A Most Civilized Election

Well, you had to know that I wasn't talking about this year's Presidential travesty. Nope, I am referring to the race for Student Union President of Stuyvesant High School in New York City---a battle that is marvelously captured in the new documentary, "Frontrunners." Here again is one of those early afternoon diversions from errands at the local art moviehouse nearby. And I am so glad that I was divertible.

The filmmakers here were most intuitive. Indeed, the election process in "Frontrunners" very much mirrors what is happening in our country right now. The only difference is that it is civil. It is polite. It is serious. It shows that democracy, now slowly disappearing in our nation, can still work. If only Messrs. Obama and McCain would view this movie and see how it really should be done.

Stuyvesant High is a pretty restricted school. Apparently only three percent of applicants get accepted. This means there is a high geek quotient in the class. But, still, these kids are very likeable. At the opening of the movie, you meet four candidate slates: a president and a vice president. These four teams will campaign through a singular primary process. Then, two slates are left standing for the ultimate campaign and subsequent election. And, just like in real life, they go through televised (on closed circuit) debates, seek the endorsement of the school newspaper, and each adopt their own focus on issues. It's the electoral process I remember from when I was a kid. It's taken seriously by all the participants and that's what is so refreshing to see.

Naturally, it is politics and there are angles to be worked. One young man selects as his running mate an Asian girl, as he is mindful of the fact that 50% of the student body is Asian. One girl is an actress and uses that talent to cover up her lack of experience. Sound familiar? The ultimate race comes down to two students, who also amazingly mirror the current battle for the top job in our country. One has tons of experience in student government. The another is a lot more ambiguous, but wants to "change" some things around the school. Given this was shot about two years ago, the filmmakers must be slapping themselves silly with their prophetic abilities.

The school election day is shot in such a way that an incredible amount of tension is built up for the viewer. You don't know who wins until the faculty advisor informs the loser. Yet, that kid wielded such an admirably austere campaign that there is really no losing. The student looks wistful for a moment, but then moves on. As I waded through "Frontrunners," I was pleasantly reminded that there are still smart kids in this land.

While exhilerated by the film, "Frontrunners" also prompted a bit of sadness. Why can't our own electoral process be as civil? Issues used to be discussed. Opinions used to be tolerated, even if they're not on the same page. Why do our Presidential candidates find themselves having to trade pre-scripted one-liners with late night comedians? I can easily remember such former Presidential hopefuls like Robert Kennedy and Richard Nixon visiting with the likes of Merv Griffin and Mike Douglas? Were they subjected to cheap shots and joke set-ups? Hardly. Find these interviews on You Tube. You will be astonished at how appropriate they are.

The kids on the school newspaper in this movie are also different. You watch them deliberate over their endorsement, carefully weighing each and every issue that faces the school. They are smart, fair-minded, and the ultimate journalists. Compare them to some gutless shithead like Keith Olbermann and you will realize just how much of a hinderance this piece of crap is to our world. If the kids at Stuyesant High can do it, why can't the adults at Fox, MSNBC, and CNN? I salute the former and I am grossly ashamed of the latter.

"Frontrunners" also brought me back to my own high school days with a resounding thud of regret. These are active kids who are involved in their school up to 4 or 5 o'clock every day. I, however, majored in early dismissal. The sooner I was home, the better. Why didn't I do more? How different would I have been today? High school years pissed away, and with the exception of probably one friend, I have nothing to show for it. A missed opportunity, most certainly.

But seeing "Frontrunners" was not. Find out for yourself.

Dinner last night: Shrimp and chicken gumbo at the Cheesecake Factory.