A “Super” Super Tuesday

Genesis with Ethan Thompson, 8, who contemplates what he's looking for in a presidential candidate

On March 1, several states across the United States held primary elections and caucuses, on what has become known as “Super Tuesday.” I spent the day in the Atlanta area, talking with people at the polls.

Georgia is considered a “red state,” which means that it is made up of mostly Republican voters. However, at the polls, I found a diverse group of people with varying points of view.

Most adults expressed concern about the economy, immigration reform, and national security. “What is the American dream?” said Cecilia Vasquez. “To come here and have better opportunities and a better education.”

Tanisha Ferguson, a local teacher, made it clear what was driving her vote. “For me, it’s education,” she said with a smile.

A GREAT CANDIDATE?

The kids I talked to had different worries. Many spoke about the threat of bullying and cyberbullying. Fourteen-year-old Raquel said, “Cyberbullying isn’t even illegal in some states, and I think they need to do something about that.”

Some kids said that a good leader always considers what is best for everyone. “We can’t just focus on one class of people,” said Aubrey, 16. “You have to worry about everyone who makes up our country.”

In the end, the candidates who were expected to win in Georgia did, indeed, claim victory. In the Democratic primary, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton bested Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders. Businessman Donald Trump won the Republican primary. Clinton and Trump are considered front-runners for their party's nomination.

The day after the primaries, I spoke with Ryan Caudelle, the Deputy Director for the Trump campaign in Georgia. He wasn’t surprised by his candidate’s win and was thankful for the staff of volunteers he was able to work with. “It was a privilege to be part of such a well-run campaign,” Caudelle said.

Caudelle was confident that Trump would win in other states, too. However, I wonder if he should consult with kids like Ethan Thompson, 8, before he counts those votes. Ethan knows exactly what qualities the next president will need: “He has to be responsible, smart, and he has to love dogs.”