Politics have always excited me; I blame it on the fact that when I lived in Alaska for two years there was nothing better to do than watching the O’Reilly factor on TV -- you know, it's better than braving the cold, dangerous weather of The Last Frontier.
Nevertheless, since seventh grade, I have always been a sort of political geek. What bill passed? Why should we vote for this senator? Why do we care about this issue? All those questions I loved to find answers to and with a huge mixed family of republicans and democrats, I was able to form my own ideas and input on such issues.
On the day I turned 18, it wasn’t the thought of finally being an adult that thrilled me. Or that I was or that I would be old enough to drink in Europe; nope. It was that I was ecstatic that I could vote. As an American, I feel it is a huge privilege to be able to have the input on who our leaders would be. So that day I registered and counted down the days until the official presidential election.
Now, as election day nears, many people are asking the question “who are you voting for?” One’s answer either sparks an immediate and harsh debate or a high five and a new friendship. A lot of people are basing their side on the fact of gender, looks or what the media portrays a specific candidate. Some base it on what that candidate has to offer. Many think, “What can I get out of it?” For me, I am looking at their policies, virtues, and what leader would be best to help get America on track again.
To say you are voting for Hillary Clinton just because she would be the first woman president is foolish. About as foolish as the people who voted for President Obama just because he was black. You have to take a little time and dig deep into the policies of the candidate, and who you personally feel more in touch with.
Hillary Clinton:
Former Secretary of State, New York Senator and past First Lady from her husband’s presidency. She is strongly pro-abortion, anti-gun, supports free health care, and now, has picked up the movement for free college…or as she likes to say, ‘debt free college.’ At a first glance all that ‘free’ stuff seems quite nice but who exactly is going to pay for it? “The government of course.” But where will they obtain the money? That’s right – the one percenters. But as we all know, it’s the middle class – our parents, soon to be you and me, who ultimately foot the bill. It’s like a snowball effect. Roll a tiny ball down a hill and it gets bigger and bigger. At that point, there is no stopping. Eventually, it runs over you. Take all the ‘free’ offers from the government and, eventually, it will create a ball so big it crushes America.
Scandals like to follow the Clintons around like dogs. Whitewater, Travelgate, Benghazi, Libya, Syria, Russian Uranium, deleted emails and wiped down servers -- to name a few. How do you define classified? I plead the 5th. Do we think this will cease once she gets into the White House? From my research and knowledge on the subject points to one word: no.
Donald Trump:
He is an American, multimillionaire businessman, TV personality and author. As a strong supporter of the Second Amendment he believes in the importance of guns, wants to enforce immigration laws, and plans to defeat the threat of ISIS. He is known for his outspoken personality and blatant humor which makes him unlike any other presidential candidate we have ever seen. He is all sorts of synonyms of bombastic and egotistical and doesn’t sugar coat the hard stuff. He is such an unconventional candidate that many in his own party refuse to support him. Which is exactly why people adore him.
As a businessman, he has the experience of negotiating deals and making money. He has been bankrupt before but he has risen from it and regained his stature. As America only increases its debt, Trump plans to decrease it and strengthen its treasury. Is he the perfect candidate? No. A polished speaker? Far from it. Erratic and unpredictable? At times. As the saying goes, people are successful when surrounded by intelligent people. I see that Trump has assembled some of the brightest minds in and outside of politics. He has unique and new ideas and a desire to reestablish the great country of America. Will he achieve all he says? We cannot know for sure unless he is in the White House. Actions are louder than words; I would rather put my money on a new runner than to put someone in there who has been talking about things for 20-30 years with the same result.
As a freshman in college, I personally feel that Trump is the best candidate. Clinton has been described as, “someone who has been quoted as 'not a criminal but, extremely careless.'” At this point in time we cannot afford to have another Obama in the White House. We’ve had enough scandals for the time being. America needs someone strong, and different to unite the parties and get the country moving again.So when November 4th comes around, be sure you’re registered to vote. It’s an important part to play in being an adult and this election will affect America’s future for the next four years. Voting has been downplayed a lot in the recent years among college students and I urge everyone to go to the polls. Besides, if your candidate doesn’t win, you can’t complain about it if you didn’t even vote.
