Volume 79, Issue 3
IT’S WEDNESDAY, MY
What gives victors victory? Dylan Hoover Reporter As many delegates discovered this week, campaigning is not nearly as easy as one might assume. However for some, setting themselves apart from their peers is far easier. This calls to mind the question of what specific characteristics set a person apart from others and allows them to win? This analysis must be discussed at two levels; at the smaller more concentrated level, and at the expansive state level. Delegates who are naturally extroverted and charismatic find themselves winning over voters with ease; those less comfortable in social situations, however, are often times glanced over. Personal charisma, popularity within the group, and the natural ability to adapt to different social situations seems to influence who can win within the city level. However, due to the large amount delegates, this more personable approach will not lead to statewide respect. Although charisma can leave a lasting impression, this is not everything. So outside of their own cities, why do people vote the way they do? Reporter Tyler Hapney and myself surveyed numerous delegates to
DUDES.
further understand how they voted and why. The survey simply asked, “Why did you vote the way you voted?” Choices were “based on belief, party, personal relationship or based on another reason, such as poise, presentation, or qualifications.” Reports found that overwhelmingly, people voted because of personal belief, the candidate's qualifications and how well candidates presented themselves and pleaded their case. Furthermore, although relationship is important at the local level, at the state level it is more difficult and less important to be likable. Something fascinating to be noted however, is the fact that hardly anyone voted based purely on their assigned political
Wednesday, June 14, 2017
party. Party lines have become blurred here at Boys State. Even if someone were of the Federalist Party they still might have voted for the Nationalist candidate because of belief or qualifications. This is quite a fascinating social scenario because the delegates of Buckeye boys state are among the brightest and most politically involved young men across the entire state of Ohio; they are more politically knowledgeable and informed than the majority of adult citizens. Boys state is not teaching about government; it is giving intelligent young men the chance to live in a bubble society where they can live and achieve what they desire the most.
Poll listing 45 delegates’ reasons for voting. Photo courtesy of Dylan Hoover