I know most people are going to read the title of this article and probably start rolling their eyes thinking, “Oh no, here goes a liberal ranting about why we need to support some socialist.” Well… while I do support this “socialist,” probably more than any presidential candidate to-date in fact, my point and motivation in writing this article is moreover to open people’s eyes as to what precisely goes on in elections and furthermore, why senator Bernie Sanders stands out to me and so many other Americans.
Why Bernie Sanders?
First and foremost, Bernie Sanders is not racist, sexist or quite frankly, borderline fascist. Sorry—I had to say it. Watch any of Sanders’ campaign rallies, interviews or the way he conducts himself in the democratic debates. He uses no derogatory language aimed toward the color of ones skin or whether or not they possess a penis. But most importantly, Bernie Sanders does not think so grossly highly of himself. This is especially true when compared to republican opponent, Donald Trump, who sees himself as completely perfect. In an interview on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Trump said, “I think apologizing’s a great thing, but you have to be wrong. I will absolutely apologize, sometime in the hopefully distant future, if I’m ever wrong.” Personally, I do not see the appeal in having a man who views himself so highly run our country…but maybe that’s just me and my “crazy” liberal ideals.
So, now that it is clear that I am really not much of a fan of the more conservative candidates some may ask, “Why Bernie Sanders?” As a woman—and a very feminist one at that—why wouldn’t I solicit my support with Sanders’ revival, Hilary Clinton? Well, there are key differences in their policy platforms and my views simply align more the Bernie Sanders. But, the reason I feel so passionately about him as a candidate for presidency really comes down to one point: Bernie Sanders is not just a candidate for president of the United States… he is a political revolution.
The Bernie Campaign
Throughout his entire campaign, Bernie has ran a policy-driven campaign rather than what is considered to be a politically correct campaign. During the most recent democratic debate Sanders claimed, “I cannot walk down the street–Secretary Clinton knows this–without being told how much I have to attack Secretary Clinton. Want to get me on the front page of the paper? I make some vicious attack. I have avoided doing that. I am trying to run an issue-oriented campaign.”
This is precisely what makes him so special as a candidate. He cares about the people beyond anything else, which shows what a difference and an impact he is striving to make by running this country. During the first democratic debate he even defended his rival Clinton when he interrupted the moderator who asked Clinton about the email scandal. Sanders said, “The American people are sick and tired of hearing about the damn emails.” Clinton smiled, nodded and shook Sanders’ hand after this exclamation.
Whatever your views may be, liberal or conservative, I think it is important to at least recognize the phenomenon that is Bernie Sanders’ campaign. When he speaks, you can see the fire and ambition behind his words rather than a perfectly put together statement. He is a candidate who will go to no ends, and do so respectfully I may add, to provide for the people what I and many others believe is only right. I know for months and months now I have been feeling “the bern,” and I hope many other follow in my footsteps as well.