At age 12, this Obama backer wants to make a difference
By Jim Sheeler, Rocky Mountain News
Published February 4, 2008 at 2:55 p.m.
Updated February 4, 2008 at 4:56 p.m.
Photo by Judy DeHaas © The Rocky
Neal Kornreich, 12, a precinct captain for the Barack Obama campaign in Boulder, went door to door in his neighborhood to encourage people to attend their caucus on Tuesday.
BOULDER - Two days before Super Tuesday, the precinct captain sat in the Barack Obama campaign headquarters, furiously dialing prospective voters and waiting for his mother to come pick him up.
For the past few months, Neal Kornreich has spent countless hours preparing for tomorrow. In that time, he's recovered from a serious bicycle accident that left him unable to walk, and received a personal letter of inspiration from the man he hopes will be the next president.
"I'm pretty wiped out," the 12-year-old said between phone calls – but added that it's not because of the constant campaigning or the months of therapy.
"I was at a sleepover at a friend's house last night and we stayed up pretty late," he said. With a mop of curly brown hair and a jeans that are a bit to short for his still-sprouting runner's legs, Neal stood out in the call center. He was the only one whose voice has yet to change.
When asked by voters about his age, he has an answer ready.
"I can't vote," he'll say, "so I hope you'll do it for me."
Neal's bedroom is populated with cross-country running trophies – he once placed first in the Bolder Boulderin his age group – and Dungeons and Dragons paraphernalia. On his door is a large Christian cross,and a plaque acknowledging his achievements in Boy Scouts, where he's earned the rank of First Class. In what little spare time he has, he volunteers with Special Olympics.
Neal's parents say they haven't pushed politics on their son – they say they're not even outwardly poltical. But when Neal wrote a report on presidential candidates for a class at Southern Hills Middle School – where he's in the gifted and talented program – he found that his views meshed with those of the Illinois senator.
George W. Bush has occupied the White House since Neal was in preschool, so he says "Barack Obama is the politician I've been looking for for the past eight years."
Without prompting, he wrote a three page letter to Obama, mentioning the issues that mean the most to him – the environment, the United States' reputation in the world, and stem-cell research. He didn't expect a reply.
Shortly afterward, a terrible bicycle accident left him in a wheelchair. As he struggled to learn to walk again, his mother, Jeanette, remembered one of his therapists asking him about his greatest fear.
"That I'll live an average life," he said. "I want to make a difference."
Within days of that conversation, a personal letter arrived with Barack Obama's signature – a letter that read, in part, "I leave you with three bits of advice that will make your life more fulfilling: Look out for other people, even when it does not directly benefit you; strive to make a difference everywhere you go; and get back up every time you are knocked down."
"Whenever I felt bad, I would read it," Neal said. "and those lines were always inspirational."
When the Obama headquarters opened in Boulder, Neal saw that his precinct had no captain, and volunteered. Since then, he's been a staple in the place where campaign managers say "we wish we had more adults like him."
On Neal's iPod, he has downloaded Obama speeches to keep him on message – his candidate's words are sandwiched among songs by The Fray, American Rejects, Led Zeppelin and the Beatles – and stay on message he does.
"He's the symbol of a new generation...He believes in ending the war in Iraq responsibly - we need to make sure it doesn't end up in mass domestic chaos," Neal said. "I'm kind of nervous about what's going to happen in my lifetime, but I think that if we elect the right people and we help the president, we can turn this country around."
Despite his eloquence on the issues, Neal is also a typical 12 year-old. While canvassing homes in his neighborhood with his mother, he still walked through the snow instead of around it, and slid across every ice patch he could find. When he needed a hand, he asked, "Could I have one of those door hangers please mommy?"
At each door, he launched into his speech: "Hi, my name is Neal Kornreich – I'm a neighbor of yours. I'm here in support of Barack Obama's presidential campaign... do you have any questions?"
Since Neal is too young to act as an official delegate at the Democratic National Convention, the campaign has assigned an adult "co-captain," but Neal still takes the lead role. Neal said he hasn't thought past Super Tuesday, when he'll lead his supporters at the caucus, and already has his speech prepared.
"There's a party that starts at 9 p.m. for all the precinct captains but I don't know how long I'll be able to stay," he said. "My bedtime is 10 o'clock."
After all, Super Tuesday is not just one of the most important dates on this year's political calendar. It's also a school night.
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February 4, 2008
5:43 p.m.
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JB writes:
Neil-
You are awesome! I'm not even an Obama supporter, but clearly you have something that many other kids your age don't. Don't worry about what the cynics (or supporters) on this silly blog have to say. Keep doing exactly what you're doing...reading about the issues, deciding for yourself what matters to you and your generation and following you heart! It's too bad that more people in this country don't share your passion and idealism.
I know what it's like to be a young person who's passionate about a candidate...although that was a while ago. You should care because your entire young-adult life could be shaped by the policies made by whoever ends up in the White House next year.
