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Maybe it’s the fact that we’ve had the same president for almost eight years now and we’re craving some variety, but this upcoming election—and politics in general—seem juicer than ever. But why is it that we used to care so little about building walls, medicaid and social justice? Here are a few theories:
1. We’re finally old enough to care. Once upon a time it was easier to ignore serious issues because we were kids, and no one wants to cloud an innocent child’s mind with something as messed up as say, the TRUTH. But now that we have to be more responsible for our well being, we owe it to the country to participate in society, and educate ourselves in the process.
2. This guy could be president. If this is not pushing you straight to the polls a year from now, nothing will.
3. And so could this one. And if THIS is not pushing you straight to the polls in 2020, you might want to see a therapist about that.
4. The women are killing the game. Regardless of their political views, you cannot deny that Hillary Clinton and Carly Fiorina are pretty amazing debaters. Some would even sell their kidney just to see these two in a debate.
5. Speaking of, these debates are hilarious. At this point, there is zero difference between GOP debates and a Real Housewives of Atlanta reunion special. They all know that way too many people are running for president, yet somehow feel entitled to all the speaking time. Huckabee, stop trying to make your presidency happen. It is NOT going to happen.
6. UMD throws great viewing parties. Maybe in high school, people made fun of you for looking forward to your U.S. government class, but now you can talk politics, grab some free food and meet like-minded people all at once.
7. Obama’s Senioritis. The feeling Mr. President has right now is basically the same as we have about the end of fall semester pre-Christmas and post-Thanksgiving. Still, watching our POTUS do whatever he wants with absolutely no regard for the consequences is probably the best thing that ever happened to his administration.
8. John Oliver might be onto something. Well, not just John Oliver. John Stewart, Stephen Colbert, Trevor Noah, and SNL may pour a lot of humor into their commentary, but at the end of the day, they are all bringing in some real truth worth thinking about.
9. Scandal made it cool to be. Up until Shonda Rhimes blessed us with a night full of Gladiators and B613 murders, we all thought the White House was extremely mundane. But, Olivia taught us that diplomatic jargon could be sexy, shocking and downright stressful.
10. We have a lot more power. Maybe it is a little corny and maybe it does not change everything, but social media has increased America’s awareness of wrongdoing in the world and throughout our country tremendously over the past decade. Mean people and trolls will always try to divide us, but one voice has the strength to ignite a multitude and bring us all back together for a noble cause.