Okay, there is no way to start this post that will mask my bias, pride and love for today’s interview. The first night of this trip was spent in LA with my daughter, Katie. That I wanted to interview her goes without saying, but maybe not just for the reasons you might think.

With every conversation, every interview of my 2008 trip, my spirit and faith were renewed. Conservative or progressive, each persons humanity and shared values gave me hope. But never more… never more than when I was talking to young people. There is a sense of ordered thinking, absence of ideology and most of all, an engagement that is heartening.

The chance to record my daughter was irresistible. Katie is in her last year at UCLA Law School and is an avid rock climber, dancer and reader. I cannot be objective, but every day I am thankful.

So Katie indulged me, as she often does. I think you will hear not only why I am so proud, but why I am so hopeful.

[rtmp3 url="https://dl.dropbox.com/u/108166614/Audio2012/Katie%20McDonald.mp3" title="Katie McDonald"]

(thank you Katie girl, I love you)