The Goods and Bads of Politics

I'm getting excited again in the world of politics. I haven't been this excited in a long time. Why? Well, I was somewhat excited before the 2004 election, in hope that W. would get knocked out of his throne, but with John Kerry as the Democratic candidate, that didn't happen. I was again excited in November of 2006, when the Democrats won control of both the House and the Senate, but then came to the realization that the government would be at a stalemate until the next President waltzed into office. Now I know that George W. Bush will not be president as of January 20th, 2009 and I have a feeling, so long as a couple of these candidates aren't elected, that more will get accomplished in Washington. But, just as politics can excite me, it can aggravate me, as well.

We have a very diverse field of candidates this year, from a Baptist minister (Mike Huckabee) to a Mormon (Mitt Romney) to a Libertarian (Ron Paul) to an actor (Fred Thompson) to an African-American (Barack Obama) to a woman (Hillary Clinton) to a former POW (John McCain) to a former running mate of John Kerry (John Edwards). It's a very diverse field and I like that. But, the more diverse the field of candidates, the more angry haters will speak out against those candidates and in the worst of scenarios, actually act upon that hatred.

I hear and read the most negative of comments toward Democratic nominees Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. Why? Because if elected president, Clinton would be the first woman leading the nation and Obama would be the first African-American to do the same. Both have needed extra security to events and there is word that Obama has received threats, especially after the victory in Iowa. I've read some comments claiming that "no self-respecting man would ever vote a woman into office" and "no white man or hispanic would vote a black man into office." I've also read/heard comments, saying, "If Clinton/Obama wins, there will be a record turnout on election day, and they won't be voting for Clinton/Obama."

At a time when I and many others are feeling a sense of history right now, of a rough chapter in American history finally coming to a close, and feeling a sense of joy because of that, I also am saddened when I read and hear such commentary. I don't care if I'm a Republican, Democrat, man, woman, or what skin tone I have, I think it's utterly ridiculous to make such ignorant commentary for the simple fact that a candidate is not a male and/or not white. Even an old friend of mine last night, said in regard to the top two Democratic candidates, "I'd always vote for a black man in front of a white woman." Why must it be about innate characteristics of a human being as opposed to their beliefs, their character, what they stand for? Who cares that Hillary Clinton in indeed a woman? Who cares that Barack Obama is an African-American? That is not what's important! What's important is, who do we truly believe will be able to move this country in the proper direction over the next four to eight years? Who will provide the most positive changes, while maintaining the best security? If one doesn't believe the best choice is Clinton or Obama because of their policies, ideas, or perhaps an inconsistency they've displayed a time or two, that's fine. But to discount these two candidates before even listening to them speak or reading up on them is, for lack of a better term, retarded.

I think the younger generations truly have an opportunity to make a difference, to make history with this election. We weren't around during the '60s Civil Rights' Movement. We weren't around during the struggles of women and African-Americans in their attempt to garner equal rights as white males. We don't know how difficult it was back then for these groups of people, but at the same time, we're also less likely to hold a judgment on them. One reason that more females (especially younger ones) were more apt to voting for Obama than Hillary in Iowa is what I just mentioned. They weren't around for the feminist movement, during the time when women were first given the right to vote, so they don't see things from that older perspective. They don't see this as the first time in history a woman could be elected president. They believe that this year is just the first of many opportunities for a woman to be elected to the front office. We're probably of a similar mentality to Obama. The majority in my generation don't really look at this as an opportunity to elect the first African-American to become our nation's leader. It's just the first of many opportunities, but there's something new and fresh about Obama. Regardless of how closely the two of their voting records are, two families have held the crown for the past 20 years. If Hillary is elected, that trend would continue and total 24 to 28 years. George H.W. Bush was in office for four years, followed by Bill Clinton for eight, and George W. Bush for eight more. Many want to see a new name in office other than Bush or Clinton. I think Jeb Bush would run into similar problems this year. It wouldn't matter what his credentials were, the majority of Americans would be reluctant on voting him into office. The negative ads and attacks won't win our generation over either. One thing that attracts us so much to Obama is his positive spin on everything, his inspiring words, his truly giving the vibe that he wants to unite what has been divided these past 7+ years under Bush. Experience, as Hillary has fed us, is extremely important, to any job, but right now, at this point in our history, many of us are looking for a fresh new start following the eight grueling, disastrous years known as the Bush tenure and for whatever reason, agree with it or not, Barack Obama appears to be the candidate with which our generation and perhaps others see that as the most possible. I just hope and pray that whoever wins the Democratic nomination, whether it be Obama or Clinton, that neither one is sent death threats and are protected throughout their campaigns and potential tenure(s) as president.