Matthew Dowd
Matthew Dowd has been a campaign strategist in races throughout the country. In 30 years, Dowd has worked for Democrats and Republicans, most recently serving as chief strategist for President George W. Bush in 2004.
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Hearts and Souls Party
December 19, 2007 11:10 AM
Opinion by Matthew Dowd, ABC News Political Contributor
So, what should this week's column be on as we head into Christmas?
Should I write about the various attacks each campaign has launched against their opponents? Should I speculate on whether the Des Moines Register endorsement of Hillary Clinton will help her regain momentum against Barack Obama? Or the Boston Globe's endorsement of John McCain and will that revive his campaign?
Hmmm, what are most people thinking about this week? And then I realized it was the same thing in a way I was thinking about this past weekend.
This past Saturday morning I woke up with my five-year-old daughter Josephine (nickname: JoJo), had oatmeal, and then we decided to send a care package to her brother Daniel who is stationed in Iraq this holiday.
We made a Christmas card out of construction paper and JoJo dictated what she wanted to tell her brother. "Daddy, please tell Daniel I miss him and he is my bestest friend, and to come home soon."
We finished it up with drawings and we each signed it.
On the way to the Wimberley, Texas, post office, we had to stop at the local grocery store to pick up a few things for the package. Daniel had emailed me and said the only thing he needed was deodorant that he liked (simple guy).
In the store, JoJo picked up a stuffed snowman and said Daniel would want that, and that we had to get M&Ms because they were his favorite. With package complete, we went into the post office and stood in line. JoJo kept asking me how we were going to get box to Daniel and where was he. I told her for the twentieth time he was in Iraq, she finally asked, "Why is he in Iraq?" (Great question – wisdom from the mouth of babes.)
I was going to say he was serving his country or that he was there to fight in a war. I finally settled on, "Because he loves you, babydoll."
Seemed to satisfy her in that moment.
We filled out the forms at the desk and gave the box to the clerk. As we were leaving, a lady, who had overheard JoJo and I, gently touched my shoulder and whispered, "Thank you."
My eyes welled with tears and all I could do was smile and say, "Merry Christmas."
I walked outside of the post office as a cold breeze hit my face and I held JoJo's little hand even tighter, and wondered where those tears came from. And realized tears usually always come from many different places.
Were they for the fact Daniel was going to be alone in Iraq? Were they because JoJo wasn't going to have her brother here this Christmas? Were they because my oldest son is now serving in a war that I no longer agreed with and that I would miss him deeply? Were they tears for life's broken road? Probably all that and more.
I have a favor to ask. Even if you disagree with the war and don't like President Bush, be gentle and compassionate to those families who are directly involved.
At this time of year think of the people whose loved ones are not home and can't be there for the holidays. Whether they are at war or elsewhere. Think of the families whose parent may be sick in the hospital and can't come home. Think of the person who has to work the second shift at a convenience store because the extra income is needed. Think of our police and fireman who will be away from home on Christmas Day. Or think of the loved ones who are separated by reasons they just can't control at this time.
For a moment take a respite from the polarized politics, the debates over issues, or the speculation on who is up or down in the presidential campaign.
Touch someone's hand or shoulder and tell them you care, or call someone you know whose loved one is away and tell them you were thinking of them. Regardless of your partisan leanings, as human beings we all belong to the party of hearts and souls.
December 19, 2007 | Permalink | User Comments (14)
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Thank you. I'm not sure where my tears came from as I read your article. But my thoughts and prayers will be with your son, and all of the sons and daughters, mothers and fathers, and all of the friends who are away from their families this Christmas. May they all come home safely. May they all come home soon.
Posted by: Terry Summers | Dec 19, 2007 11:40:06 AM
Wow. That touched me deeply and will change the way I feel during the holiday season. Thank you for reminding us all what is truly important in life. A heartfelt expression like this puts everything in perspective. More importantly I want to say thank you and Bless You to all of the families that deal with the greatest sacrifice are separated and faced with loneliness and heartache. I hope this inspires everyone to reach out to others with gentleness and kindness.
Posted by: Jess | Dec 19, 2007 11:44:54 AM
This is a great story. Thank you and I hope your son and the thousands of sons and daughters in war zones return safely to the U.S.
