I am a senior at Northern Illinois University, and I have a lot of respect for NIU and my teachers.

But on Sept. 13 my brother and I skipped class and took a trip to Purdue University. The reason, Purdue was hosting an open attendance forum and conversation with Libertarian Party presidential nominee Gary Johnson.

We witnessed something seemingly unique in 2016. We sat along with hundreds of others and listened to a politician being sincere. The event consisted of Gary Johnson answering questions from the host, former Indiana Governor and current President of Purdue University Mitch Daniels, followed by questions from the audience. Throughout the proceedings, Gary Johnson was steadfast in his willingness to answer every question.

Many politicians avoid the unpredictable climate of an open-mic format for questioning, as it poses a certain level of political risk. But Gary Johnson did not shy away from the tough issues.

I watched the people around me as we listened. I saw people from all sides of every spectrum. I saw people older and younger than me. I saw people of different race, different class, different enthusiasm, but most noticeable of all was the different political views and ideologies that approve of Gary Johnson.

As attendees asked their questions on hot-button issues, I saw some people nodding approval while others simultaneously raised questioning eyebrows, while others listened thoughtfully. As the event progressed, it seemed that all of those near me had taken a turn at applauding, but when Mitch Daniels thanked Governor Johnson for his time, the entire assembly stood and bid farewell with thunderous applause.

Gary Johnson’s message is about bringing together people who disagree and finding a way to work together. This is not just a smart political strategy, it is the cohesive mentality that has brought our nation through its most imposing challenges. I am asking you and all of your readers to take an honest look at Gary Johnson and decide for yourselves if he is the President we need right now.