Students not so thrilled about upcoming election
Well Castleton, it’s election time again, and while this election may not be as historic as the last one was, it’s still an election and still to be treated as such. However, we at the Spartan have noticed a marked absence of enthusiasm over the upcoming election. Here to discuss are Anders and Nick.
Nick: The first thing that has to be said is that the importance of voting cannot be understated, especially in an election that’s going to be as close as this one is. That’s just why it’s troubling that there’s not much enthusiasm for this election. I’m not sure why that is; perhaps social media is killing the drive of citizens rather than creating it. I know I’m tired of Obama’s 10 daily emails, so if tactics like this can’t stir voters, what do you think can?
Anders: I’m not at all surprised at the attitude of our peers concerning this election. Where once it was an election that promised an expansive amount of social change versus the continued support of foreign conflict, for many the choice was obvious – especially for younger voters. Now, that drama is lost. We have seen President Obama in office and his policy making, his bailing of banks and the auto industry, his overhaul of our future of healthcare. What do these mean to people our age? Not much yet. Many are still on our parents’ healthcare, and will remain there for several more years. We have not seen corporate America up close in the workforce, owning a home, owning our credit.
We have not been affected banks or other social reforms. The brilliance of Obama’s first campaign was that it tugged at our heartstrings and said that we could do something. Now his campaign struggles to make us emotionally invested because the campaign strives for perseverance. It is most certainly a lesser-of-two-evils campaign hearkening back to the Bush versus Kerry ticket. Furthermore, the Romney campaign is also a culprit in this matter.
Nick: It’s true, the entire process has been de-electrified, partially because Romney continues pointing out promises Obama made that didn’t come to fruition. Obama clearly has the personal appeal even though he may have struggled pushing policy through in his last term; in this case, the two traits might cancel each other out. So you have one guy that everyone would love to sit down and have a beer with, but who didn’t quite meet expectations, and the other guy who most people would feel incredibly awkward having a conversation with and who also has no points that would interest anyone between the ages of 18 and 24. When we look at it this way, it’s easy to see why no one cares: do you want the guy you fistbump who didn’t deliver 100 percent or the guy whose shoes you shine who hasn’t been proven in action yet?
Anders: Voters need to recognize that though politics appears to be a gritty mess, it’s never the type of battle where there is a sure-fire individual to blame; the incumbent just catches the flak – such as the rise of oil prices, taxes and unemployment. Whoever you think is the better option is the clear choice for you. The fact that you’ve made a choice is important enough because you’ve bucked the convention of giving up an inalienable right – which millions of people do. Millions of people decide to give up their freedom and their choice in making a difference. The nominees know that, so they exploit it. Get out and vote.
Anders Ax and Nick Minarik