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February 6th, 2008
03:09 AM ET
The Issues at Hand
All right – here's your chance to shout out what issues matter most to you. It doesn't matter whether you're old enough to vote this time around; we just wanna know what's on your mind: economy, war, environment, immigration... the New York Giants? Well, scratch that last part. But tell us: If you were to vote for any presidential candidate today, what would be the biggest factor in your vote?
Carl Azuz, Anchor
my biggest influence in this election. is the fact that we have the chance to make history, no matter who we pick. On the dem side that is.if we choose any one of the gop we are doomed for another 4 to 8 years.seriously, look at the facts, in one corner you have basically George W Bush's clone in John McCain, the Mormon failed Gov. Mitt Romney, and the Preacher Mike Huckabee. I think that if we are to have change, I think that 28 years of Bush, Clinton, Bush, Clinton is change is any aspect of the word. Now I also don't think that Clinton can argue being ready and or right from day one. when she was not with the biggest issue of our era.IRAQ!!! She says that Bush executed it wrong. So does McCain and he is on Bush's side.She said that he was misleading with his plans. But in the title of the bill it clearly states their intent to go to war. So is this just some more political babble. The analyst are saying that Obama's followers are showing up in record numbers, but they don't know, or vote on the issues. They are voting on history.I being 25 strongly disagree.Obama has the best stance on the most important issues. Economy, Immigration, War, Education, and Health Care.(in no particular order) So I believe, let me quote Obama tonight, "We Are Who We Have Been Waiting For".
I say the war is a good thing not that fellow Americans die, but just think if we pull out more terrorists will come and we could have 9/11 all over again.
To me the war in Iraq is very important. We have been over there, set up a new government for the people of Iraq and they are still fighting eachother. We cannot help the country climb out of its civil war, its time we just pull out and let them do what they think is best for themselves. Also, the economy is very important, the value of the American dollar is fluctuating and it needs to be stable.
As a class we discussed what was important to us in a presidential candidate:
Julia believes that the presdident should lower taxes and promote universal
health-care. She thinks that kids in America should have health coverage.
She's also concerned about current educational issuses.
Kelly believes that taxes should be lowerd on things like gas and school taxes.
She also believes that there should be no big assessments in schools.
Antron also believes that taxes should be lowerd, that all kids should be covered under health care. Antron would like a social security fixed.
Nissy wants health insurance should continue.
Thank You!
Hi Im drew and i think that hillary should win why because i think that women could turn this country around thats why.
P.S. PLEASE SHOWTHIS COMMENT ON TOMMOROWS CNN STUDENT NEW SO THAT MY 3RD HOUR CLASS CAN SEE IT AND SAY THAT DREW FOM I.T.J.H.S SENT THIS THAT WOULD BE COOL. THANK
The war is the biggest issue. Some of us really like Barrack Obama, but we want the war to be successful. This present a dilemma because Obama will try to stop the war. We want to make sure that terrorists do not gain strength and hurt more Americans.
Here in Tennessee, the majority of the kids in our class voted that immigration is their number one issue. They want to feel safe...safe from terrorists and illegal aliens that committ crimes. Some members also feel that the war in Iraq and our nation's economy is important. A few voted for education stating they feel that there is too much testing, and not enough time for projects.
If we were to vote today, the biggest factor in our vote would be the war. It needs to stop. We would like our soldiers to come home safely. The war is costing Americans too much money.
I think paying kids to go to school or even a tutoring secion IS DUMB
because it is not getting them ready for the real world.
Alright people I'm going to bluntly go out and say it!!!!!!!!!!
PAYING KIDS IS STUPID because shouldn't even go this far, the stupid parents should make them go to school!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
PAYING IS THE CRAZIEST THING I'VE EVER HEARD
I'm 15 years old and not old enough to vote, but my opinon on the election is that what the candiates believe about abortion and same-sex marriage will determine my support. Morals are a big issue for me, when morals fail in a democracy we all fail. I believe that their beliefs on those issues shows alot about their character and how they can handle being the President.
My students are 7th graders in a Civics class. Here are some responses.
Clay would vote for someone who would take the soldiers out of Iraq.
Mark is concerned about the environment. We need to do something about all the fuel we're using right now and if we keep using it the temperatures are going to keep rising and possibly make the North and South Pole melt.
Brandon believes the economy is the main issue because the value of a dollar is dropping and this is having a great effect on the economy and jobs.
