by
Heather Graf
ERIN,
Tenn. -
Political heavyweights and celebrities aren't the only ones you'll find at the
Democratic National Convention in Charlotte. Sitting among them is an 18-year-old
from Erin, Tennessee. Charles Uffelman is also the youngest delegate to
represent our state.
"I would
encourage all young people, even if you're not interested in politics, to at
least listen to what's being said about the issues," says Uffelman.
NewsChannel 5
spoke to Uffelman via Skype on Wednesday about when he first developed an
interest in politics.
"It was
eighth grade. I was sitting at the table with my grandma. We were watching CNN
and we were talking about Obama," he recalls. "He was running for
president. He was about to get the nomination."
Uffelman
started campaigning for President Barack Obama just a few days later, and says
he's been hooked ever since.
"Whatever
he's into, it's 110 percent," says his dad, Lance Uffelman. "You
know, once he puts his mind to something, he's going to do it."
His parents
say it's been fun to watch Charles make this journey, and the entire community
of Erin is rooting for him.
"I mean,
sitting here on your couch watching it on television is one thing," says
his mother, Robin Freeman. "But if you imagine what it must be like
to sit in that arena with 60,000 other people and hear what they're hearing at
the same time, it must be unbelievable."
Uffelman is
making a few sacrifices to be there. This is just his second week of his
freshman year at the University of Memphis.
"Some of
my professors weren't too happy, but my political science professors were more
than happy, and they're excited I'm here," he says.
As for
whether he will eventually pursue a career in politics, Uffelman hasn't yet
decided.
"I think
politics is a lot of fun, but right now my goal is to get thru college and
hopefully law school," he says.
Charles' love
for politics does appear to run in the family. His grandfather was a state
representative back in the 1950's.
He will
remain in Charlotte thru Friday.
email:
hgraf@newschannel5.com
