By Catherine Brown–
Senator Mitch McConnell does not deserve a place in office anymore. It’s up to us to vote for Democrat Amy McGrath for Senate.
On Sept. 30, McGrath spoke to University of Louisville students at the Red Barn on the Belknap Campus. In her speech, she discussed the corruption of individuals in the government such as McConnell and President Donald Trump.
McGrath spoke to students about matters like registering to vote, racial injustice and preserving democracy.
“Kentucky has never made it easier to vote than this year,” McGrath said. “Your vote matters just as much as Mitch McConnell’s or Donald Trump’s or anybody else’s. They only get one vote, too.”
McConnell has been in the U.S. Senate for 36 years. If he wins on Election Day, it could become 42.
Over his 36 years in office, McConnell has left over 250 bills sitting on his desk, unread. This includes bills on gun control reform, health care and shielding survivors of domestic abuse.
U of L Young Democrats Treasurer Julia Mattingly plans to vote for Amy McGrath on Election Day.
“It’s about time we get Mitch McConnell out of office,” Mattingly said. “Considering the cards she’s been dealt, McGrath and her team have done their best to campaign throughout the state and promote her platform.”
Mattingly further explained that McGrath’s safe and socially-distanced campaign events are effective in promoting her platform. McGrath’s campaign also offers volunteer sign-ups after her speeches, where students can volunteer to make calls or canvass on her behalf.
Certainly, the young voters that she looks to appeal to appreciate her choice to take COVID-19 safety seriously.
Furthermore, McGrath and McConnell took part in the first Senate debate on Oct. 12. The candidates were questioned on multiple topics including whether Breonna Taylor received justice, Supreme Court nominations and handling of COVID-19.
Neither candidate actually answered whether they believe Breonna Taylor received justice. This is problematic because two white politicians can easily avoid talking about this, as it doesn’t directly affect them. Avoiding the actual question doesn’t do much to show that they care about this particular topic, so each politician needs to do better with their answer.
Both candidates denied wanting to defund the police and condemned the acts of looting and violent protests.
“We have to follow the laws that were written,” McConnell said. McGrath responded saying that she believes “leaders have to take a step back and recognize that we need change in this country.”
McConnell doesn’t want to bring change to a system that he doesn’t lose against.
Election Day is Nov. 3 and all eligible students, faculty and staff are encouraged to register to vote.
Absentee ballots must be mailed by Nov. 3 at 6:00 p.m. Early voting started Oct. 13.
Don’t miss out on Election Day. Do your part as a voter.
Graphic by Alexis Simon // The Louisville Cardinal