Posted by: JKP | Dec 19, 2007 2:43:03 PM
I am a Friend of "Happiness Is" read a blog that directed me to this heartfelt blog.. TY so much for your generous spirit.. at this time of year so many don't have their loved ones close by.. for whatever reason it may be.. an despite the boxes we put ourselves in and the labels we slap on with pride we all do feel pain when our loved ones can't be close and Joy when we can hug them again.. I hope your family is blessed with laffter and love not only now but all year long...and hopefully your son will come home safe and sound soon.
Posted by: Caroline | Dec 19, 2007 4:31:26 PM
I believe in the energy of the world and the infinite shapes it takes...whether that energy is in the form of money, kindness, faith, love, etc. And during the holiday season, as with the rest of the year, it's important to share this powerful energy we all have wisely. So if we only listen to our minds, likely we just find the type of happiness that we are hungry for again only hours later. But if we also listen to our hearts and share that energy accordingly, as per the lesson in this blog, then our joy will be deeper and that is truly what we all deserve.
Posted by: tmarino | Dec 19, 2007 5:01:24 PM
I am also from the "Happiness Is" film site, and really found your story touching and true. I am very much against the War and our President but never against the young men and women putting their lives on the line daily and people should always keep that at the forefront of their minds.
As a father of a seven-year old son I can only imagine what it's like for you and I offer thoughts, prayers and well-wishes to you and your family, and for safe keeping of your son and all the other good men an women in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Posted by: grandolph | Dec 19, 2007 5:19:36 PM
Excellent Article. I hope you son gets back safe and sound. I will say a prayer for him, and all the other men and women serving there and around the world.
Posted by: atlantachick | Dec 20, 2007 7:08:31 AM
Hey Matthew,
Are you starting to sleep better after selling your soul out for Bush? Is the blood on your hands dry?
Matthew was a die hard Democrat until he, like Mark McKinnon sold out for cash and started working for the dark side.
Posted by: rob | Dec 20, 2007 11:16:53 AM
This Dowd is like an ex-Hitler cronie saying he's "found" Jesus. He's partially responsible for almost 4000 of our brave soldiers now dead for Bushes lies,and his Neocon ego. He helped support Bush and his dirty deads. He's a phony,and only chumps buy his BS. My heartful thanks to all the soldiers who sacrificed there lives and limbs for Bush lies.
Posted by: AJ | Dec 20, 2007 2:30:33 PM
If he had done some of that thinking he now touts, he would have never helped put the retard in the WHITEWASH HOUSE. That infinite first strike war policy he helped usher in, must have finally led him to know what JOJO might have to face someday from the cash collecting cheeny brigade.
Posted by: daddyblue | Dec 20, 2007 5:43:02 PM
Aj, your comment represents everything ugly about america. Thanks God you live in a free country. You only make things worse. I'm glad I don't know you.
Thakfully we didn't have Kerry. I don't "blame"/credit his voters for the fact we've had no other major attack on US soil since GW tok the fight to them. GW will be remembered as a great visonary President and lover of liberty against the forces of real oppression.
Posted by: sems | Dec 21, 2007 4:50:26 PM
AJ, Rob, Atlantachic - to be a bafoon is an inalienable right; to be a heartless bafoon is unforgiveable. When you grow up you'll understand that views, ideals, and choices grow, shift, and change. For you to politically proselytize to someone who's going to bed every night with their child in a combat zone makes you sub-human. Obviously none of you are parents. Our hearts are with you and your family Matthew.
Posted by: FatherPatriot | Dec 24, 2007 10:34:34 AM
One more thing, Thanks to the Families sacrificing everything to support their loved-one in the military. People think soldiers are the only ones suffering, according to an article the other day, one-in-three soldiers coming home, are wanting a divorce when they get home. That is sad. My nephew got divorced after his 4th year over there, she just couldn't live without him anymore. Now, he's like a completely different person, depressed and introverted. Thanks, to the loving Families that recognize these symptoms.
Posted by: able | Dec 25, 2007 2:37:15 AM
this article is amazing, my tears came out easily.
i always had thought about war in a country as USA it be the settlement against the terrorism, im thinking a lot in the troops families and i just become sadly about the soldiers who are outside US. i think USA is the country what it is for its freedom and while the threats from terrorism being affecting the peaceful of a country, its necessary take the defense to struggle for the country which everyone want to have.
Posted by: frank | Dec 25, 2007 8:33:26 AM
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