Politics from the eyes of a teenager

Barry Porterfield |, Pauls Valley Daily Democrat, Okla.
·2 min read

May 15—By Barry Porterfield

Talking politics, especially during a presidential election year, can get tempers up and arguments going at a high pitch. That's not necessarily the case for some teenagers who might be first time voters this year.

Instead of a divisive edge to their tone, a group of Pauls Valley students view this 2024 election year as a confrontation between two political parties that have evolved into two extreme sides of the same coin.

Despite that, many of the teens, some already registered to vote and others not quite there yet, still have optimism their votes will count for something and in the end make a difference.

"It's our right," one teen says about the opportunity to vote for the very first time.

"We have a voice," says another student.

"I think it will make a difference."

"The leader of our country will affect our future as adults."

Another teen is a bit more on the pessimistic side of the election and who wins the race for the White House, which this time around will again be a rematch between Democratic President Joe Biden and Donald Trump, former president and Republican nominee for the third time.

"We're stuck with whoever we get."

Some of the students in the roundtable chat about politics and this year's presidential election are quick to offer their thoughts.

One says minimum wage is a big issue, while another points to housing prices and the belief the American president is in a position to do something to help.

Other students are more reserved with a desire to stay a little more tight-lipped about their opinions and the issues that matter the most to them.

All are college bound as they currently wrapping up their time in an advanced class for literature and composition at Pauls Valley High School.

"I'm excited about what's going to happen, whether good or bad," said one student about the chance to vote.

"It makes me feel like an adult even though I'm not one yet."

Despite the differences between the Democrats and Republicans, many of the teens in the class believe they're similar in many ways.

"The two are very similar," a student said.

"They're both so extreme but like a horseshoe. Horseshoes wrap back around to each other.

"So, even though they're different, they're also similar."