On the way to the meeting, Daria's roommate had persuaded her to attend, she asked Daria something that had been on her mind for a while?
"So, who was this person I remind you of?"
"My classmate, well, she's a joiner, an overachiever, but let's just say she plays for the other team to you"
"She's a lesbian?"
"No. Think about it, what are we going to?"
"You mean the Demo… oh" it finally clicked into place for her "She's a Republican"
"Or at least her family are, and she has a hard time standing up to them"
"I know the feeling" she said, sighing.
Jessica noticed that seemed to be distracted, but didn't say anything.
When they arrived at the meeting, they were greeted by someone who asked them to sign in. Jessica recognised them, and tried to introduce them to Daria, but Daria showed no interest. The interaction somewhat set the tone for the meeting, which started with a power-point, given by a man and a woman.
They introduced themselves as the Raft University chapter of the Democrats on Campus (thank you captain obvious, Daria thought)
They explained a little of the history of the Democratic Party, then about the Party's values of equality, environmentalism, social justice, non-interventionism…
Daria raised her hand, but was ignored
"Excuse me!" she exclaimed
"I'm sorry. Question and Answer time is later. Just let me finish this part, and then there will be a video"
That wasn't their exact choice of words, but that's what Daria heard.
Public services, inducing health care, education and public transit.
Daria rolled her eyes. "I don't think they even know what that means" she whispered to Jessica, who shot back an annoyed glance.
The executive then introduced themselves, and the names immoderately disappeared from Daria's mind. Not that it mattered, It not like Daria would ever be seeing these people again.
They then explained what they do. Namely, recruit people into the party, run social events and fundraisers, campaign in local, state and national elections, and yes, even run for student council. The speaker then asked if anyone in the crowd would consider running for student council next semester, staring a hole in Daria, who said nothing and didn't alter her expression in the slightest.
They then played a video of the 2000 DNC, which was recorded by some of the members, who were in attendance, along with official footage from the event spliced in.
"Now, were there any questions?"
Daria's hand shot up
"Yes?" the speaker said incredulously
"Were there protests?
"At the convention, I think so"
"What were they protesting?"
"I think there was a number of issues, there were anti-abortionists, anti-globalisation and homeless protesters"
"And where do you stand on those issues?"
"Well, we're pro-choice, we think homelessness is a complex issues, but solving it requires both empathy and well funded, and administered services." one speaker said, then motioned for the other one to speak
"As for globalisation, we think its important to break down barriers to trade, but sweat shops are bad, is the short answer"
Daria's hand shot up again
"Yes?"
"In your presentation, you spoke of non-interventionism. Where do you stand on the Clinton Administration's Iraq air strikes?"
"That's a complex issue. We think its important for America to have a multi-lateral foreign policy, but sometimes, the international community can be slow to act, and America has to step in. Does that answer your question?" they said, turning it back on Daria
"I guess. Can I ask one more question?"
"I suppose so" the speakers were no longer incredulous, but had switched to politician mode, Daria noticed.
"In your presentation, you spoke of equality. Does that include gay rights?"
"Of course" they both said instantly
"What's your position on DOMA?"
There was a moment of confusion
"The Defence of Marriage Act" Daria clarified
"Oh right" for a moment, one of the speakers took a deep breath, as if to compose themself.
"Well, at this point in time, we don't think America is ready for same sex marriage, and it was even less ready four years ago" one speaker began
"But perhaps one day it will be, But if President Clinton hadn't signed DOMA, we could have ended up with a constitutional amendment. And that's a lot harder to overturn than an act of congress. Any more question?"
Daria was silent.
"Well, in that case please help yourself to food and stick around and chat." the speaker said, pointing towards the platter.
La-la-la-la-la
As Daria was helping herself to the free food (the best kind of food, when you're a college student), one of the presenters approached Daria.
"So, Daria, Jessica has told us a lot about you. You're clearly a smart and switched on young lady"
Daria raised an eyebrow.
"Oh she has, has she?"
"Yeah, and I see she didn't exaggerate. You're quite honest and blunt."
"And…?" Daria sensed they wanted to ask something
"Have you considered running for student council?"
"I'm not really the type. I'm not a joiner. I think this (indicating Jessica) is the person you're looking for"
Jessica blushed
"Well, Jessica, what do you say?"
"Ill think about it?"
la-la-la-la-la
"Do I owe you an apology?" Daria asked on the way back, seemingly from out of nowhere
"What for?"
"Did I just embarrass you in front of people you were trying to impress?" Again, Jessica was struck by how unusual it was for Daria to say such a think.
"Daria, those people are used to dealing with tough questions, whether they come form journalists or trolls. They know how to maintain their cool."
"That's not what I asked." Daria paused "I know I hogged the spotlight."
"And I told you that you could do that"
"So, we're cool?"
"Yeah. We're cool. But what's up with you?"
"What do you mean?"
"You keep looking over your shoulder"
"Its nothing" Daria said, thinking at least I hope its nothing
"So, do you still need help with your assignment?"
"Sure, we can do it when we get back if you like"
Daria nodded.
La-la-la-la-la
"So, I just need to sign the consent form, and then give your verbal consent for the recording"
"I, Daria Morgendorffer, of sound mind and body, do hereby give my consent for my voice to be recorded for Jessica Clayton's assignment"
"Alright, first question. Could you briefly explain the difference between Irony and Sarcasm?"
"Irony is situational, Sarcasm is a mode of speech"
"Could you give an example of each?"
"If I were to say what a great plan, what would be sarcasm. If the plan worked out perfectly, that would be ironic"
"Would you consider Alanis Morrisette's song Ironic to be Ironic?"
Daria rolled her eyes. This issue was so played out.
"No, but the line well isn't this nice, is sarcastic"
"Could you give an example of something that has happened in your own life?"
"When President Clinton visited my school (Jessica's jaw dropped at this) my principal went to great lengths to prevent two particularly dimwitted students from being on campus that day. He was concerned they would embarrass him. However, they showed up anyway, and the President took a shine to them."
"What does that have to do with you?"
"I deafended the dimwits to the President. I was worried what might happen to them. I should have been more worried about what would happen to my principal. When he tried to crash tackle the boys, the secret service guards tackled him"
"How Ironic" Jessica said "Did you say anything else to the President?"
"Well, I asked him if he meant it when he said that he would help every American get a college education, of it he was just jerking us around. The school green-lit the question" Jessica looked shocked at this.
"But before he had a chance to answer, he was interrupted by the aforementioned dimwits."
"That's a hell of a story" Jessica admitted
"Any more questions?"
"Just one. If you were asked out by a classmate, what would you say?"
Daria switched off the recording.
"How did you know about that?" Daria asked, mildly annoyed
"I have my sources" Jessica said, innocently
Daria raised an eyebrow.
"I overheard you talking about it on the phone with your friend. What was her name again? Joan?"
"Jane. And the answer is none of your business. Also, I haven't decided yet"
"And do you want to talk about it?" Jessica had now completely switched to friend mode, as best as she could.
Daria sighed "Not with you"
"How about with Jane?"
"Well, when Jane and I next meet up, we'll probably talk about it then"
"And do I get to meet her?"
"Eventually" Daria insisted, and Jessica realised that was all she would get out of Daria for now.