This is an opinion piece – it reflects the views of the author, but is not representative of the views of Her Campus St Andrews as a whole
If you had told me five years ago that we would have a Twitter-obsessed, slightly orange-looking celebrity as our sitting Republican president, I would have laughed in your face. Yet, here we are. Now, as we are on the brink of an election, I have found myself constantly thinking about how to approach it.
I am a Republican. It is not something I discuss often, not because I am ashamed, but because I fear the snap judgements that we all make once we know each other’s politics. We may think ourselves above this, but, at a subconscious level, it still happens. Sadly, the media is constantly bombarding us with attacks on opposing viewpoints, and this year’s candidates have chosen to do the same. Democrats and Republicans are pitted against each other constantly, and it often gets personal and uncivil. I’d go so far as to say that George Washington was right when he told us a two-party system would not work.
In my small town on Cape Cod, I have noticed signs for a local, grassroots campaign called Keep it Kind 2020. Fed up with the constant political attacks, misinformation, and name-calling, this group has chosen to promote the celebration of different ideas and our fundamental right to freedom of speech. They encourage making connections and listening to people, as opposed to biased media outlets. The more I have considered their campaign, the more I have realized that this is how I wanted to approach this election season: with kindness.
I do not have all the answers, I do not have an opinion on everything, and I do not think Republicans are always correct. But politics are a chance for growth. If you sit down and listen to others, you connect with them while learning about yourself. Your friends may change your mind on some issues while solidifying your preexisting beliefs on others. In my personal experience, prior to meeting my boyfriend, I didn’t care much about educating myself on the environment. After talking and debating with him, I have a new mindset about it.
This election season, I am shocked and appalled by how polite society has broken down, and nowhere is this clearer than in the first debate between presidential candidates. Between talking over each other, disregarding the moderator, and openly attacking each other’s family members rather than discussing the issues and questions asked, I was left feeling disgusted with both candidates, and even more confused about what to do. After witnessing the debate, I did not feel that I could vote for either candidate in good conscience.
If I had it my way, the Republican candidate would be Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker. For those who don’t know, Massachusetts is a Democrat-leaning state, but Baker is a Republican. He is effective and really makes the effort to keep it kind. His legislative bodies are majority Democrats, but there is minimal gridlock because he takes the time to listen and works to collaborate and compromise.
I encourage all who read this, both leading up to and beyond the election, to be kind. At the end of the day, 99% of Americans want what’s best for the nation. Our ideas of what is best and how to get there are just different. When I get to the polling station on November 3rd, I will vote for who I feel is best for this nation, just as the Democrat in the booth next to me will.