With the 2016 election just over a year away, a variety of presidential hopefuls still flood both the Republican and Democratic race. The top candidates are gradually becoming more obvious. Of the Republicans, four frontrunners are vying for the head of state and government: Marco Rubio, Carly Fiorina, Donald Trump and Ben Carson. Of the Democrats, the current leaders are Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders.
Originally, Trump led the polls by 23 percent, but in the last few weeks both Rubio and Fiorina have inched closer to him. Political experts in the USA Today GOP Power Rankings believed that Trump may have finally been falling from his high horse, but reports this week put him on top. Clinton still leads the Democratic candidates by 40 percent. Nonetheless, American citizens should remind themselves of what is truly happening.
The most recent Republican debate turned into “America’s Next Top President” and Trump amped up the drama to an unnecessary level. He focuses on topics such as trade and immigration that many Americans worry about. These issues are always prevalent no matter which presidential race is happening, but Trump avoids questions about newer issues and plays on the fears of the citizens.
All candidates have an aversion to answering any straightforward question; it’s far more normal to start telling their opponents what they have done wrong. From Clinton’s email scandal to the media’s focus on personal life, more bickering between candidates than debating about America’s concerns has happened across both Republican and Democratic parties. Many candidates are not taking each other seriously and are not receiving respect from the American people.
Making light of a situation does relieve a level of stress, but can also prevent the appropriate level of formal behavior. The president of the United States is not an icon or reality star. He or she is the leader and commander in chief of the country. Checks and balances do not prevent the president from making changes. That system can only slow down change to a certain extent among all the branches of power. The presidency is not a joke and should not be taken lightly.
The other day, topics about Trump came up in my lecture. At just the mention of his name, individuals began laughing and shaking their heads. People began jesting about him, things he has said and about how funny it would be if Trump became president.
Although something may be funny at the moment, it doesn’t mean it will continue to be a lighthearted topic. It agitates me when I overhear conversations about Trump becoming president because it would be funny or humorous. Is the future of our country truly that amusing to people? Have our issues with the political process so clouded our judgment that we cannot at least try to take the system seriously?
In light of the heat surrounding gun control and the recent tragedy of the shooting in Oregon, Americans should pay avid attention to the candidates. One of those individuals will become our leader and have the power to make a drastic impact on this nation. They are taking on heavy and controversial issues such as ISIS, prison conditions, legalized gay marriage and gun control. Each of these respective topics demands a level of attention and consideration.
In a dream world, the presidential race would focus on what each candidate believes in and how they would address national and world issues. But, in real life, personal issues, past mistakes and physical appearances emerge on the Internet more than political beliefs. It’s hard to focus on a candidate’s statement in an entertainment world. It is far easier to switch the channel or joke about Trump becoming president.
We have to remember that this race is not for entertainment or amusement. Whoever becomes head of this nation is entering a sphere full of turmoil and grief, which needs to be addressed with courage and the strength of the American people.
Foster: The presidential race is no joke
Jessica Foster
October 6, 2015
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