Page 93 of Bi-Partisan

The camera focuses on Mitchell, and I brace myself for whatever idiotic, scientifically-inaccurate answer that I know is about to come out of the man’s mouth based on what I’ve read about him in the past ten months of keeping up with Jamie’s campaign. Unsurprisingly, he gives a flowery non-answer about it being a state issue, and therefore not something he would be voting on as a member of congress. Then he follows it up with an attack on Jamie’s “fixation” on the issue when he has no plan for the other issues that affect the district—which is a complete lie.

This is why I generally hate watching debates. It’s just a bunch of politicians either using more words than necessary to cover up an opinion that may lose them support or outright attacking the other in hopes it will gain them support.

“So you don’t want to clarify where you might have exemptions or exceptions for abortion?” the moderator asks again.

“As I’ve said, it’s a state issue, so as a member of congress, I would not be voting to restrict anything,” Mitchell repeats.

“Thank you, Senator Mitchell. Congressman Montgomery, your response,” the moderator prompts.

“Well, Senator Mitchell has thrown out so many outlandish things in the last two minutes that I’m not sure how to address them all, but I’ll do the best I can,” Jamie says, earning a low whistle from his dad.

“Oh, he’s coming out swinging tonight, isn’t he?” Paul says with a laugh.

“That’s my baby,” Shelia says proudly.

And honestly, I feel a little proud of him, too. I’m also relieved. Logically, I knew he’d end up doing alright, even as stuck in his head as he was before. He’s smart, capable, and good at thinking on his feet. But seeing the relaxed set of his shoulders as he tears Mitchell’s answer apart makes some of the tension in my own shoulders dissipate.

Shelia must sense it in me, because she reaches over and squeezes my arm. “See, I told you our boy would be alright,” she whispers.

I give her a small smile, not really sure what to say, especially in response to her falling Jamie “our” boy, as if I’m just as big a part of his life as his own parents.

After that, the debate continues with Jamie pretty much taking the lead—not that it’s being scored or anything. But it’s clear that between the two men, Jamie is the one who knows what he’s talking about and has actual plans. If this was a race in a more liberal district, there’d honestly be no question about who would be winning this election come November. But unfortunately, that’s not the case. And while Mitchell has basically been talking out of his ass all night, he has been right about one thing—a lot of Jamie’s positions are not supported by a large percentage of the population of his district as it’s been redrawn.

The show goes to a quick commercial. Then when they’re back, it’s time for closing statements.

“Senator Mitchell, we’ll start with you,” the moderator says.

The camera focuses on him, and he gives an almost smug smile.

“I don’t know what he looks so cocky about. Jamie’s been making him look like an idiot this entire debate,” Sheila grumbles next to me as Mitchell begins to speak.

“At the start of this campaign, my opponent stated that his goal was to keep being a voice for the people in his district. He’s spent the evening outlining the lofty ideas and plans he has to accomplish that goal, focusing specifically on populations he claims are often under-represented. But the fact of the matter is these plans don’t take into account the opinions of the population at large. I want to be a voice for all, not just a few select groups arbitrarily deemed worthy of attention.”

“Minority groups are not arbitrarily decided, you absolute moron,” Sheila exclaims at the television.

“He can’t hear you, dear,” Paul says, giving her an affectionate pat on the shoulder. “Besides, I’m sure Jamie is going to say exactly that.”

“…In his first term in office,” Mitchell continues. “Mr. Montgomery has made it clear that his focus is more on Washington than on this district. He claims this is his home, yet he spends the majority of his time in DC. As your congressman, I would spend my time here, in this district. I’ve put down roots here. My opponent is putting roots down in DC. He prioritizes going out to bars and festivals with a partner who seems to have no interest in spending time in this state. This is my home—it’s where my wife and beautiful children live, and if elected, I will ensure that this district remains a place I’m proud to raise my family in.”

“Thank you. Congressman Montgomery, your closing statement,” the moderator says.

The camera zooms in on Jamie’s face, and I can tell by the set of his jaw that he’s livid. This was one of my fears—one of the things that initially held me back from wanting to pursue a real relationship with him—that Mitchell’s rhetoric about me would cost him the election. While I know that a debate hardly ever has a drastic effect on the outcome of an election, Jamie blowing up at his opponent definitely could. And with the look in Jamie’s eye, it seems like that’s exactly what he wants to do right now.

But then he takes a deep breath and relaxes his shoulders, and when he starts to speak, he sounds as collected and confident as he has the entire night. “It has always been one of my firmly held beliefs that honesty and loyalty to the people they are serving are two of the most valuable qualities a public servant can have. That is why I’m going to be honest and admit that I’m finding it hard to stand up here and not be angry.”

“Fuck, he’s going off script,” Ben grumbles before shoving away from the conference table. “What the hell is he doing? We practiced this literally right before he left!”

“Hang on, Ben,” Riley says, placing a hand on his arm to keep him in his seat. “He’s been doing great all night, just listen and trust him.”

He grits his teeth, but seems to settle as Jamie continues on the screen.

“I’m angry because, throughout this election cycle, my opponent has done nothing but question my loyalty to this district and this state. My opponent claims that he’s the better choice to represent you because he’s put down roots here, and I have not. But that isn’t true. North Carolina is my home. This district is my home. I was born here, raised here. I went to school here. My family is here—my parents, my grandparents. I love this district, which is why I’ve dedicated my career to taking care of it—to fighting for it.”

“See,” Riley says, gesturing at the TV. “He’s doing great.”

I find myself smiling, because he really is. His original closing statement was good, too, but this is better. It’s passionate, from the heart.

“As your congressman for the past two years, my priority has always been making sure your voices and concerns are heard. My loyalty has been, and always will be to this district and this amazing state,” Jamie says with emphasis. “Where the man I love is from does not change that.”

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