Party affiliation

While many Americans, on both sides of the aisle, begin to quiver at the mere thought of their respective party’s nominee taking the oath of office for president, some wholeheartedly embrace their party’s candidate, for better or for worse.

There are those within our community who believe the candidates’ ideals with such fervor, that they become their own personal convictions. Anyone who challenges their beliefs becomes the enemy, regardless of party affiliation or relationship.

Once members of one’s own party become “the enemy,” the party becomes divided and fractured, with little regard for tolerance.

But whichever candidate is elected to lead our nation would potentially have to confront a Congress led by the opposing party, which will hinder the new administration’s ability to fulfill promises made during the election.

This story was originally published July 30, 2016 at 3:00 PM with the headline "Party affiliation."