The election to determine the President of the United States is an exciting, important event that affects each and every citizen of this country. The people of this country make a decision that can have huge consequences and change the United States dramatically,  and being one of the first nations to put this power into the hands of its people is part of what has made the United States a country that is known across the world for its freedom and democracy.

So with the amount of importance and weight on the Presidential Election, it would be nice if the national media outlets treated it with the seriousness and dignity that it deserves.

Instead, the presidential election has become a circus, with more being attention by media being paid to the candidate’s superficial qualities, and less on the real policies and views of the candidates, something undoubtedly more important when selecting who will become the new most powerful person in the world.

The 2016 Presidential Election is the greatest example of this, and has often become so ridiculous that I view this election as more of a reality show or sporting event than an actual election.

This is truly due to the way the media treats the election. The journalists and T.V. stations that cover the election recognize that treating it as entertainment is extremely profitable, and that is frankly all they care about. Journalism and the news have an obligation to not only provide entertainment, but to serve the people. When people rely on the media to provide the information that forms their opinions and allows them to make a decision on a matter as important as who to vote for, there should be some accountability there.

American media constantly talks about the polls, and who’s winning, or who is more popular with a certain demographic. The election is not a sporting event, nor should it be treated like one.

“I think that, unfortunately, the media is more focused on who’s winning than the issues at hand. It is alarming.” Pankaj Sharma, a humanities teacher here at Niles North, said.

Sharma, a man who is very active in politics and teaches AP Government & Politics, is not the only person who sees the issues with this election cycle.

[perfectpullquote align=”left” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]”This is really the first election I’ve really paid attention to, and to see the way the candidates are shown is unexpected. It really seems childish and like a popularity contest.”[/perfectpullquote]

“This is really the first election I’ve really paid attention to, and to see the way the candidates are shown is unexpected. It really seems childish and like a popularity contest.” Isaac Batio, sophomore, said.

Both younger and older people who are even slightly politically aware can sense that there is something off-putting about this election in general.

This is not about media bias either; both liberal and conservatively slanted organizations are covering this election in the wrong way, with many attacks on the character of the candidates. When Fox News personally attacks the character of Hillary Clinton, or MSNBC attacks Donald Trump, the focus is taken off what is really important.

I can’t tell you Clinton’s view on the Trans-Pacific Partnership, but I can tell you all about her recent fainting episode while attending a 9/11 memorial service. I can’t tell you how Trump plans to lessen the increasingly large wage gap that plagues the country, but I can quote some of his most absurd comments about things not relating to politics.

I get that with two polarizing candidates such as Clinton and Trump, there will be focus on their personalities and likability. That is inevitable. I just wish that the election was treated with the respect it deserves, and right now it’s not being taken seriously. Until the media changes, this constant popularity contest will continue, and that is unacceptable.

Featured image by DonkeyHotey