I consider myself to be fairly knowledgeable in the area of politics. Nowhere near an expert, but I can hold a conversation on certain areas with the best of them. That being said, this is the first year that I am eligible to vote, and the best I can hope to do on election day is to pick the candidate who will screw up our country the least.

Thinking about the current presidential primary candidates, I actually cringe. I have read every personal website, Twitter feed and article on each of the candidates, and I still do not understand how any of them are planning to accomplish anything they have promised voters. The media frenzy does little but aid my bewilderment. The news coverage of the candidates and their campaigns seems more like a reality TV montage than an objective broadcast of the issues and events that should be featured.

All of them (yes, all of them) have some redeeming presidential qualities, but am I confident in their ability to run our country? Not in the slightest. Currently, I would not trust any of them with a goldfish. As Republicans and Democrats come closer to establishing the official presidential candidate of their parties, I am moving farther away from an assured option to cast my ballot for on election day.

Maybe I am being too picky, but is it so wrong to hold high standards for the future leader of a superpower nation? I do not think so, and I think the candidates need to be more proactive in reassuring voters of their qualifications and ideals. This reassurance should come through facts, statistics, and initiative plans, not through mudslinging and theatrics. Honestly, my 3-year-old cousin is more mature than these characters during a debate.

This election year feels surreal, and our country will not benefit from ideological fantasy or unrealistic goals. We need logical solutions to domestic problems and creative policies to promote foreign diplomacy and development. Arguments over petty issues and personal agendas are making me skeptical that any positive or necessary changes will be pioneered.

Unless a candidate proves that they are truly committed to their policy positions and enacting them, I am unlikely to favor one nominee over another. I am highly dissuaded by the personality-centered campaign that is underway. At this point, if you want me to vote for you, make me forget every personal detail about you.

Persuade me with thoughtful, innovative and realistic ideas. Gain my confidence with your credentials. Make me really believe that America will be better with you in the Oval Office.

Make my vote mean something.