Election 2008 Update

Saturday, 06 September 2008 10:42 Written by  Veronica Harrison

When sitting in front of the national news, most youth today do not realize the fact that this year’s election is history in the making. To see an African American candidate this close to being the next president of the United States of America is quite frankly mind boggling for many. To be a citizen of a country that is participating in, what most would consider a senseless war, is even more mind boggling.



“I tried to explain to my sixth grade son just how important this election was and I still don’t think he understood,” said Loretta Daniel of Chicago. “It brings tears to my eyes to see Barack Obama and his family fighting for change when I remember days when blacks and whites were not even allowed to use the same water fountain.”

The two presidential candidates, John McCain (R) and Barack Obama (D), are running toe-to-toe in a battle to prove to the American people that one of them is the man for the job. Several Americans are extremely concerned about the state of our country. Economically, the United States of America is facing trouble. The war is continually being held responsible for high gas prices, loss of young soldiers, and economic distress in this country. And George W. Bush is the one that many people are pointing the finger at.

“The last past eight years have gotten worse every year due to President Bush,” said Willie Harolds, a political science major at DePaul University. “Bush is engaging our American soldiers in an irresponsible war and it is unfair to this entire country.”

Many, like Barack Obama, would agree with Harolds. Barack promises to end the war on Iraq responsibly if he is elected president of the United States. He has chosen Joe Biden as his vice president for this year’s election. Many think this was a great move.

“Choosing Joe Biden was a brilliant idea,” said Harold’s. “Biden and Obama compliment each other extremely well, and many democrats are confident that they will make a powerful team.”

While many were impressed with Senator Obama’s decision for vice president, several people are concerned regarding Senator McCain’s choice for a running mate. McCain announced that his vice president would be Sarah Palin, governor of Alaska.

According to CNN, Palin and McCain only met one day, a huge concern to the America people.

“How can McCain choose someone that not only the American people are unfamiliar with, but who he is unfamiliar with as well,” asked Megan Tegala, a student at College of Dupage.

Like Tegala, many Americans are concerned about the fact that Palin is inexperienced. Many would agree that McCain’s decision to choose her as a running mate may have been a strategic and political move to gain voters who may have been pro Hilary Clinton.

Needless to say, the American people are ready for change. Only time will tell who will be responsible for such a task. Whatever the results, the people of America are desperate for their needs to be met. Issues including the war in Iraq, health care, education, abortion and the economy must be faced soon. This year’s election will definitely go down in our history books. All who are eligible are encouraged to go out and cast their vote in November. Let’s all be responsible for the changes that we are yearning to see.

Veronica Harrison

Veronica Harrison

A Columbia College Chicago student, Veronica Harrison is a 20-year-old native of the Westside of Chicago. The third of six children, she graduated from Proviso West High School as class president and was editor-in-chief of the school's literary magazine. She has written and published several poems and is currently working on my first novel.

She can be reached at Veronica@glossmagazineonline.com.