Whether we are democrats, republicans, independents, or undecided, it is important to stay informed on governmental politics. In the previous election, 63% of American citizens didn’t vote, and, more importantly, 80% of young adults didn’t vote. It cannot be emphasized enough how important it is for American voices to be heard in government, and especially the voices of the youth. Remember, there can be no true reform without the demand of the people. So pay attention to current events, stay informed, and VOTE.
The first democratic presidential debate sparked much controversy over which candidates, if any, outshined the others. Although all the candidates were present, deep down, the battle remained between Senator Bernie Sanders and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Even former Governor Martin O’Malley took the opportunity to make his presence known… somewhat.
The candidates debated issues on immigration reform, foreign policy, female reproductive rights, institutional racism, a disappearing middle class, education, marijuana, gun control, and climate change. On some issues, the candidates held similar positions, but, more importantly, other issues held significant differences, which will determine who we think is a better fit for president.
The beginning of the night focused more on exposing the flaws in the candidates’ political campaigns. Clinton being too inconsistent, Chafee not knowing which party he identifies with, Webb believing affirmative action is “racist”, the violence in O’Malley’s city of Baltimore, and Sanders’s questionable position on…wait for it… gun control! Once these accusations were all “cleared up”, the candidates proceeded to explain their political agendas.
Gun Control: One of the first topics discussed was the shooting in Oregon -more generally, overall gun control and laws. Sanders enforced that gun violence is a direct effect of the lack of health care; meaning universal health care is a solution to gun violence. So is that supposed to mean that gun control isn’t?
Clinton and O’Malley disagreed. “We lose 90 people a day due to gun violence”, Clinton stated.
While Clinton strongly supports gun control, O’Malley actually passed gun control legislation in Maryland. Way to go O’Malley!! But on factcheck.org Maryland has one of the highest homicide rates in the country (2013 consensus) – what’s going on there? (Awkward!)
Russia & Syria: Foreign policy has grown to be an important determinant in politics. Here is where Sanders begins to take charge. He mentions how he voted against Iraq and the Gulf War, he does not support American ground troops in Syria, and that war must absolutely be the last resort in foreign policy. Clinton, on the other hand, is questioned for being too quick to use military action. She voted in favor of Iraq, and Chafee emphasized this as he said, “So any time someone is running to be our leader, and a world leader, which the American president is, credibility is an issue out there with the world. And we have repair work to be done. I think we need someone that has the best in ethical standards as our next president. That’s how I feel.” Clinton had the chance to respond, and said “No.” Ouch.
And let us also not forget Sanders’s response to the nation’s biggest security threat. While the other candidates mentioned Syria, Russia, the Middle East, and China, Bernie Sanders responded with climate change. We like to believe that a scientist’s job is to give us facts based off of the scientific method, but we tend to pick and choose what truth is convenient for us. The scientific community has vocalized the severe issue of climate change, yet many still turn their heads when it is discussed. Webb even mentions how he is against solving climate change. Maybe it is time we treat our planet with the same respect we treat our homes.
Race: The questioned asked was, “Do black lives matter or all lives matter?” Sanders did not hesitate to say that black lives matter, giving the unjust example of Sandra Bland – #SayHerName. O’Malley agrees, and both bring up issues of institutional racism, especially in our broken criminal system. Webb, however, had a different answer: “Every life in this country matters”. Meanwhile, Clinton shied away from a direct answer.
Income Inequality: Many thoughts and ideas were thrown around during this topic. O’Malley has an advantage because, in Maryland, he implemented jobs, raised the minimum wage to $15 an hour, and worked towards equal pay for women. Sanders stressed upon fixing “disastrous trade policies” and making public college free. He also takes the opportunity to vocalize his feelings towards the infamous Wall Street, mentioning that Wall Street should pay for itself and the youths’ colleges. Sanders says, “Congress does not regulate Wall Street… Wall Street regulates Congress.” #Bern.
Immigration: Our broken immigration system has recently become a phenomenon between republicans and democrats. O’Malley plans to open Obama Care to the undocumented, which Clinton opposes. Sanders chose to focus on the fact that 11 million undocumented people need to be “taken out of the shadows”. Immigration has become a huge issue because we are left with many misconceptions about how it all works, how we fix the system, and help both the lives of the documented and undocumented.
The importance of discussing the democratic presidential debate is to raise voting consciousness. Some candidates were more aggressive during the debate, while others not so much. Some were more seasoned, again, others not as prepared. The point is to know what is being said, to question, and then the rest is up to us, as individuals, to decide. Politics can create a divide within a group of people, especially a nation. The point is not to create a divide, rather awareness. Maybe some of us thought there was no clear winner, there was, or none of the candidates presented themselves well, and that is okay. At least you took the time to think. Instead of this all, that is what truly matters – educating ourselves and making informed decisions to better the society we live in. This is for your future, our future together, so lets take time to think. And do not forget, your vote counts, so please go out and vote.