CARAL AZUZ::
Barack Obama is a presidential candidate that I would choose to vote for if I were 18 years of age because his political views on the economy is more than what Hilary Clinton can provide. All the candidates have excellent views but the thoughts on the Iraq War was put to an end earlier as a discussion/debate because as much as we want our troops home; the reality is they [presidential candidates] cannot provide that to us. Now environmental issues are big due to Global Warming and issues for that should be taken care of sooner or later because all these gases escaping into the air and all these trees we are knocking down for building factories and what not is possibly the main issue for Global Warming. During debates on Global Warming, Barack Obama has a good solution but I would like to see it happen...they in my thoughts all should process the thought of not knocking down anymore trees; these trees trap Carbon Dioxide gases and other ones from releasing into the air – this is not my say for the world to take into their minds but it is a thought that Barack Obama is coming across and I would so vote for that. Everyone seems so amped about immigration and its such a big deal but to me if they are willing to work to feed their families then should be okay but then again the presidential candidates have to keep everyone alerted that a terrorist attack could happen if we let these people into the U.S. Barack, Hilary, Mitt, etc. they all have their realitys on life and how they see it unfold but to me overall Barack Obama has his head in it to win but for a good reason. He is also for the poor people out there too. I mean to be with these debates and political views it's all too hard for me but I know for a fact that Barack Obama is a good man for what he believes and thinks on life. He may have to watch his back because Hilary Clinton is a woman with training meaning her husband was a President and all that equals up is to her knowing how to handle situations at hand – more experience. Whereas, Barack Obama also has experience due to the power of democrats on his shoulders to make the world a better but difference place since we have been runned by red necks (no offense) Republicans. I am tired of these Republicans, we need a Democratic view on life and it should be runned by Barack Obama.
CARL AZUZ ::
Those New York Giants by the way kicked some tail in the SuperBowl 42!! I just am so amazed how bad Tom Brady was shaking!! LOL. The Patriots were a winning team until they were too caught up in breaking records and not breaking the scoreboard with points. The only team that played like a team was the NEW YORK GIANTS!!
Anber said it's true young people are getting more involved in the race for president. She is noticing coverage on channels youths usually watch such as MTV, VH1 and BET. She believes that no matter who wins, there will be a big change ahead.
Amanda says the environment is a problem. By 2010, Indiana will be the tropical state. We must take care of global warming now. She also says peace is crucial. We need to help rebuild countries instead of starting wars.
Patrick agrees, but says most candidates don't seem to find a way to end the war.
Sarah B. is not concerned with any one specific issue, but wants a president who is firm and knows where he or she stands and keeps to his or her convictions.
Sarah K. is mostly concerned about illegal immigration. She doesn't believe the children of illegal immigrants should be punished for what their parents do.
Ashley believes we should focus on our economy, as the stock market is going down and we are trillions of dollars in debt. We can't improve our country if we don't improve our finances.
Grace wants a president who will end the war in Iraq so we won't have to send any more troops.
Brian wants stronger national security to guard against illegal immigrants and terrorist attacks in the near future.
Shane wants a president who has his or her priorities straight. Instead of rushing off to war, we should try to fix some of our problems.
Well I think that the war in Iraq is a very BIG deal. So many people want to bring home the troops but if you think about it what if the Iraqians are waiting for us to withdrawl our protection? Then what are we supposed to do? I think we should at least have it in a way that we could have groups of troops over there for a less amount of time.
Another big issue is about health care for everyone. I think that should be what happens because some people have disabilities and cannot work so how are they to pay for health care? They can't. Also some people may have jobs but maybe they don't get paid enough. Health care is such an important thing to have because someone has to go to the doctors everyday and the bills can get very spendy.
That's all I have to say.
well the war in iraq is big an it imortant im still mad with the super bowel stupid giants and immagration i got some ideas for the president kick all the bad immagrenst out like the drug lords an son on so forth but they are some decent immagrents here but yea im out im done ranting
If I were old enough I would vote for Obama because he said he said he would bring all the troops home. Plus I want him to win because he is black.
I Like Obama B/c Of His Needs For The Country And How It Will Effect Us When He Will Be President And Of His Nice And Also Great Personality.
This class of seventh graders from Tennessee say the war in Iraq is their number one issue. They also feel that the economy and education would be major issues on their minds when choosing a candidate.
I would vote for Obama if I could. I agree with most of his ideas. Plus I think we should have a black President for once.
if i could vote i would vote for Barak Obama because he says that he will do any thing to become president of the united states and pluse he said he would end war then i belive he can and immergration so i would if i could vote for obama and hillary may the best woman or man win okay i was joking go obama.
If I were old enough to vote I would vote for Clinton because if she was elected president then young girls would be influenced to do big things like her.
If I was old enough I would vote for Hilary Clinton because I think she would make a good president and we always needed a woman president and plus I want her to win and she will help our enviorment .
i would have to say the main problems i see is the environment and the war. I don't think the war is gonna prove anything it is just hurting are country. The ozone is getting ruined from the carbon dioxide and other things i see that they are working on that a little bit but should be working at it more.
I think i would rather vote for Barack Obama cause i think he actually cares about our soldiers in Iraq. They really need to come back home. But i think that if they do come back their will be more deaths in Iraq from Terrorrists then the numbers of people dying right now.
