Campaign Wear '08

Fashion has always been an easy way to express personal opinions. For today’s teens, it is an important way to show their support of  Presidential candidates.    

As most people know, one of the most controversial elections in American history is only 48 days away. Because this date is rapidly approaching, it is only natural that many Americans find themselves thinking about politics. With daily newspaper coverage of the candidates’ progress and critical TV ads being shown around the clock with the intention of swaying public opinion, some Americans are more confused than ever about who to vote for. In order to ensure that everyone gets their fair say in the election’s outcome, both the Obama and McCain campaigns are tirelessly imploring young adults who meet the age requirements to register to vote before the Oct. 6 deadline.

However, seeing as how only a handful of seniors will be legal adults on Nov. 4, most AHS students will not actually be able to help decide who the next leader of our nation will be. Despite this harsh truth, underage teens across the nation have shown that, although they may be too young to cast a ballot, they are not too young to care.
One way that a teenager can show his or her support for a candidate is by wearing a campaign t-shirt. In addition to being a stylish way to express oneself, these shirts are an ingenious way to spread the word about a candidate, and demonstrate personal political views.

Junior MC Larme (top right) is one of the many AHS students who have decided to make their sentiments about the election known. In addition to rocking a hip Obama tee, Larme also says that she has campaigned for him via various Facebook groups. When asked why she was so passionate about the candidate, she said that, “It is important that the person who will be best fit to lead wins the election. That person, in my opinion, is Barack Obama.”

Many students also admitted that their parents have  a major role in shaping their political views. Junior Emma Whitmyre, who can often be spotted wearing a Hillary for President shirt, despite her loss in the Democratic primary, looks to her own mother for inspiration.

“My mom’s point-of-view has greatly influenced mine,” said Whitmyre. “She was a huge Hillary supporter, as am I. This is such an important election, and its important to show support for who we think the best choice for president is.”

Although the number of Barack Obama tees spotted in the hallways of AHS seem to greatly outnumber those which show support for McCain, some students still choose to advocate for the Republican presidential candidate. Senior Kate Salpini (top left) is among the teens that vocalize their approval of McCain and his policies.

“Most teens think that they are too young to feel the effects of this election. Whatever happens is going to affect them for the rest of their lives. I support McCain because reducing the national debt is a big deal. The war on terror and protecting ourselves is also very important,” said Salpini.