Politics as a whole can be a very complex, yet intriguing topic to talk about. There are many diverse perspectives from college students regarding the candidates who aspire to become the next President of the United States. Some of those are based on political party affiliation, others on political views.
Students and faculty at Longwood University are preparing for the vice pesidential debate coming up on Oct. 4. We are continuously introduced to news regarding presidential and vice-presidential candidates and political issues regarding the United States and international relations. Although there are other political parties, including the Green Party with its candidate, Jill Stein, or the Libertarian Party with Gary John, news outlets and media mostly highlight what's occurring through the Republican and Democratic parties as only their vice-presidential candidates will be present for the upcoming debate.
In response to Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton running for president, many college students have reacted differently, forming a range of opinions.
Malina Foldesi, Longwood's College of Republicans, considers herself a devoted, far-right Republican, whereas Rebecca Huffine, the Treasurer of the College of Republicans, considers herself a moderate Republican, disputing the stereotype all Republicans are the same.
As a political science major, Foldesi said she doesn't think politics as a whole are difficult to comprehend.
"I'm very opinionated," said Foldesi, "But at the same time, I always see the other side of most issues."
Huffine, a communication studies major concentrating in public relations, acknowledges it can be difficult to understand politics but added, "Politics is what you make it."
When it comes to presidential candidates, Foldesi said she doesn't prefer the Republican and Democratic candidates, and that the only reason she would vote is because of following Supreme Court nomination.
Huffine said after Ben Carson, her first choice, dropped out of the election, she prefers Trump over Clinton.
Foldesi finds more negative reactions to the candidates than positive. "This is definitely the most negative election we've ever had," said Foldesi.
Huffine considers perspectives on candidates to mainly depend on what you see of them from news outlets, especially on T.V., "People like the candidates from seeing them on T.V. in one particular way" said Huffine.
In preparations for the vice presidential debate, the College of Republicans organized a mock debate with the Politics Club to introduce more students to politics.
Both Foldesi and Huffine strongly encourage everyone to vote, even if it may not be for presidential candidates. "Vote who you want to vote for," said Huffine, "The media makes it really hard."
Longwood's College of Democrats president Joseph Hyman said he considers himself primarily Democratic and at times independent.
Hyman finds that it can be difficult for people to talk about politics.
"I think that there's a certain way to put things that allows people who are not knowledgeable on the issue in a position to understand it much better," said Hyman.
Hyman said he believes the Republican Party nominated a candidate incapable of becoming president, and the Democratic Party has nominated a candidate with questionable integrity, but a platform that doesn't seem disastrous.
Along with Foldesi, Hyman agrees the reactions toward the election are primarily negative. "I think America has reached a point where we are now selecting people that the majority do not support," said Hyman. "But rather a plurality support."
In preparation for the Vice-Presidential Debate, the College of Democrats have given opportunities for students to register to vote, and they have opened up club meetings for people to help prepare and be involved in the student-run debate. They have also encouraged students to stay during the debate and created events prior to the debate to get students more involved in politics.
Hyman also finds it important to note not everyone in the Republican and Democratic Parties or related organizations is behind everything their nominated candidate says or does. "The Democratic Party and the Republican Party are not a person as in Trump or Hillary," said Hyman. "Rather, they are a set of ideals that people see for the nation moving forward."
In my perspective, regarding where I stand on political parties, I consider myself Democratic. Along with most of my family, I supported Bernie Sanders before he was no longer a candidate because we considered him as someone who would make issues in the U.S. more equal and compromising. Although I personally do not support Trump, I do not support Clinton as well since I do not trust them as much with their devoted intentions.
In the end, even after supporting Sanders, I find that no candidate is perfect and ideal, even if they may meet your political preference. Nonetheless, I always find politics really interesting to follow and discuss, especially regarding presidential candidates. With the upcoming Vice-Presidential Debate, it is beneficial to learn more about the candidates' chosen running-mates as they do what they can to support the future President.
What goes on in politics can be very broad and complex. Given this particular Vice-Presidential Debate, even if you fully support a specific political party, it is best to maintain an open mind and exercise your right to vote!
