Teen Trump supporter gains appreciation for Democratic candidate Dean Phillips
The 16-year-old self-identifying Republican attended a Phillips rally in New Hampshire with his grandmother, who is a Democrat and pushes him to think differently.
By Isaac Copeland, American University
ROCHESTER, N.H. –Democratic presidential primary candidate Dean Phillips had little chance of winning Tuesday’s New Hampshire primary, let alone the party’s nomination. But 16-year-old high school student Leam Carter traveled with his grandmother to Rochester, New Hampshire to attend one of Phillips’ rallies.
Carter’s grandmother, Nancy Pierce, is 78 years old and identifies as a queer woman. She lives in Hillsborough, New Hampshire.
During the rally, Carter spoke up and asked a question to Phillips about guaranteeing the right to gay marriage in federal law. When Phillips gave what Carter felt was an underwhelming answer, Carter continued asking for more specifics.
"I thought the first response was a little vague. I didn't really get much out of it” said Carter, "The second response he hooked me and with all the people that started speaking up about their stories, it helped me. I really feel like he does care."
Carter says Pierce supports her grandson, but also pushes him to think differently and grow.
"She doesn't make me think about anything specific. She's a Democrat and I'm a Republican. Well, I hate to give myself that label, but that's the side that I empathize with," Carter said, "She allows me to have my ideas challenged, and that's something that lacks in today's society. "
Carter looks forward to being able to vote in his first election. Although he likes former President Donald Trump, he says his attendance at Phillip’s rally challenged him to look at the candidates differently.
"Phillips, his love for our country and his love for wanting to repair it, I empathize with it and I know at heart he's a great person." said Carter.