Introducing The Next Generation Of Leaders And Thinkers

The Agony of Defeat: My Experiences on the Brown-Ulman Campaign

By Autumn Grant

Autumn is only seventeen, but is on the road to one day being a powerhouse in politics. Her list of accomplishes even had me sheepish, because in contrast I couldn’t compare even on my best day. She got the honor to volunteer on the Brown campaign, which she credits as being the most exciting time in her life. Read as she recounts the journey.

I love politics and being a part of the action however, I did not find myself on this campaign by my own efforts. I credit my mentor, Alice G. Pinderhughes, who invited me to a political luncheon early in the June of 2014. The luncheon was a women’s political rally for the Brown-Ulman campaign. I enjoyed every second of it. I met strong empowered women who exemplified the epitome of professionalism, I was just indulged by being around them. As the event came to a close, I walked up to the staff and asked them if I could get involved. Little did I know that this campaign would become one of the most captivating and enjoyable experiences that I have ever had.

A few days later I went to the campaign office with wide eyes. I was nervous and excited to go inside. When I finally went in it was bland, unattractive and cluttered with campaign signs. I talked to one of the staff and they assigned for me to do phone banking right away. I started making calls, I was nervous at first. I was slow to speak and easily intimidated by the emotions of the voters. With practice I got better, very soon I was able to hold full conversations. At the end of my two hour volunteering shift I got up and looked around. I realized that I did not see the same place as before, it was beautiful. The campaign office became a refugee where interests could be shared, and ideas could be fostered. I was hooked.

            After a thrilling win in the primary, which I shared with the staff at the victory party, it was back to work. School was going to be open soon and I was glad to know that an office had opened up walking distance from my school Towson High. I would visit the office about three days a week to make phone calls and do data entry. My friends told me that I sent too much time there, but I didn’t care. There was a certain thrill or satisfaction I got while being around grass roots politics. We were directly involved with the people and we got to hear and see exactly how they felt.

            My first political rally was a blast. I met senators, delegates, and judges. I loved being around all these people and participating in their lifestyle. The events were always tiring. It was important to arrive early and stay late. Getting there early got you a good seat and staying after got you good conversation. The first event I attended was a grand opening for a campaign office in Randallstown. This local event brought people from all over the area. I was inspired to see citizens who had come out to support their local government.

            As the campaign continued I got to have more and more experiences with interning. I was actually allowed to help train volunteers. I felt like I was doing my part to help make Maryland a great place. I learned that working on the political campaign represented standing up for what you believe in and doing hands on work to accomplish a task. I became a part of the movement. I also learned that every little job does count in making the whole work. Volunteers and interns were a small part in the campaign but had a big job of getting the message out to the people.  We were the “Brown-Ulman Brigade”.

            In the last days of the election the tension was high. Everyone in the campaign was ready to get the results and make the final steps. As many know, Anthony Brown had some big help from a few of the world’s most inspiring politicians. Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, and Hillary Clinton all came to give political endorsement speeches for Brown. These rallies were electrifying and helped everyone remember what the campaign was all about. I waited in line for hours to see the President and First Lady and it was well worth it. They gave speeches on the integrity of our candidate and the greatness in his political initiative. After the last rally on November 3rd we all knew the day had come.

            Election Day was a very long day. It was the summation of over a year’s worth of dedication and hard work. This day felt like it would never come, and now it was staring us right in the face. I was excited to get to the office and make last minute calls. When I got there the office was full of volunteers all anxious to help. We knew that we were ahead in early voting, but now was the time. The staff were in and out monitoring the polls. The phones rang off the hook and everyone kept busy. We gave 3 hour, 2hour and 30 minute alerts to citizens to get out and vote. Once eight O’clock struck the office cleared out as we went t various camps to watch the results.

            I watched the results at home with my mother. Although coverage did not start until 11pm, I was running on adrenaline as each precinct poured in. Anthony Brown was ahead and I was excited.   As the night went on, more and more votes poured in, numbers began to shift, Hogan was catching up. The Election coverage showed footage from the headquarters of each campaign. The Brown camp was quiet and featured low shuffling; I felt a rush in my gut. The Hogan group was cheering and listening to vibrant music, I was going to be sick. The results continued to flow and Brown was under Hogan. I took a double take at the TV and began to shriek. Could this be happening, could a republican take the Governor’s Office in Maryland? The numbers never switched and we were down for the count. I got so upset and went to go lay down. My mother called me about an hour later and said that Brown never caught up. I heard the words but did not believe it. She said he had conceded. My heart was crushed, it felt personal. I went up to the TV and watched the concession speech with a heavy heart and a few tears. I applauded him and accepted his thanks. I now understood the true agony of defeat.

I learned that hard work does not always get you what you want. Although everyone in the campaign worked to do their best, it did not come through for us. I learned that it is okay to fail as long as we learn from the mistakes and work on our craft to reach perfection. I loved every minute I spent with this campaign and I would gladly do it all again. I have no regrets, only great memories of being an involved citizen and meeting amazing people. I encourage everyone to accept the challenge and take the responsibility of citizenship and join a campaign. I could be political or not but it is greatly rewarding to work for a cause you believe in.

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