After a variety of speeches were given at the Democratic and Republican National Conventions, one message was repeated more then any other: change is coming to America.
Sens. Barack Obama and John McCain used the word “change” several times in their acceptance speeches. Obama mentioned change 14 times in his speech, while McCain used the word nine times.
Change originated as Obama’s platform for a new America. Since the beginning of his run for the Democratic nomination, “change” has adorned Obama signs, car magnets and T-shirts. Yet recently, “change” has become the battle cry for both presidential candidates.
Some people believe the word lacks a true meaning and is used only for political gain. Adam Syfrett, a pharmacy grad student, said the word is meaningless.
“Honestly, it means they don’t have anything else to convince someone to vote for them with,” Syfrett said.
However, Jonathan Howard, a junior in electrical engineering, said change is more than just a word. Howard said change is a part of Obama’s policy.
“In general, (Obama) wants to change procedures a lot of people think are going in the wrong direction, like healthcare and the economy,” Howard said. “His change, I believe, is change for the betterment of our nation as a whole.”
Obama feels so strongly about change, he named his plan for America the “Blueprint for Change.”
In the Blueprint, Obama lays out his views on the economy, healthcare, education, energy, immigration and other topics. Kiara Jefferson, a sophomore in nursing, said Obama’s policies are a change for America.
“I think (Obama’s) healthcare platform is a change, and what he wants to do for school systems would be beneficial to education,” Jefferson said. “I think he just wants to change the country to make it a better and safer environment.”
McCain supporters also have things they would like to see changed about America.
“I’d like to see the economy back on track, that’s the big one for me,” Syfrett said.
Matt Ragan, a freshman in biomedical sciences, said change isn’t necessary.
“There’s not much that needs to be changed. (Government’s) been working for such a long time, there’s no need to change it,” Ragan said.
However, there are a few things Ragan would like to see the next president accomplish.
“I’d like to see smarter spending, less on pro football teams, more on people who need help,” Ragan said. “I’d also like to see us become less dependent on foreign oil.”
Olivia Bearden, a freshman in agriculture business and economics, said change from either candidate is unlikely.
“There probably needs to be change, but I don’t see either candidate doing anything,” Bearden said. “It’s not really palpable, because there’s such a division between the two parties.”
Syfrett also said change would be difficult to achieve for either presidential candidate.
“Change doesn’t occur over night and not in one term,” Syfrett said. “I think they both have ideas on the way they’d like to see the country go. A plan is good, but they need the support of advisers.”
Howard said it is important the candidates follow through with their promises of change if they are elected president.
“For our current times, with the path we’re headed into now, change is necessary,” Howard said.
