As New Hampshire’s first-in-the-nation primary draws closer, presidential candidates have been ramping up their campaigns in the Granite State. Success in New Hampshire has long been considered key in a presidential campaign, so come election season, New Hampshire residents have opportunities unlikely to be found anywhere else. Candidates flock to the state, making it just about the easiest place to accidentally run into our nation’s future president.

Recently, I had the opportunity to meet one of these candidates, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders. The event was part of WMUR’s Candidate Cafe, an ongoing series of filmed conversations between candidates and a group of undecided voters. I heard about Candidate Cafe through my AP government teacher, Mr. David Alcox, who provided me with the opportunity to meet with Sen. Sanders. As an 18-year-old who will be voting for the first time in the February primary, I was very excited at the prospect of getting to meet with one of the most well-known contenders for the presidency.

Candidate Cafe conversations are held at the Airport Diner in Manchester and focus on the personal – as opposed to political – side of a candidate. Participants are encouraged to ask questions that avoid contentious partisan issues. With these sort of prompts, Sen. Sanders spoke about everything from his taste in music to what it was like to abruptly become a national celebrity. While typically portrayed in the media as a resolute, serious politician, Sen. Sanders showed off a much more personable, witty side to a group of voters who wanted to get to know him as a person.

For me, it was eye-opening to see the man behind the media personality. Politicians may be forced to present a polished exterior in professional situations, but can really let their guard down when speaking individually with people. A personal conversation with a candidate can also remind voters that he is defined by so much more than his political views – a point touched upon by Sen. Sanders himself.

"The media may tell you that Democrats and Republicans hate each other," the senator explained to the room full of voters, "but it’s not true." Both parties want what’s best for America, Mr. Sanders argued – they just have very different ways of going about it. And in a modern political climate where radical partisanship seems harsher and harsher, sitting down and having a personal conversation with a politician can serve as an important reminder that politicians on both sides of the aisle are human, and want what’s best for their country.

Hannah Waris is a senior at Milford High School.