The United States political landscape is predominantly shaped by the Republican Party, the Democratic Party, and independent candidates. The US has two major parties, as well as a 3rd party, independent candidates. Choosing the leader of the “free world” represents diverse ideologies, policies, and voter bases, contributing to the country's dynamic political discourse. All of viewpoints reflects voter’s points of validity. They touch our familiar and individual beliefs. Political arguments often end friendships and divide families. Today’s issues are moving younger voters as they recognize their voice and power to impact change. Young Americans are growing up, with a politically divisive culture.
The Republican Party is generally associated with conservative principles, emphasizing limited government intervention, free-market capitalism, and more traditional social values. Republicans often advocate for a strong national defense and fiscal responsibility. Although recently, the Republican party has become divided on the above-named issue as well. Trump and his supporters have become more isolationists, with the “America First” slogan. More Republican candidates advocate maintaining the status quo in military spending which is often aligned with democratic candidates. Notable symbols include the elephant, and the party color is traditionally red. The Republican Party has former president Donald Trump, who won the Iowa Caucus. Nikki Haley So. Carolina Governor is fighting hard to continue to narrow the margin earned in Iowa, with the NH primaries on Tuesday, January 23.
On another side, the Democratic Party is characterized by its more progressive stance, advocating for social justice, equality, and a larger role for the government in addressing societal issues. Democrats often support policies such as universal healthcare, environmental regulations, and civil rights. Concerns for the middle-class decline, inflation and financial stability plague many American Families. The donkey is a common symbol, and the party color is typically blue. President Biden lack of visibility on the NH primary ballot does not build confidence as the country watches today’s NH voters. The primary gives an opportunity to see the Democratic Candidate Dean Philips, a US Representative from Minnesota in action. Candidate and author Marianne Williamson, Cenk Uygur, media commentator and founder of the Young Turks are also Democratic candidates. While the Democratic party has a wide spectrum of candidates, President Biden will likely be the front runner.
Stretching beyond the two major parties, there is a significant presence of independent candidates who choose not to align with either Republicans or Democrats. Independents often position themselves as free from party constraints, aiming to represent a broad spectrum of ideas. Their platforms can vary widely, making it challenging to generalize their positions. While the Republican and Democratic Parties dominate the political landscape, the presence of independent candidates reflects the diversity of thought and opinions within the American electorate. Voting is not the only indicator. Elections are about a fundamental act of citizenship, and it can be measured objectively. It reflects how well colleges and universities are fulfilling their civic duties. Inflation prices lead the voters’ concern at 24 %, while healthcare, climate change, job market and economy remain at 11 %. Immigration concerns are 9%, taxes and governments spending 6% and abortion concerns are at 5 % of voter concern.
In 2022 youth voter turnout was 23%, which was down from the record-breaking Obama election in 2018 at 28%. Preparing college and university students to be stewards for a robust, fuller realization of democracy has been the core mission of American Higher Education. Today’s campus communities are filled with students, faculty and administrators directly impacted by the effects of the Pandemic, the border crisis, and two international controversial wars.
As voters engage with parties and candidates, the democratic process thrives on the competition of ideas and the pursuit of solutions to address the nation's challenges. Education, application, and imagination to the solution of social problems are principal goals of all the political parties. Voters who identify themselves as part independent may choose to vote for either republican or democratic candidates, as well as align themselves with aspects of both republican and democratic values. The independent candidates, AKA the 3rd party, Robert F Kennedy, Jr former democratic party member, and Activist Cornel West are also running. Under the Green Party is Jill Stein, and the Libertarian Party is Chase Oliver, a candidate in the 2022 Georgia Senate.
The commonly known republican party color is red, and the democratic blue. This came about because of the 2000 election, which was also the start of the party animals (donkey and elephant). White may be considered a more neutral color, like how an independent party takes a more neutral stance when it comes to politics. These three colors together - red, white, and blue, represent a united, hopeful America and healthy democracy.