The Importance of A State: South Carolina

As the race for our country's President heats up, I'm curious as to how they determine which states are more important than others. As a South Carolina native, I am especially curious as to how my quiet little part of the country has become such a bigshot in the world of politics. Admittedly, I've pretty much ignored anything political until Bush started making a mockery of both the office and the citizens several years ago. Thanks to his performance, I have no choice but to start paying attention. I'm surprised the Republicans have the nerve to even look for a new candidate. They should be so ashamed of themselves that they sit this one out. Given that the endless parade of commercials is upon us, at least in my state, I would like to know the selection criterion. Is it our size, our previous voting records, our sandy beaches or perhaps our drawl that is the draw? Speaking of which, one of the Democratic candidates is advertising his humble beginnings with the worst southern accent I've heard in a long time. Especially from someone who was born here. It's funny though, he's been visible for years and the accent's just coming out. Here, for his hometown ads. I suppose he's trying to relate back to the country folk he came from. Some might consider this to be condescending, but I get a good chuckle whenever it plays.

There is a bright spot in the midst of all this posturing. Oprah is coming to visit. She's bringing Obama, or he's bringing her, not sure which. Whatever the reason, she's dropping by and I, for one, am thrilled. Maybe she'll give us all a car or a house if we vote for her friend. It would be nice if the average person had a chance to enjoy the same benefits as our elected officials. Oprah could be the lobbyist for the people. If she wanted it, Oprah could be the next President. At the very least, she would bring respectability back to the office and consideration back to the people. What can I say, I have a dream. That, however, is a topic for another discussion.

Now that my political apathy has blossomed into curiosity, the reasons my southern home is now so important will have to be explored. Whatever the justification, South Carolina has always been a wonderful place to live. Let's hope the politicians leave it at least as good as they found it.