Opinion: Christie's Keynote Defines GOP Platform

Ryan Schwertfeger, a 17-year-old student at Indian Hills High School, is the president of the school's Republican Club. Ryan has a sharp eye for local politics, a dogged work ethic and regularly conducts widely read public opinion polls. 

Christie's keynote address last night in Tampa was exactly what the American people are looking for: a clear message about what Republicans stand for and will do while taking a leadership role, unlike the current administration.

As the President of the IHHS Republican Club, I have spoken with a few of our members about their reactions to the speech and the convention in general and most of them feel the same way as many others I know in my generation.

Sadly, my fellow Generation Y members are not that interested in politics or government as they have a perceived notion that nobody they elect will make a difference. However, many club members and others I talk to on both sides of the aisle feel that Christie is a leader, he has made a difference, and many do like what he's done as our state's chief executive.

As Christie said, people want to be spoken to like adults, told the real problems without any sugar coating, and someone who will take initiative to solve tomorrow's problems today.

That is what people in all generations are looking for.

Have a question or news tip? Contact editor Joseph M. Gerace at Joseph.Gerace@patch.com, or find us on Facebook and Twitter. For news straight to your inbox every morning, sign up for our daily newsletter.