First Place
Valerie Chia
Class of 2009
Sunset High School
Portland, Oregon
Everybody knows our 16th President Abraham Lincoln revolutionized politics with his altruistic motives, putting
the well-being of his citizens ahead of his own. Honest Abe brought an end to the civil war and the issue of slavery
that had plagued us for over 50 years. In moving forward, it is important to analyze the past because we can
uncover the reasons why former presidents were successful. Lincoln set forth the traits of being able to relate
to the public, inspiration, cooperation and honesty, and we need to use these traits as guidelines for choosing
our future leader.
In a democratic republic where people are governed by representatives, the success of the system hinges on
the ability of the representatives to accurately portray their constituents' views. The most important quality our
President can have is a genuine desire to help the people by putting them first. Often times, politics seem
disconnected from the "normal" realm of everyday life, but as the ultimate representative of our nation to the
world, our President must reflect the problems our citizens face everyday.
However, we know that we are not flawless people, and the idea of being led by one is intimidating.
This is why the second most important quality of a successful President is the ability to inspire others.
It is easy to lose hope when confronting all the problems the US encounters. With prolonged debates
about tough issues, citizens doubt whether the issues will ever be resolved. As the leader of our country,
the President needs to be able to put these fears to rest. Lincoln had this strength. His faith that slavery
would not break the nation allowed him to win the war and prevent the South's secession.
Diplomacy and honesty are the last two traits Lincoln demonstrates. In his own words, "a house divided will
not stand," so it is imperative that the President can overcome these divisions. Lincoln sets a great example
with the polarizing issue of slavery and with the emergence of neoconservatives and neoliberals, the new
President must be able to compromise with the radicals to make things work. Lastly, we need faith in our
President. He must be someone the people can trust, especially in light of the Bush Administration's Patriot
Act. Gaining trust is something new leaders have yet to master. Bush's low approval rating and sinking popularity
undermine his policies, so having public opinion on your side is something every successful president needs.
When considering the three remaining candidates in the Presidential race, it is clear that only one of them embodies
the four traits I attribute to Lincoln's success. Barack Obama. Not only was he raised away from the world of politics,
but he is inspirational, diplomatic and honest as well. He was not born into a legacy like the Kennedy family,
but he saw problems in our world and wanted to solve them. His story alone is inspirational and coupled with
the work he has done; it is easy to see how this inspiration has translated into real change in real communities.
Through it all, Obama has maintained his integrity, which is rare in politicians. He does not use negative propaganda
or slander to win votes. He has gained my trust because he knows how to erect real change without losing sight of
his original goals and morals. This is what we need in a leader, and this is why Barack Obama is the ideal candidate
in our 2008 election.
Second Place
Jasmine Nachtigall
Class of 2008
Hillsdale High School
San Mateo, California
As people, we seek security in the tangible. While the government exists as a nebulous force in our daily lives,
in organizations such as Congress and the Supreme Court, it remains only an idea until a face emerges from the
cloudy form. Only one person serves as the link between the government and the people, and that person is the
president of the United States.
To provide us the mental nourishment of stability and the physical sustenance of economy, we need to elect a
president who is able to make decisions based on sound judgment of past experiences. We need a president
who will communicate with us on a harmonious frequency, who will quell our fears and invoke a feeling of hope
with their ability to empathize. But, we also need a president who will recognize talent in their cabinet members
so that specialized tasks will be delegated to the right people.
Assuming the role of presidency will not be an easy act as the state of our nation is rumbling for change.
We are in a time of economic hardship and the nation must be unified in order to overcome the obstacles
of a possible recession. But, at the root of stability and unification is the American family. As long as our
nation's families are formidable, the economic crisis will pass as just another two quarters of declining GDP.
and most importantly, hope.
With these qualities in mind, the name that rings with integrity in my ears is Barack Obama. He is a person
who has stuck to this principles from his first step into public office. Senator Obama has the charisma, the
unifying spirit that will mobilize the American people toward a more just sound future. His proposed policies
of a choice to healthcare, reformation of the North American Free Trade Agreement, and the empowerment
of our youth to pursue higher education are the first steps that will bring the United States back to times of
prosperity.
Unlike the other candidates running for office of the president, Senator Obama has developed a health care
plan that would give aid to the people at the poverty line, but not force anyone to purchase the health care
package. Having the ability to choose is of utmost importance because as Senator Obama recognized,
different things work for different people. Additionally, to get many unemployed Americans back on their
feet, Senator Obama has proposed to make changes to NAFTA, which has gotten criticism for being
responsible for the loss of 500,000 American jobs. With more parents working, bringing home financial
resources, the burden of having teenagers work long hours to support the family diminishes and students can
focus on embracing a holistic education. This has the potential to awaken our economy, to ensure stability,
and restore the livelihood of the American people. The person who will bring hope back to America is undoubtedly Senator Obama.
Third Place
Vanessa Ing
Class of 2009
Monta Vista High School
Cupertino, California
The end is near. Science and technology have fallen by the wayside. The housing market teeters on the edge of a
precipice. Millions of Americans go without healthcare each year. The ear in Iraq has sparked bitter lines between
friends and neighbors. Most chilling is the rancor and prejudice among our citizens, with Pat Buchanan claiming
that "Americans" are losing their land to "Africans, Asians and Hispanics." But even as some compare America to
an aging Roman Empire, we must remember that these problems can be solved. This is not the end of an era but
the beginning of the 21st century.
America faces troubling situations at home. Thousands lose their homes and jobs, and as they lose their jobs, they
lose their means to attain health care. Many citizens trapped by bad credit find their homes foreclosed and their
American Dream shattered. A housing bubble has emerged. Apart from our economic welfare, socially, our tolerance
is in danger. We need a president who understands the plight of the poor, who sincerely believes in healthcare for all,
who can mitigate a housing disaster. We need someone who has the intellect, force and drive to accomplish these tasks,
and who is above all, is compassionate and tolerant.
Out status as a world leader is in jeopardy. Our current president has banned all government sponsored stem-cell
research. Researchers have left in search of better opportunities. While other nations leap ahead with alternative
energy, we are stuck in our resource wasting habits. Most damming is the handling of the war in Iraq. Our failures in
misjudging the political and social climate have tarnished our global reputation. We need a president who understands
the power of science, who has a concrete agenda for fixing our problems in Iraq, and who does not push democracy
like a weapon but champions its ideals. Someone who is firm and forward-thinking.
Hillary Clinton is the presidential candidate best suited for the rigors of being our nation's leader. She is strong and
yet empathetic to the concerns of the poor, and with her impressive agenda, she is no empty figurehead stuffed with
soaring symbolism. She had the adaptability to gently rebut the words of a famous senator regarding the Vietnam war
while only a college student, and her compassion and ability make her more than a symbol, but a leader with the ability
to take us into the future.
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