Party poopers

Blue vs. Red. Elephants vs. donkeys. Swing states, social issues and so many people approving so many messages. It’s election year here in the great U.S. of A., and its people are definitely divided. Being the fresh, ripe age of 18, I got pretty excited to finally be able to take part in one of the most important things you can do as a member of these great states -- vote. Standing left of left, the DNC got me even more excited to cast my vote this November 6th. I had watched the RNC last week and I was, quite frankly, pretty hot and bothered by the end of it.

They talked a lot about how much our president had failed, how his new policies were going to do far more harm than good and about how if we stuck with Mr. Obama for the next four years we’d basically be committing to socialism and calling it a day. However, though the Republicans may have much truth in their accusations, I just didn’t see the point in focusing all their efforts at tearing our president apart.

At the DNC they had their fair share of “you listen here, Mr. Romney” moments as well, mocking his vice president and his stand on social issues. I felt as if I was watching a Comedy Central roast weeklong special -- one for each candidate. Is this how elections always are? I mean I am pretty new to this, and until this year I haven’t paid much attention. But how helpful can it really be to completely degrade the other party for a week?
After all, isn’t the election for all people? Not just the Republicans or Democrats, but for America? I surely understand how having political parties makes elections easier to follow, and easier to pick your man; but it seems to me the election is more about who is right or wrong than how we can make our country a better place. Why do we have to hate the other party to stand up for our own? Bill Clinton and I seemed to be on the same page. His speech at the DNC talked a lot about how it doesn’t matter who’s opinion is better because the more time we spend arguing that point, the less time we have to actually better our country. The best America wouldn’t be run by Republicans or Democrats, but by cooperation.

In the end, the DNC supplied me with new energy and excitement for the election ahead. Although I would never call myself extremely patriotic, the event definitely made me feel more hope for our whole country-- Romney enthusiasts included.

Shannon is a freshman majoring in journalism.