Last night I watched Mad Men, as I do every Sunday because that it’s an amazing show, and Nip/Tuck has sucked since they moved the show to Los Angeles (personal disappointment, so much could have been done to save it). I have to say, this episode was nothing short of amazing, thought it touched on a delicate time in American History, the assassination of JFK.

The entire show revolved around the character’s personal reaction to the incident, and I have no reason to believe it was much different in real life. Every character took it personally, even those whom we know didn’t vote for the President. They sat at the edge of their seats, watching every newscast, since it was first announced the President was first wounded in downtown Dallas, to the confirmation of his death, to Lee Harvey Oswalds assassination by Jack Ruby.

Stay strong, Don. Stay strong.

I cried. I fucking cried. Well, maybe I didn’t bawl or scream or anything like that, but I teared up, and tried my best to hide it from about 12 roommates (I live in a dorm house). I think the feeling was mutual around the room, there was a deep depression that kept everyone quiet focused on the show. It’s not hard to imagine being in that situation, under a visually familiar president who graced every possible media screen and radio wave around the world, a young man who brought a fresh and new spring to American politics, a leader who arguably engaged the youngest and widest demographic of the United States into public service, a President who reminded us of our adventurous need for progress, a champion figure for contemporary civil rights. Do I need to continue making parallels?

And I don’t think I’m exaggerating. It’s difficult to argue the positive mythical symbolism of President Obama’s persona, whether you like him or not.

Some of my roommates just sat quietly, and a select few (who are now on my mental shit-list) scoffed and remarked what a shame no one (read: they) would care these days. I in particular couldn’t hold back the tears. I’m sure most of it came from seeing people react to JFK’s assassination. But a lot of it came from the sheer thought that it was possible today. And how much worse would it be for a President who has embraced every possible technology that surrounds our lives like he does?

I can’t imagine that disappearing so suddenly. Under no other President would this episode have been so relevant.