The Presidential Living Room

The presidential debates are important, but there are more important debates; the debates among the voters. My family’s political debates usually take place in our living room or around our kitchen table. Political topics are discussed side-by-side with a debate over who has to decide what dinner is going to be next week. There are no formal propositions, no formal arguments, and no formal rebuttals. Instead, these debates flow like conversation. They may not be featured on national television, but these debates can be crucial to an election.

“I think Mitt Romney is a liar because he says one thing, then he goes back on it and says the opposite,” Freshman Julia M. said.

When “common folk” debate, they generally don’t “sugar coat” the issues or “beat around the bush” like politicians do. Generally, students with an opinion directly say what they mean when it comes to politics. Perhaps this makes politicians seem like professional, good leaders. However, other times it can make them appear to be putting up a facade.

“Romney is just agreeing with whatever Obama says and he is coming off as a businessman [trying to sell something],” Letroy Ducksworth, senior, said.

When everyone gets involved in politics, fresh ideas and new perspectives are shared. People bring their own life experiences into debates, which in turn brings real-life application to political policies.

“[Romney] claims that he wants to help women but he wants to close down Planned Parenthood, which is important to women because it helps underprivileged women who are pregnant. … [Planned Parenthood] goes beyond abortion,” Senior Tessla Varvel said, supporting Ducksworth’s opinion.

Students debating the presidential candidates can also bring a lighthearted tone to the election, which help alleviate the tension between political parties.

“I think Romney is sexy,” Duckworth said.

“Romney is hot for an old guy, but I’d rather marry Obama,” Varvel replied.

Not only do comments like these relieve some of the heat in the debates, but they also help students explore their overall opinions of the candidates, not just on the basis of specific topics.

Next time you hear somebody talking politics, don’t be afraid to get involved. You don’t have to be a political scientist to have an opinion, and you might learn something about a presidential candidate that you never knew before.