America has the unique position of being one of the world’s oldest surviving democracies. And as such, every four years we have the hectic process of choosing a new president. The American presidency is considered the leader of America, and acts as the representative and figure of American ideals. But who might become our next president? Who do Gunderson students want to become their next president?

Junior Kat Gover is doubtful of government, but she respects the Constitution. She supports Barack Obama for President, stating that she believes he is the least corrupt of the candidates and would be the most honest as President. Others support Obama because of his youth and his close relations to the common person. Lorita Boghospor, a freshman, prefers Hillary Clinton. She believes that Clinton is a strong, experienced candidate who would bring a fresh start to the Presidency. One student had the insight of “that it seems like with the Democrats it’s either you have to pick a woman or a black man. There’s more to them than who they are.” Not many Gunderson students have belief in the Republicans. They believe that after two terms of Bush in the White House, the Democratic party deserves a chance. And unfortunately, there are still a few who are apathetic to the Presidential race and have no interest in the elections.

One of the big issues being covered in the election this year is the economy. Some people consider the problems with the recession to be a temporary thing, that the economy will heal with time. There are others, however, who believe that the current recession was a construction of the rich. But even others want to have the government help directly stimulate the economy to improve the economy. But the consensus is the economy needs to improve.

Another hot button is gay marriage, which ironically none of the candidates have voiced support for. Gunderson has a significant gay community, so it is rare to find anyone who doesn’t have a say on the subject. One female student believes that “gays are fine, but they shouldn’t be allowed to marry. Marriage is between a man and a woman.” However, a good number of other people in school are for gay marriage, with one student putting it simply; “They’re human beings, they should have the same right to marry as anyone else.”

Where do people get these ideas? Many people have gotten at least some of their views from their parents in some extent or another. One student described the source of his own beliefs: “I looked into my own parent’s beliefs, and then I looked into what I wanted to believe, what I thought was best.” Others follow the old axiom that man’s laws must submit to God’s, and their political beliefs stem from religion. As the elections progress, the ensuing debates continue to remind us that Gunderson, like America, is a varied and different place.