Go get 'em Kid...and never give up! You rock!
February 4, 2008
5:51 p.m.
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rj1967 writes:
Sounds like a democrat version of Karl Rove to me <puke>.
February 4, 2008
5:54 p.m.
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forwhatitis writes:
I'd like to talk to Neil once he gets a job and the folks he supports want to take 40% of his paycheck each week. Isn't it illegal to vote for someone else? Oh well, good luck Neil.
February 4, 2008
7:34 p.m.
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steviey99 writes:
Neal Kornreich, you are a courageous and remarkable young man. You are one of the reasons why there is hope in America, and your maturity and devotion inspire me and a lot of other people.
There will be those who try to discourage you, who try to hit you with negative rhetoric. Just remember to have hope, courage and try to inspire others to do what is right. Don't let the negative people drag you down, but instead try to raise them up.
God Bless you, and BARACK the vote!
February 4, 2008
7:43 p.m.
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philsilver writes:
Ignore all the jerks above who wish you ill, Neal.
Continue your path to show the positive side of life, and how being positive can make a difference. Good luck, Neal.
Go Barack!!!
February 4, 2008
7:59 p.m.
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FireCrow writes:
Neal, I'm proud of you young man. If there is any doubt about the importance of your commitment to doing what you are doing, one only has to read a few of the ignorant hate filled comments posted here. You can see what you and I and the rest of us are up against. Ignore them. While you are living a life of action, adventure and purpose, helping to create a better world, they will be stuck parroting the same miserable tired lies, doing nothing but tearing down those who dare to envision a better future. It is because of people like you Neal that I dare to hope for tomorrow. I wish you well my young friend.
February 4, 2008
8:18 p.m.
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rickwinrod writes:
Neal, you are my hero!
February 4, 2008
8:23 p.m.
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skisb writes:
Neal, you rock. Keep up the great work. I thought your story deserved a wider audience. Visit http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/2/...
to meet more of your supporters.
February 4, 2008
8:24 p.m.
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parker_parrot writes:
Neal -- You are proof positive of the extraordinary interest and commitment people are making to this election. So far, the increase in voters has been amazing. I hope it means we will continue to engage people in the political process.
I hope you are able to ignore the comments above. There will always be narrow-minded people who will use the most inappropriate venues to express their opinions. You've just run into a few of them. Know that there are many more people who support your courage and commitment. Good work!
February 4, 2008
8:35 p.m.
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chacharas writes:
What an amazing kid!
You are already far above average, Neal.
It would not matter who I supported...what you are doing is
truly admirable.
Thanks for being an inspiration.
February 4, 2008
8:42 p.m.
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EastVail writes:
How silly. This kid should focus on his homework, not on pestering people.
February 4, 2008
8:54 p.m.
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quadmom writes:
Neal-
I am so proud of you!
You will have an impact on this race, and the future of this country. I hope that my children will see the power that's in their hands to impact their community as you have done.
Keep on following your heart, and doing what you can for those around you. Your insight and focus is tremendous.
February 4, 2008
9 p.m.
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SPMinOH writes:
Neal,
I'm a Clinton supporter, but I'm impressed with your level of participation in our political system - you should be congratulated for it. Keep up the good work.
Don't pay attention to all the old grumpy conservatives here who are just bitter partisans. If you were working toward their cause they'd have no problem with it.
SPMinOH
February 4, 2008
9:12 p.m.
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GMFORD writes:
It's kids like you that give the rest of us confidence in the future of our democracy. Good show!
February 4, 2008
9:29 p.m.
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tinarowley writes:
Neal,
I'm so impressed with your story. Let me tell you something - I'm 38 years old and *I* don't have the guts to be out there canvassing for Obama, let alone taking on the position of precinct captain. Giant kudos to you. And that's my candidate you're supporting there, so that makes my heart swell even larger. :)
Know that there are truly thousands of us cheering you on.
And those naysayers? Talking straight out of the past. They're Flintstones. You're a Jetson.
P.S. And furthermore - you couldn't be average if you tried. You're well on the road to greatness. Forget on the road - you're there! Keep going!
February 4, 2008
9:54 p.m.
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manna writes:
Reading some of the comments here helps me to understand the exact kind of change that we all need to work for. I thank Neil from the bottom of my hear for caring about others, odd that should be as rare as it is. Let's roll up our sleeves and get to work...
Yes we can. Because kids like Neil will work for it. And because Neil will work for it, so will I.
February 4, 2008
9:57 p.m.
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tpiland writes:
WAY TO GO NEAL!!
February 4, 2008
10:45 p.m.
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akangelee writes:
Neil,
I also hope to be a delegate! Thank you for all the work you are doing, we are all doing the same here in Alaska. Although my daughter (13) was bummed when John Edwards dropped out! My Mother, myself and my daughter will all be at the convention, look for the Alaska group when you get there! We caucus tomorrow and the forcast is 40+ below, let's see how hardy the Obama supporters are! Looking forward to meeting you!
