The Marcolian asked the Presidents of Marietta College’s College Republicans and College Democrats to share their perspectives on the stakes in this November’s general election. Below are their responses.
Tom Kimmins
twk001@marietta.edu
The 2016 Presidential Election is shaping up to be a groundbreaking race. With seemingly more media coverage than ever and new tactics on both sides of the political line, the two main parties are being torn apart by internal fighting and it is only a matter of time before the true fallout from this race is known. The two candidates, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, represent two vastly different political spectrums.
Hillary Clinton is a longtime politician. Her platform continues to shift America towards a more socialistic society with plans of redistributing wealth and providing more publicly funded solutions to her issues. She has received a lot of attention this year, as it seems her past is coming back to haunt her. Her email server investigation, actions regarding the Benghazi attacks, and spotty record of honesty have hurt her. Additionally, some information has surfaced suggesting the race was rigged against her primary opponent Bernie Sanders. This certainly created a large divide between the Clinton camp and Sanders’ supporters, who Clinton will undoubtedly need to help insure her victory. Overall Clinton has still been able to rally support from the Democratic Party establishment and will continue to be a strong contender in this race.
Donald Trump is the largest surprise of this election and is the polar opposite of Hillary Clinton. Trump has no experience as a politician and very little support from the Republican Party establishment. His platform revolves around simplifying the tax code, securing the borders, energy independence, and strengthening America. He is best known for speaking his mind and rebutting against political correctness. His campaign was self-funded for the entirety of the primaries and he has only recently begun to ask for help to fund his campaigning efforts. Trump has also been attacked by the Republican political establishment for being an outsider. Overall Trump has overcome numerous barriers and his origins outside politics have helped him immensely.
In conclusion this election will be a match-up like none other. Hillary Clinton seems to be more of the same with some small twists. Donald Trump promises to “Make America Great Again” taking stances on unpopular subjects with proud vigor. Clinton has brought to light some of her own political corruption, while Trump forces conversations that most politicians try to avoid. The biggest question is a simple one. What does America want? The answer to this question will be revealed in November.
Tom Kimmins, a sophomore Petroleum Engineering major, is President of the Marietta College Republicans.
Emily Vigue
ekv002@marietta.edu
This November, when a person heads to the polling booth they aren’t just voting for candidates anymore. Their vote will help set the stage for the way American politics and life will play out over the next four years and beyond. The stakes are high and we cannot risk electing officials who are more interested in furthering the polarization of the country than uniting it. We must not turn our back on progress made in social movements and legislation that have worked to improve the life of all Americans. We cannot put America in the hands of a man who refuses to respect the same men and women he is running to represent
We must work to elect public servants who represent the values Americans hold dear to their hearts. We must vote for the rights of women, ethnic minorities, children, and the LGBTQ community. We must vote for our workers’ rights and safety. We must vote for our environment. We must vote for candidates who have the experience needed to lead the most powerful nation in the world. These men and women have worked for what they have and acknowledge the many people who helped get them where they are today. These are the men and women who understand what the United States is all about. Who understand the value of serving others and who realize that our differences make us strong.
We must also acknowledge that our state and local officials have just as much of an impact on our lives as the federal government does. These are the men and women who represent our communities the most closely and with the most experience. We must work to elect candidates who are just as dedicated to preserving American values as we are. We need these men and women in the statehouse and in Washington. Ted Strickland has served this state as our governor and is now running for U.S. senate, all because he believes in Ohio and in its citizens. We need to support the people who support us.
This election is not a game. It is not a joke. The way we vote changes our future and the future of our children and grandchildren. We cannot risk our future in the hands of Donald Trump, a man who is just as careless with his words as he is with his actions. We most vote for candidates like Hillary Clinton and other Democrats who will work to preserve the Union many have died to protect. Lucky for us, voting is a right we are not denied. As college students we may also register in the same state and county that we call home for four years. This is the beauty of American democracy at work. Let us vote to equip this country with elected officials who represent REAL American values.
The Marietta College Democrats will have voter registration forms available until Oct. 11 for anyone who needs to register or update their address. September 26th will start Love Being Liberal week, which will include the first presidential debate party that evening at 9, Pizza and Politics, an environmental movie and more. Regular meetings are every Monday from 8-9pm in Emeritus Chamber, Andrews Hall. If you are interested in volunteering or internships in the area, visit the Washington County Democrats HQ, which is located within walking distance at 227 Putnam St.
Emily Vigue, a sophomore Political Science major, is President of the Marietta College Democrats.
