Re: The American Presidential Election

I won’t lie – I am not super qualified to speak rhetorically of American politics...or Canadian politics either, for that matter. As such, I apologize in advance if my opinions reflect those of a moron, who has absolutely no idea what is happening in the world around her. But hey, at least I knew who Sarah Palin was before the infamous SNL skit mocking the Sarah Palin VS Katie Couric interview.

Like the majority of Canadians, I was thrilled when Obama won the American Presidential Election for the Democratic Party. One thing in particular I would like to comment on regarding the election is that I have never seen today’s youth actively participate in supporting a presidential candidate to this extent prior to Obama. I’ve seen young adults and teenagers walk around town wearing Obama t-shirts; I’ve seen them buy Obama posters at the poster sale in the University Centre; I even heard about some kids dedicating their bong to the man, naming it “O-BONGA!” On Election Day, at least 30 Facebook friends had their status set to “VOTE OBAMA!” People of all ages support Obama, however I have chosen to focus on North America’s youth, particularly because I have never seen such a wide variety of teenage supporters in any American Election. This, perhaps, could be due to the fact that I am only 18, and as such am just starting to become more involved in these matters as well. Nevertheless, I’m sure any adult can see where I’m coming from. There are many possible reasons behind the youth’s recent involvement in the American Election:

a) The youth especially/most people detest George Bush. Seeing as McCain was, too, a Republican candidate, Obama would definitely not reflect Bush’s regime.

b) America is in desperate need of change for many different reasons – a revolutionary candidate could provide America with these changes.

c) Obama is the first black to be elected President of the United States. People wanted to witness what will be in the history textbooks, centuries to come.

d) The youth is strongly influenced by what is considered “cool” in the media. Obama is cool.

e) Obama did not hire Sarah Palin. Enough said.

Don’t get me wrong – I think that the youth’s shift in interest regarding political matters is remarkable. I just hope it is for the right reasons.