If i could vote i will vote for Obama one is because he is doing something that i really think is important the war in Iraq and bring back are troop because they are dieing every day and that really bad for u.s family. I really support that issue.shout out Mr.UMHOFER
I think that the economy would have to be my biggest issue. Bush's tax cuts stimulated growth and made people want to put money back into the economy. I think that if a Democrat gets in office our economy will be in shambles because i they will tax us to death. If Hilary or Barack gets elected the taxes will raise 30% at least if not more. I would think many people would agree with me that higher taxing is definitly NOT what we need. Of course the Iraq war is always going to come into play and I would like to see the next President have a plan of what to do not just be against it; so far I have failed to hear an effective plan from the Democrats on how we should deal with the war. Morals have to come into play; no partial birth abortions, gay marriages, or anything of that should take place what so ever. We need a conservative President and so far Huckabee would have to be my first pick. There isn't really much choice on the Republican side; what I mean by that is there's no candidate that I feel has had enough experience or has their priorities straight. I'm sorry to say but America isn't ready for a woman or black President. Too much of that is coming into play with Hilary and Barack's campaign
This year I get to vote 'cause I will turn 18 soon but I believe that voting will change and have a big impact even if it isn't history changing like it is today. I believe we have a right and we need to exercise it or we lose it. Other people will run our country and if we don't say anything then you aren't aloud to complain. We won this right in the 1800's/1900's and we need to take advantage of it.
I may not be sure exactly who to vote for at this point but I do believe we do need a change. A black, a religious person, and a woman is all really wonderful. The thing for me is that we need to look pass this outer appearance and look at the issues that are presented to us. Matter of fact, I would rather have all three outers be in one.
Right now I'm on that track that we need to solve our problems at 'home' before we go trying to solve other countries'. I'm not saying this war that we are in is bad or anything but right now I'm in learning again American history and I see similar choices that we had back in those day that I kind of see that impact on your country and what a reasonable out come will be. I do believe that history really repeat it self and some are good and some are bad. I think we should look back to those days where the choices are similar and decide on whom will make those better choices. Learning from our country's mistakes will equal a better tomorrow and wonderful out comes.
As a young person of this country of Untied States of America, I have a right and a duty to vote!
I think the most important topic in this political race is our economy and war. Someday, I hope this war will end. GO HUCKABEE. I think he is the best candidate.
I think that the most important thing that I look for in a candidate is probably the issues. I don't want a shaky person who keeps changing their views. Who would want a president that can't even decide how they feel about something?
the war becuase people care for their loved ones and they decided to help the country but they would not have the chance to die if the war was never here.
Hello CNN Student News!
We are mostly concerned about the cost of health care. The majority of our families don't have any health care insurance, so a visit to a doctor or a hospital could potentially cost a lot of money. We need universal health care.
Next up is the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. We realize that the enormous cost of the war takes away money that could help Americans in the United States. We never agreed with the plan to go to war, and believe that American soldiers should leave these countries as soon as possible. We all agree that violence does not solve problems.
We would like to see a resolution to the problem of immigration. Many of us know someone that doesn't have papers to stay in this country. Most of these people have been here for many years, and we don't think that it is right to force them to leave. They pay taxes, and are good residents of our country. They should be allowed to stay because they contribute so much to our society.
We would like to see education become a higher priority of our federal government. Our school has many English Language Learners, and the emphasis on testing, doesn't allow many of us to study other subjects like science, social studies, instrumental music, art or to even have a regular time for physical education. These subjects are fun and we miss them.
Most of the students in this classroom would like to have a woman president, so that means Hillary Clinton. The other third like Barack Obama.
Thank you.
If I was able to vote for the 2008 presidential canditate, my biggest concern would be the war in Iraq. My vote would go to whoever had a safeproof plan to get us out of Iraq and keep us safe.
My biggest factor is immagration. People say its good to let all theese imagrants in to do the jobs we dont want to do. We are running out of jobs! There are many homless and poor people in our country that would love to have those jobs! Immagrants can find jobs in their own country. I dont hink we should let anymore in! By doing that we are losing money! Another imortant issue! I also care about environment. We have to get our money settled before we can do anything! So to maybe settle all this you get rid of immagrants then get money ready then set up the environment issues and make our country better. We dont need to get money from chopping down trees that just adds to the problem! WE need to get this settled! I want someone to have a plan to get alot of stuff done in their tem of office. I want them to get it done and get it done right!
I think the important thing is the economy. Because like wowsers dood. Its really take a dip. We need something to get us out of it. For large period of time.
First of all I don't want to be embarrassed by our president.Is that asking too much?Scandals in the white house reflect how poorly the president thinks of the voters that put him or her there,not to mention themselves.
Honesty,tell the truth,unlike Bush.Don't get a mental relapse,like Regan.
Don't ask us to re define an English word we have used for centuries to accommodate your lies,like Clinton. Have command of the English language or any other,unlike Bush.We can get an interpreter.
Be of sound mind, unlike McCain. Man forgets what he said 10min.ago. Not be owned by lobbyists, body and soul.You can't take their millions and not do their bidding; that's a fact. If we were employing a minimum wage employ these would be minimum requirements. Why in the name of God do we require less of the
President of the United States of America?
Things like abortion and homosexuality would affect the way I vote. (against both of them)
I think that the minimum wage should be increased. Many familys have kids that are deprived of their parents who are never home because they have to work more than one job just to keep food on the table. How are people supposed to be free if they have debt or they can't pay their own bills?
I would say that the biggest thing would be the economy. I mean were are having a small crisis here. the value of the dollar is going down. Poor old george is becomeing less valued. But you have to admit that when a five year old gets a dollar they view it as a heavenly treasure.