February 4, 2008
11:41 p.m.
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Daring_Dirk writes:
Neil, you are truly an inspiration. It's people like you who will make this world a better place.
February 5, 2008
5:11 a.m.
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ko writes:
Dear Neal
It's a real inspiration to read about a fine young man like you. In our sometimes troubled world, we all depend on the good work and friendship of others, and it's people like you who set an example we all can follow.
I was very happy to read about your interest in environmental activism, something we share - what could be more importiant to our future? Please keep at it and do what you can to convince others to help you take action to make our world cleen, green & happy.
Your decision to join the Obama campaingn and become a convention delegate is a remarkable and excellent goal for a young person. I hope this can be good learning experience and suggest you write about it to share with your fellow studants.
I was sorry to hear about your accident, but don't let this slow you down, Obama is right; when we get knocked down in life we must pick ourselves up and move on. Every struggle is a chance to grow stronger.
Be good & good luck.
Your Friend,
Ko
February 5, 2008
7:05 a.m.
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Laura_Deal writes:
Neal,
Gandhi said "Be the change you want to see in the world" That is what you are doing and it obviously brings up strong feelings in those of us who don't always live up to your fine example. Hopefully most of us will be inspired to follow your lead and work harder for the changes we want to see. Others will feel fear and try and mock what you are doing. Please know that if everybody agrees with you, then you probably aren't making a difference. Know that you are inspiring many of us to do more to make sure that America is a country worthy of fine young people like you.
Thank you for what you are doing
February 5, 2008
7:31 a.m.
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seanr writes:
To anyone who would criticize this kid:
Rest assured that this kid is a far better person at 12 than you are at whatever age you are. How can you attack a kid for not only wanting but actually working to leave the world a better place, even in the face of adversity? If you call yourself Christian, you might as well go burn your Bible because you just violated EVERYTHING Jesus stood for.
This kid should be rewarded and empowered, not ridiculed. If only there were more people like him in this world, it'd surely be a far better place.
February 5, 2008
1:25 p.m.
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mhmarianne writes:
Dear Neal,
God bless you for standing up for what you believe in and having the courage to do what you think is the right thing. Barack Obama is a family friend and will make a wonderful leader for this country in so many ways. He has inspired people throughout the whole country and you are a good example. About those poor sad people who are somehow threatened by a positive 12-year-old, there is a saying you should remember: No-one kicks a dead horse!
You will find people coming out of the woodwork to join us in this necessary and thrilling movement.
America is waking up and ready for the truth once again! Hooray!
Sincerely,
Marianne
February 8, 2008
4:02 p.m.
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Brazenwood writes:
Go Neil! I have a 12 year old son here in North Carolina, and after seeing your video he wanted me to get an Obama shirt so he could wear it to school here in the mountains south of Asheville.
Always remember that one of the smartest people in the world, Albert Einstein, was a democratic socialist. Don't let anyone vilify your need to serve the people. The conservatives only want to conserve one thing, their wealth and power, and so they go to war to pad their own pockets. If they were really Christians they would all be socialists like Jesus, who said, "Love your enemies!"
I can't even see how they can get out of bed in the morning and look themselves in the mirror. You are a great kid with much enthusiasm. It took me 37 years to get involved, and Obama is a very special man, who has the unifying power to heal this nation. YES WE CAN!
February 23, 2008
4:20 p.m.
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blob321 writes:
hey neal those people are beating you up cause they are worried and/or jeluos because they don't have the guts to campain and you do hang in there :-)
August 28, 2008
4:32 p.m.
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Scoey writes:
Check this out, Neal, you have a large group of future constituents already and a few, rotten-hearted hate mongers who will be your opponents. Just remember to stay positive, look for ways to implement your policies that Republicans can support (i.e.: don't require any sacrifice on their parts) and you'll do fine. Along the way, try to find people your age who, unlike the morons who have made nasty comments here, actually have INTELLIGENT ARGUMENTS against your political philosophy. The person who commented about 40% in taxes probably makes a lot of money and doesn't like the idea of sacrificing during hard times, like so many in the middle class have had to do. You need to find ways to demonstrate that higher taxes should be reserved for jerks like him, not for people trying to EARN A LIVING, but for trust fund babies whose daily work is mostly counting the money they already have to make sure their servants didn't steal it in the night.
Make as many friends as you can that have different points of view and can rationally articulate them. Learn from their perspectives and try to bridge the gap of understanding to let them see that when the rich get richer, they don't need tax cuts when the poor keep getting poorer. This is something you can do to help make a difference. Republicans are usually motivated by their insatiable greed and selfishness. But some of them actually care about humanity while also caring about fiscally sustainable policies that allow people to keep more of their personal income. The perfect middle ground would be candidates that demonstrate the ability to come with ways to help Americans improve their own lives with as little need for public funding as possible.
I wish you success.