Obama Elections

A politician should always be aware of their political affiliation. A politician’s political affiliation with a certain individual or group could either help or harm them, especially during an election. Voters should also research and take the time to pick their political affiliation. And not all politicians who are a part of a certain political affiliation really limit their actions to the beliefs of that particular Party.

A politician is an individual who is involved in influencing public decision making and the way a society is governed. A politician is responsible for many duties and hold decision making positions in the government. But a politician must be aware of their political affiliations. There are many people who have a poor opinion of politicians. A lot of people not only disagree with their policies, but often see them as power hungry individuals who will do just about anything to get their way. This is why many politicians try to increase their likeability through political affiliation. But this can backfire on a politician, especially during an election. During the 2008 Presidential Election, presidential candidate was affiliated with a couple of people whom actually hurt his reputation. Barack Obama had a political affiliation with William Ayers. William Ayers was anti-war protestor during the Vietnam War and was part of the “Weather Underground”, a group that protested U.S. policies by bombing the Pentagon, U.S. Capitol and other government buildings. He is now a respected Professor at the University of Illinois, but was a fugitive for 10 years. Obama met Ayers in the 90s when he was running for Illinois Senate. They weren’t really friends, but this political affiliation really hurt Obama during the 2008 Presidential Election. Many accused Obama of having terrorist ties and even accused him of being a terrorist himself. This is one political affiliation that hurt presidential candidate Obama. But many people fought back, stating that what Ayers did 40 years ago had nothing to do with the 2008 Presidential campaign. Another political affiliation that hurt Obama was his ties to his Pastor, Reverend Dr. Jeremiah Wright. Rev. Wright made comments about 9/11 and was accused of blaming America for terrorists attacks. His political affiliation with Obama really hurt Obama’s political campaign. But a politician shouldn’t be the only one aware of their political affiliation. Everyday, common voters should be aware of the political parties they associate themselves with, whether it be Democratic, Republican, Independent, Green, etc. Before making a decision about a politician or political party, everyone should do the research. What does that political party stand for? Do you agree with everything they believe in? And just because a politician is part of a certain political affiliation or party doesn’t necessarily mean that the people who believe in that party will vote for that politician.

Politics are confusing. A politician must really take the time to figure out whom they want to be affiliated with and if they believe in their cause. And so must the people. Before you cast your vote, do the research.