Recent coverage of the 2016 presidential race has predominantly been focused on Donald Trump’s offensive and outlandish opinions. Trump’s outbursts have overshadowed the various candidates that are vying for the Presidential spot. These “unknowns” have had little to minimal media coverage and attention. Among these unknown competitors include Lincoln Chafee from the Democratic Party and Carly Fiorina from the Republican Party.

Democrat Lincoln Chafee served as the 74th Governor of Rhode Island in addition to being a U.S senator. If elected as president, Lincoln Chaffee would execute a list of four concerns and priorities when in office. His list of concerns include ensuring freedom for all Americans, environmental stewardship, prosperity through peace, and strengthening economic opportunity. Chafee’s political view is considered liberal in the eyes of many voters. Lincoln Chafee is pro-abortion and publically recognizes the effects of climate change. He also wants to decrease tensions between Iraq and the U.S., end drone strikes, and stop the torture of prisoners in that region.

Chafee’s competitor, Republican Carly Fiorina, believes that our government is populated by a “professional political class” and not by the “everyday American citizen” like our founding fathers intended, according to her campaign website.
Fiorina was a former CEO for Hewlett-Packard (HP), prior to participating in politics. She believes that the face of American politics needs to be revamped.

“It’s time to put a citizen leader in the White House” explained Fiorina. She also has conservative views when it comes to popular social issues. She believes that the Supreme Court did not have the right to intervene on same sex marriage. Furthermore, Fiorina also acknowledges that climate change is a global issue, but she insists that there is little a nation can do to reverse the effects. If elected as president in 2016, Fiorina would be the first female president of the United States.

As students and future pioneers in society, it is important that we follow and acknowledge the presidential election. We should recognize all the political candidates instead of focusing on the most popular candidate. Despite some teen’s inability to vote, understanding our leaders and their views allows us to participate in the upcoming election. Which presidential candidate do you support, and as citizens how can we influence the 2016 presidential race?