Noctiluca Editorial: bipartisan analysis critical during elections

A North student reconfirms their stances upon this year’s political platforms prior to the November election.

Photo illustration by Maeve Salm

A North student reconfirms their stances upon this year’s political platforms prior to the November election.

Maeve Salm, Opinions Editor

Election years tend to be quite eventful. Because the subject of politics as a whole is incredibly dynamic and social tendencies and variations exceed the parameters established by the word “dynamic,” the chaos of election year cannot come as a surprise. But, this election has proven to be unique beyond prediction. With the increased integration of social media into the campaigns of the presidential candidates — among other factors — , American politics has become incredibly polarized. As the population adheres to buzzwords that are haphazardly tossed about by politicians, spite toward opposing opinions has grown. Most Americans do not ensure that the potential political representatives they support have constructed effective methods to obtain or progress toward ideal circumstances. To effectively eradicate the unnecessary polarization of our political system, we must approach presented propositions within platforms from a nonpartisan perspective.

Polarization has proven to inhibit legislative successes and transfigure party beliefs. Too frequently, politicians from both the Democratic and Republican parties have complained of a log-jammed Congress while both demographics are guilty of contributing to the intensity of opposition. Simultaneously, political figures present ideas to remedy issues they believe to be hindering societal progression one year, and then perform a 180 degree alteration in their views the following year. They begin to advocate for programs their party approves of despite their previous personal opposition. With this fluctuation of policies to satisfy party norms, the bipartisan system begins to reflect a political rigidity of ideas, which communicates that success can only be accomplished when everyone embraces one method of action, whether it is radical or not. Unfortunately, when both parties adhere to all-or-nothing mentalities, no progress can be made. This is precisely why we must embrace nonpartisan analyses of politics.

Universally, it must be understood that compromise most effectively accomplishes progress, regardless of how extensive that progress is. Only through a median lens can individuals initiate compromise. Without considering opposing ideals, politics begins to adopt a static persona. The beauty of our established government revolves around our ability to strive for the betterment of all via propositions addressed on a large scale. Without the additional layer of compromise and discussion, politics exudes an unimpressive air of arrogance. Again, nonpartisan analysis and compromise will equate to a more empowered nation.

Following objective research of the party platforms, it is imperative that the voting population embrace their privilege to actively participate in the election. If voters decide not to exercise their right to vote, they will essentially be advocating for the candidate they support least. If an individual is 18 by Nov. 8, they must vote.

As a people, Americans continuously strive for improvement. By embracing the constitution, the people can reflect the essence of an America which fights for improvements upon living circumstances, conditions of poverty, gender equality, economic policy, and more. Significant improvement can only effectively be obtained through compromise. Securing compromise requires that the population analyze policies through a nonpartisan lens. Only then can Americans realistically expect progress.