Farzaneh vs Mac [ Four vs Eight Debate ]

M A R I A H  M A C

He had spent hours just talking at me about how to handle a debate: how to make a fool of the opposition by questioning their answers, and then questioning their questioning of your answers. A lot of it involved exerting power through body language and conducting yourself with care, but in a confident manner. He had told me, again, about the policies he—I—would implement if elected Mayor. He went into great detail about all of it, but of course, I zoned out when the moment he opened his mouth, thinking of brighter, better things. What is a girl if she cannot dream?

Of course, some of his advice stuck. But it was hardly relevant given the fact I'd be taking part in a telephone debate. How do I exert power through body language when I'm talking to someone through a wire? Still, I'd give it my best attempt because although being Mayor was not my own dream, it was my father's, and I told him I'd honour that. Besides, this is all televised and I'd hate to make a fool of myself in front of two Districts.

Sat with the phone in hand, the first question is shot my way and I ponder it for a moment—and in that moment, I realise it isn't about politics or policy, but rather about myself. Talking about oneself is second nature, especially when it regards speaking of a time when I've experienced great difficulty. Every day is difficult, but there are very poignant memories of a time when I was faced with one of the most difficult decisions a girl could ever face, and so I realise that telling my very true, very heartfelt, emotional story, is the best way to try and win the votes of... the voters. 

Besides, a Mayor needed more than just policy—a Mayor needed a personality too.

"There was a time, a couple years ago, where there were two guys I liked at work. It was so hard, you know, because they both liked me back and I know that each of them had their positives and negatives." I shake my head slightly, wiping an invisible tear. I start to imagine the candidate on the other end of the phone as more of a friend. "Picture this: two guys. One is the most gorgeous specimen that has ever walked this world. A real God of a man, buff, beautiful... but brainless... not that that is a bad thing!" I, myself, have been called brainless. "He was unemployed and living in a basement, I should add." He was my dream man before he opened his mouth. "And then the other guy: so intelligent, director at a company, financially stable but not a looker." I sigh. I really don't know if it would be possible for someone, anyone to face something more of a struggle.

"It was such a difficult time in my life. I was ready to settle down with one of them but my head was playing with my heart and my heart was beating up my head. I just—"

What I did was ultimately the best decision possible, especially given the circumstances. It meant that I could move on with my life and not look back, feeling I had missed something. I take a breath to compose myself before concluding. "I didn't know what to do... so I did them both." I nod my head, it was a personal victory. "And I'm a better woman for it."