By Ivan Pereira
Some of the members of the South East Queens Young Democrats may not have a strong experience in the political arena, but an organizer who is helping to shape the president’s re-election campaign said they could make a huge difference in the next election.
The group heard Saturday from Jamie Capodieci, a summer organizer for President Barack Obama’s campaign, and the 22-year-old reminded the youth that the president made his way to the White House through the hard work of volunteers like them.
Capodieci, who lives on Long Island and graduated from Michigan State University, said working on a campaign would not only give them a valuable understanding of an election, but would open up their minds.
“If you have any idea about helping a campaign and want to do it, do it,” she told the crowd of 10.
Capodieci has been making the rounds to groups across the city and said she is enjoying her experience with the campaign. She said she has always been inspired by Obama, going back to the 2004 Democratic convention where he gave the keynote address.
She later saw him speak four years later at her college during a campaign event.
“I saw someone who was president already,” she said.
After graduating with a political science degree, Capodieci said she wanted to keep her passion for politics strong while she applied for law school, and joined Obama’s re-election campaign. She said she hopes her connection to today’s youth would rally more people to the president’s cause.
City Councilman James Sanders (D-Laurelton), who was at the meeting, agreed. The councilman was a staunch supporter of Obama during the last election and said that without the votes and support from young American constituents, the president would not have made history.
“He was created by a movement and we can all play a part of this,” he said.
Reach reporter Ivan Pereira by e-mail at ipereira@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4546.
