With the election over, and history made, many students at Skyline were more involved in politics than ever before.
“I don’t really follow politics,” said Skyline student Janise Marrable, an African American Obama supporter. “But I followed this election because I want change and I think he [Obama] will bring a sense of balance to the country.”
The amount of young voters who participated in this election was record breaking, and Skyline hosted several voter registration drives in order to encourage people to get out and vote.
According to MSNBC.com, “An estimated 24 million Americans ages 18 to 29 cast their ballots, an increase in youth turnout by at least 2.2 million over 2004, according to CIRCLE, a non-partisan organization.
“Sixty-six percent of young voters age 18-19 preferred Obama and 32% preferred McCain.”
Around Skyline however, there was a mix of political affiliations.
Munir Mogannam, a Skyline student and registered independent, supported McCain and was “indifferent” to the loss.
“I don’t believe that he [Obama] can live up to the changes he promised,” Mogannam said. “I got sick of the ‘yes we can’ hype.”
When asked why there was a larger following among young voters for Obama, Mogannam said he thought it was because people “bought into” the promises Obama made, and because Obama was African American.
“I’m not going to lie,” Mogannam said. “I think raced played a part in his getting elected.”
Not everyone at Skyline agreed with Mogannam’s point of views.
Mary Warden, a Caucasian ESOL 400 instructor at Skyline, also voted for Obama and believes in his capabilities.
“I voted for Obama for a combination of things,” Warden said. “His leadership skills, his intelligence and his personality made me vote for him.”
As for what helped Obama win the election, Warden feels the issue was not about race but about change.
“I think eight years of Bush, and McCain’s bad campaigning helped Obama get elected,” Warden said. “He has the ability to ignite a good feeling among Americans in this country.”
Royal Bernstnie, an African American student at Skyline, who voted for Obama feels that the newly elected President is the right candidate for the job.
“I am very excited about seeing what Obama will do once he is in office,” Bernstnie said. “He has convinced me that he is able to fix this nation even though it may be difficult. I have faith in him.”
According to Amory Cariadus, Skyline’s student government adviser, Obama will be an effective President because of the kind of man he is.
“He is a true servant of the people,” Cariadus said. “He is a collaborator and is willing to work with others, and with Obama [as President] I think he can pull our nation together and move us forward.”
Cariadus hopes Obama’s administration will focus on education, and restore a struggling economy.
When asked about Obama’s promise to change government, Cariadus recalled a famous quote.
“The only thing that is constant is change. It will always be there and it will always take place.
“Even if McCain was elected things would have changed. It is inevitable.”