With the presidential primaries quickly approaching for many states, the intense competition in each party has sparked varying opinions among potential student voters.
In the Democratic Party, the battle between Hillary Clinton and Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders is at a virtual tie, and is coming down to the opinions of the younger voters. In the first few primaries, the close calls between the two candidates have pushed Clinton ahead by fractions of percentages. Her Iowa win was by a difference of 0.3%.
To many people’s surprise, Donald Trump stands in the lead of the Republican Party, according to the past three caucuses. Following close behind are Texas Senator Ted Cruz and Florida Senator Marco Rubio, with Dr. Ben Carson and Ohio Governor John Kasich trailing even further behind. Although Trump’s messages have been controversial, his wins in New Hampshire and South Carolina have proved he is a serious contender in this election.
So what are the issues being discussed?
Recent debates have centered on national security, immigration, student loans and health care. The candidate’s opinions on each of these issues have drawn support from various different groups.
For Middletown High School senior Isaac Hohen, Bernie Sanders is the top candidate in the race.
“He is the only one that cares about the American people,” said Hohen. His support for Sanders is fueled by Sanders’ focus on important issues, including campaign finance reform and student loans. Hohen said he believes that the least qualified candidate is Marco Rubio. He said he thinks that Rubio whines too much about Clinton and Obama and has no ideas of his own.
MHS senior Emma Provost, who identifies as a Republican, had very opposing opinions, with her favorite candidate being Marco Rubio. Provost supports Rubio’s ideas on foreign policy and appreciates the fact that he is not Donald Trump. Her least favorite candidate is Ted Cruz, simply because “he is obnoxious”.
MHS senior Nathan Yancey, another Republican, feels that Donald Trump is the top candidate. He supports his views on immigration, Planned Parenthood, and his opposition to gun control. Yancey said he also believes that taxing the rich would take away jobs because “there are no jobs from a poor man.”
According to MHS math teacher Christopher Frey, it’s too hard to tell which candidate has the best views because, currently, they’re focusing on appealing to one group for the primaries before showing their real opinions. Frey proudly stated, “I hate politics!” He said he strongly feels that no candidates fit the American public, and that each has an issue that they are “crazy” about. For example, Frey said he thinks Cruz is mostly focused on getting the Evangelical vote, Trump on being rude, and Clinton not “appearing too crooked.”
As of right now, the election is too close to call. Maryland’s primary election is being held on April 26, and will hopefully give further insight as to what to expect.
