CUMBERLAND COUNTY, Pa. — With one week left until the Nov. 5 election, political groups across central Pennsylvania are ramping up for the Election Day festivities, and college campuses are no different.
At Dickinson College, one dorm room is making a difference in the political world by crossing party lines in a unique way.
Matthew Craig and Ryan Thies met during freshman year at Dickinson College.
“He’s one of my closest friends,” Thies stated.
Now, as seniors, the pair have developed a friendly feud as they each represent separate college political groups. Thies is the president of the Dickinson College Democrats, while Craig is the president of the Dickinson College Republicans.
“We don’t agree on everything, certainly,” said Thies, adding that they don’t let their differences get in the way of their friendship.
“We have respectful debates with each other, and we disagree and we hash out those disagreements and figure out where we are on the issues,” Thies explained.
While the two may have different political beliefs, they have found common ground on one topic—politics is a partnership.
“We can work together as these organizations to promote civic engagement and involvement,” Craig said.
This teamwork makes their bond stronger both on and off the campaign trail.
“We both respect the work that each of us is putting in for our respective side,” Thies said.
But the pair said they aren’t the first to work together as a team at the college despite their differences. The Dickinson College Democrats and Republicans have had a strong foundation of fostering a positive working relationship.
“The previous presidents, they had a really, really great relationship, and they sort of fostered this camaraderie between Ryan and I,” Craig said.
When the day is done, Craig and Thies' friendly feud crosses party lines and follows them home.
“We are suitemates,” Craig explained.
Dueling decorations line the walls of their college apartment, but the banter doesn’t end there.
Craig said, “One minute, one of our suitemates will be talking politics and the next it’s going to be a full-blown debate or conversation where we’re asking questions of curiosity.”
Craig explained that the debates never intend to change the other person's mind, but instead focus on gaining a better understanding of different political views and expressing their own, which the pair believes builds a stronger and better-educated electorate.
“We’re a country of people, of neighbors, and if we’re not having these conversations in our homes and in our living rooms, we’re going to be left behind,” Thies said.
Craig agreed, adding, “This mentality sort of existed at one point in our country, where we can agree to disagree and still be friends. I think we’ve unfortunately since lost that belief.”
But Craig hasn’t given up hope yet, especially after seeing what he and Thies could accomplish in their separate roles, as teammates.
“I think if Ryan and I are any indication that is not lost, we can regain that,” Craig said.
The pair of perceived political adversaries encourages others to come together despite differences.