Teens know stakes high in presidential election

The 2008 presidential election is one of the most highly anticipated events in the nation. Recently, the Republican and Democratic conventions were held.

Sens. John McCain (Republican) and Barack Obama (Democrat) secured their party's presidential nominations.

The Republicans named the governor of Alaska, Sarah Palin, as their vice presidential nominee, and Democrats chose Delaware Sen. Joe Biden as their vice presidential nominee.

The convention helped some teens learn about Ms. Palin.

"I feel that McCain's VP, Sarah Palin, is what an average American mother has to go through nowadays," said Katie Duncan, 17, a senior at Fox Creek High School.

"She has a 17-year-old daughter that is pregnant. This issue (teen pregnancy) is becoming more and more common in the U.S."

When asked about the first impressions of vice presidential candidate Biden, Brandon Watkins, 17, a senior at Midland Valley High School, said, "I can't comment on it because I don't know anything about him."

Stefan Howell, 18, a senior at Midland Valley High School, believes political conventions "are not needed."

Cameron Hearn, 19, a student at the University of South Carolina Aiken, agreed.

"I think they (Republican and Democratic conventions) only benefit the person who is chosen to be vice president. Most people already have their minds set up about the presidential nominees."

Many teens perceive this election as the time for change and as a pivotal moment in American history.

"No matter who gets elected, the country is going to go through a dramatic change," Brandon said.

Teens have also realized that the 2008 election will affect them as individuals.

"As the country goes through a dramatic change, I will be entering the real world, getting a job, going to college and possibly starting a family," Brandon said. "This election will affect me very much over the next four years."

Michele Falin is a senior at Midland Valley High School