Michelle Obama- Radiant, Strong, Relatable

The 2008 election was of interest to me, but not so much that I missed my regularly scheduled programs to listen to the speeches or commentary. In 2008, I saw the need for a brighter future for America, but not so much that I went out and voted. And yes, I did just admit that I did not vote in 2008.  To be completely honest, the future seemed a bit hopeless, and I did not feel like it would make a difference (at the time) to vote.

Michelle Obama Photo Credit flickr.com user An Honorable German

This year, however, something has changed. I am not sure if it is because of the student loans and affiliated interest I am incurring or the fact that the industry I work in is directly affected by today’s economy. This year, I am taking a proactive approach to politics. My future is at stake. I realize that today.

The positive aspect of my never taking interest in politics before is that I can strive to look at the candidates objectively. I am not currently associated with either party so I set out to hear each party’s side impartially. My goal is refraining from contempt prior to investigation. I listened to the speeches at the RNC, and have begun listening to the speeches at the DNC. I have found one glaring difference-relatability.

Republican candidate Mitt Romney and First Lady Michelle Obama spoke on many of the same topics. The future of the college student, our military, healthcare, and change were all topics of choice. Each spoke on the importance of creating jobs, the crucial state of our economy and taking action. Both Romney and the First Lady spoke of their hard working parents and hard working spouses. They both touched on creating a better world for their children.

Mitt Romeny Photo credit flickr.com user roberthuffsutter

So what is the difference? What sets one person apart from the other? Relatablility. The message each person spoke of was inherently the same. We need to create jobs, we need to address and readdress healthcare, we need to cut down on debt etc etc etc. It was the passion, the “realness” and the strength of Michelle Obama that caught my attention. Her speech was sincere, and came from a place of personal experience. Her personal experience was something I could relate to. Her struggle was something I came to admire while listening to her. She spoke frankly of her internal conflict as a mother and wife of the President and I can respect that. With Romeny, however, I really had to search for the  inspiration. I could relate to what Romney was saying, but I could not quite see how he would lead people like me (the middle class) to less struggle.  I could not relate to creating and profiting off of a corporation like Sports Authority. I also couldn’t find the sincerity in Romney’s words.

My goal is to judge on only what I witness myself. Regardless of party affliation, I strive to vote for the right candidate.  For now, I remain objective.