Buzz around Washington D.C.

I am fortunate enough to be taking part in our college's Lutheran College Washington Semester during an election year. For those who don't know about the program, it is a consortium of different Lutheran colleges who own a building in Arlington, Virginia. They provide a penthouse apartment, weekly field trips, and classes taught by a variety of professors and local experts. During the day, the program sets you up with an internship in the D.C. area, in any desired field of study. It is a good deal.

Over the last few weeks, between my internship and touring the various landmarks around the city, I've been able to sense the excitement in the city about this upcoming election. With Super Tuesday just behind us, I thought I'd share insight into a few great debates I've heard since I've been down here.

Arguably the best debate I heard took place at my internship between a former campaign manager for Bill Clinton, my supervisor, and a lobbyist who were having a lunch meeting last week.

The lobbyist was a staunch Republican who was arguing the merits of Mitt Romney's conservatism, pointing out how he is the only "true" Republican candidate.

He couldn't get over the fact that John McCain has worked with so many Democrats in the past to produce legislation, which is something you think would be looked at as a positive. Isn't it good to have the ability to maintain a functioning relationship with the other party?

The former Clinton campaign manager was carrying on about how inexperienced Obama was, while touting Hillary's extensive history in Washington.

Yet, my supervisor countered that Clinton is from the old guard and doesn't represent any true change in Washington.

She said it was time for an end to the Clinton/Bush dynasty that has produced so many problems our country is facing now. Obama offers that change.

A perfect example is his defiance to the Iraq War from the beginning, which is an issue Senator Clinton has flip-flopped on repeatedly.

Another interesting exchange I overheard was during lunch at the Capitol Hill Club, which is filled with Republicans. One of them was taking it on the chin for supporting McCain. He stated how he couldn't bring himself to vote for the seemingly robotic Romney, who only seems to be in the race because he is rich. Outside of his money, he is nothing but a one term governor from a liberal state, where he portrayed himself as a moderate to be elected.

Both discussions provided great overviews of the final four candidates. Obama is the inexperienced Senator that is somehow going toe to toe with the most powerful political family in the nation.

Clinton is riding her husband's coattails, yet still manages to compel all different types of people with a strong vision for our country's future.

McCain isn't Republican enough but still is one of the most respected individuals in our political system, regardless of people's party affiliations. Romney knows his economics, but doesn't really have a strong opinion on anything.

I don't expect Super Tuesday to settle either race; this is going all the way down to the wire.

For more information on the Washington program, contact Dr. Slane in the political science department.