The Presidential election year is always a tense year. It's as if every problem we face as a nation is suddenly thrown on a bulletin board to be magnified and displayed. Candidates sling out promises to fix what is broken, some through general statements with no plan in place and others with hidden agendas that toss aside the good of the nation all together.

We see in this span of time more confusion, opinion, hatred, and division than all four years of a presidency put together. It only amplifies the differences of a nation that is already splitting over gender, race, class, religion and party. Is this what the Founding Fathers intended when they fought for a new nation?

Day in and day out, you see division. You see it on your Facebook wall, Reddit threads, news channels, even on the neighbors' front lawns. Loud opinions are everywhere, thirsty for confrontation and dispute. But FINALLY there's something positive that excites the general population in America, and it happens the year of every Presidential election, the Olympics.

Now, across America, people watch in anticipation with hearts thumping as they cheer on their country. Finally it is about America, not party. Instead of waving angry signs or sporting elephants and donkeys, we finally see American flags. We hear about powerhouse Simone Biles and legend Michael Phelps instead of "twisted HIllary" or "racist Trump." We laugh as Aly Raisman's parents squirm out of their seats, wince in shock as a French gymnast breaks his leg, celebrate as Michael Phelps makes history once again, and swell with pride at each US victory.

Eyes are turned from the conflict towards the courage and talent of our most gifted athletes, and for once we are all united in both hope and celebration. This year the Olympics are more than just a great international event. It is a relief from hatred and a cause for unity. If only for 16 days. It is not meant to be just red or blue, but red, white and blue.