan being sworn in while the other side showed the hostages being released in Iran and their subsequent reunions with family. 

I recall that as a 10-year-old I thought it was grossly unfair that President Carter had worked so hard to free the hostages and that it happened on the day that President Reagan took office. 

Many of my friends and I were discussing our first time voting. For some of my friends, this was only their fourth presidential election. I remember the excitement I had registering to vote when I turned 18 - with a presidential and gubernatorial election looming in less than four months. I wasn't a very educated voter, but I was excited to be part of the process and strangely proud to split my ticket and not go straight party line. (I voted for Dukakis and Engler - my apologies, Michigan!) 

I'm somewhat stunned by the fact that my son will be voting in the NEXT presidential election and I know that he knows his mind despite our influence and "brainwashing." :) His "special treat" was to have a glass of champagne while we all toasted the health and safety of our new President and our nation. Yesterday he was drinking a cup of coffee and I was apologizing for us being out of milk and he said "it's all good - I like my coffee how I like my presidents..."

Yeah, there's hope for the future. :) :) :)