Since when has America become so intensely divided? Where have the middle ground demographic people disappeared off too? This primary and caucus season has made it very clear that the next president will be chosen from either a white man, a black man or a white woman. We have John McCain, our POW GOP nominee and then Barak Obama and Hilary Clinton our minority Democratic front-runners.

It is beginning to seem to me that our country is becoming more and more divided on the issues and even more so divided on who we are going to elect as our next president.

From the north to the mid west to the southern states we are all culturally different inside our own boarders. Between the more moderate thinkers in the north east and the conservative southerners the primaries and caucuses in every region have never seemed so important in determining what states will support which candidates.

This, however, is the same in every election, but what makes it more controversial this time around is that all I hear around me is "there is no way I will ever vote for a black man," or "no, I will never let a woman run my country."

Are the people throwing these blunt tatements around when they are even educated on what the black-man and white woman's policies are on the economy, immigration or the war? Do they know how McCain feels about these issues or do they not even care because they would rather a republican male in office over the democrats?

I can only hope that this is a moral voting block for my fellow citizens and not some permanent campaign ignorance. We have never had this kind of issues since this is the first time that not only a black man, but also a woman are running simultaneously so it is not a total problem in seeing why this might pose a dilemma at the polls for our conservatives.

But will the conservative voter be completely opposed to voting against the Republican ticket simply because they would not want a woman in the Oval Office?

Put this into perspective: let's say that all you get to know before you vote for our next president is written on paper. Let's say that all of the debates you would have seen on TV you only got a transcript of and all of their speeches would be in essay format. And let's say that you never learned their name and that you never once saw a picture of our top three candidates. If this was how it worked do think that who you are going to vote for would change?

If you think of it that way all you would be choosing from would be Candidate A, Candidate B and Candidate C. As a voter you would elect who had the best policies that fit your family and your life. There would not be any issues based on what they look like and whether or not they wear stilettos.

Throughout the week I spoke with various faculty and students and asked them all if the black, white, woman card would phase their vote or if it already has altered who they support. The feedback that I received was very insightful as everyone had their own spin on where they see America's voice going.

"I don't think that my vote will be swayed either way. It's not about their race or sex, but about what they have to offer in the position of president of the United States," said sophomore Jackie Wilkins.

Another student, sophomore Marissa Kates, said she is not well educated on the election, but stated firmly that she would not want to vote for a man who will swear into office on the Quran. Kates continued with that she liked former president Bill Clinton so Hillary has her vote.

We can see that between just two students the different frames of mind that each of them has.

When I questioned some faculty members I again received very honest answers.

"My hope is that all Americans will continue to take the time to get to know each candidate for their character, commitment and have a true understanding of the issues. To vote for a candidate primarily on the basis of gender, race or political affiliation is probably not the best reason for selecting our Commander in Chief," said Nicole Davison, Career Development Advisor.

Prof. Matt Semel of the Criminal Justice department said, "I feel worried that the country isn't ready for a woman or an African American. People however are more focused on certain characteristics than specific policies of the candidates."

Dr. Gary Rose, Professor and Chair of the Department of Government and Politics made the important point that I think we all subconsciously know.

"This is the raw reality of American politics. At the same time, however, the racial and gender bias in American politics seems to be receding with each generation of voters […] it is important to keep in mind that the contest between Obama and Clinton is largely an internal Democratic Party contest consisting of liberal and moderate voters. It is therefore premature to offer sweeping generalizations about crossing racial and gender barriers based on an internal party struggle," said Rose.

This is not my way of saying vote democrat, nor is it my way of saying go republican. That is your business, not mine. What I am saying is that the President that you want to elect into office should be voted for with the best interest of the country in mind.

Do not risk electing someone just because of how they look. We are not in high school any more.