There is a lot of anticipation and excitement about the upcoming presidential election. It is not only an exciting race but a historical one.
For the first time in U.S. history, there is a strong chance a black man, D-Sen Barack Obama, could become president.
Also, Gov. Sarah Palin, of Alaska, could make history by becoming the first female vice president. For these reasons, the world is focusing on the Democrats and the Republicans.
For years these two parties have dominated American politics. Only in 1992, when Ross Perot was running for president as an Independent, did any other party have a viable chance of winning a presidential election since 1912. However, there are a significant number of Liberals and Conservatives that will vote in November.
With so much attention on presidential candidates Obama and R-Sen. John McCain, the liberal and conservative political views seem like they are being overshadowed by Democratic and Republican policies.
While both candidates are trying to appeal to both liberals and conservatives, it is of great interest to see which party will win in November. Many individuals affiliated with these parties have strong views and opinions, and many of them are not afraid to share them.
Even though politics is considered a touchy discussion topic, especially among strangers, some WSSU students had no problem giving their opinions on the upcoming election. “I have been a liberal for 15 years,” says Michelle Friday, a senior.
“Barack Obama is a candidate that seriously wants to help the less fortunate, and that’s why I am voting for him. He is very intelligent and knowledgeable, and I like his policies,” Friday said.
One odd thing about this race is how the candidate’s are being criticized. Opponents of Obama have called him an “extreme liberal.”
McCain’s detractors have called him an “ultra conservative.”
Obama’s chief message is change in Washington; this is somewhat understandable. Individuals that do not understand how Obama will bring about such change may see his message as a pipe dream. McCain is seen as another President Bush, and has voted for many of Bush’s policies in the Senate.
However, liberal WSSU students did not completely agree that Obama is extreme.
“As a liberal, I am voting for Barack Obama because he wants to make college more affordable,” said Jasmine Calvin, a sophomore.
“No Child Left Behind [the legislation to improve America’s public schools] motivated me to support him because he really cares about the youth, he wants to improve it because they are our future,” Calvin said.
Conservatives were not quite as forthcoming as Liberals on campus.
However, one Conservative, Tiffany Singletary, had this to say: “John McCain represents traditional American values, and his experience in politics is a primary factor why I am voting for him. I was raised in a Baptist Church, and I am very traditional, so he appeals to my views.”
It seems that most liberals favor Obama over McCain.
I think Obama brings a powerful message of hope and change and giving more privileges to the American people. The most important thing is that every student comes out to vote in November.
From the looks of things, such as Obama T-shirts and pins, most students will.