It’s common knowledge that the modern political era in the U.S. is extremely divisive. At the same time, however, there seems to be a shift in the way that people of all walks of life view their own political involvement, as increased awareness has led to more substantive discussions of differences in policy and worldview. In what can sometimes feel like a toxic environment, I find it important to take a bird’s eye view and analyze the issues affecting the most Americans, regardless of political party or defining characteristics, and to try to come to a common understanding across party lines. After spending months becoming more politically educated and involved, I believe I’ve begun to understand what has been happening to our country’s politics over the past few years, and why it’s my opinion that Bernie Sanders should be the Democratic nominee for President.
When Donald Trump became the Republican nominee for President in 2016, he did so by presenting himself as a political outsider. Those who felt disenfranchised and left behind by the political landscape at that time saw Trump as someone who, at the very least, seemed to relate to their struggles and presented himself as different from the norm. Whether or not any of that was true or came to fruition is up for debate, but the root cause being millions of people feeling left behind and susceptible to his political rhetoric is undeniable fact. For decades, conventional and calculated candidates gave stump speeches and played into an established political norm, which many disregarded. The reality now is that people are starting to realize they do have a political voice, they can create a movement, and they can take their country in a different direction that benefits them and their families. We are in an era of populism which is uprooting the decades of elitism which came before it.
Candidates who speak directly to their bases needs and desires are the ones who gain momentum and popularity. Since FDR’s presidency decades ago we’ve seen glimmers of populist rhetoric from various presidents, but no systemic change in favor of the everyday working American. However, some of the country’s most important and necessary steps forward, such as the civil rights movement and the feminist movement, were built upon progressive populist movements which were met by establishment resistance. Bernie Sanders has built a giant grassroots movement made up of small contributions from millions of working people on the promise that he will give them things they need, such as universal healthcare, student and medical debt forgiveness, a living minimum wage, and many other beneficial policy proposals. Sanders and Trump even share some policy viewpoints, particularly on trade. Bernie has won the first three Democratic primaries and caucuses, which could be the start of a primary landslide. Now is a time to encourage as much political participation as possible.
This country is truly at a crossroads in the 2020 election. While I have somewhat established political ideologies and viewpoints, I respect others’ perspectives as long as they are well-thought out and as long as they aren’t presented with animosity. It should be okay to believe in something different than someone else and to still get along with them. Appealing to the needs of as many Americans as possible is key in the upcoming election, not bending to the will of donors or political pressure. That is why I think Bernie Sanders should face off against Donald Trump in the general election this year, and the will of the people will decide which direction we take our country moving forward. Thanks for reading.
Here’s a link to register to vote: https://www.usa.gov/register-to-vote
