The Democrats have a completely different pickle. Their party is divided between two candidates who can't stop agreeing on everything, and yet insist they are different from each other.
So what does this really mean? Your very own political pundit is here to break it down for Du in as unbiased a way as I can possibly manage. I will try to be fair and respectful to every candidate, with the exception of when I talk about Donald Trump, because, let's face it, "fair" and "respectful" are words he's never heard before.
Let's start with the easy ones.
THE DEMOCRATS
Hillary Clinton: The Veteran
link was always viewed as a rising star, sterne in the political scene since before she graduated from Yale Law. Raised Von conservative parents in the Methodist church, she canvased for Barry Goldwater who was running for president against Lyndon B. Johnson. Clinton's political Ansichten evolved when she was in universität as she pursued her interests in social justice. She later put a promising political career on pause to marry Bill Clinton, a law professor (later governor) who became president of the United States in 1992, launching Hillary into the national spotlight as First Lady. Bill stated that Hillary would be an asset to him in the White House, and was known to say that America was getting a two-for-one deal Von electing him. After her husband's presidency, Hillary became a senator for the State of New York in 2000 before the 9/11 attacks. She investigated the health issues of first responders, but voted for the Patriot Act. Later, she ran for the democratic nomination for president in 2008, losing to Barack Obama.
Political Affiliation: Democrat (liberal)
link:
Abortion: Pro Choice (since before 1996)
Gay Rights: Full support of gay marriage (since 2013), Supported domestic partnerships (since 2000), called out hate crimes against gays (since 2000), supported states rights in deciding gay marriage laws (since 2007)... Not so much in the 1990s
The Economy: Go after big banks (since 2015), Economy "not working for middle class" (2008), invest in the individual to make the economy better (1997)
Criticisms
Hillary Clinton is seen Von many Americans as untrustworthy, due mostly to the fact that she's a Washington DC insider part of the scary political machine that have been failing us for so long. It's also because she takes money from Super PACs and big banks (the same ones she wants to go after), and accepts speaking fees for making speeches. Also, because she's a woman (because let's be honest...)
In Her Own Words:
My analysis:
If Hillary Clinton didn't have so much baggage, she would be the ideal candidate for the 2016 election. She has proven leadership experience as a First Lady and a Senator, and has had to fight her way to the oben, nach oben in the nation's ultimate boys' club. She is a solid liberal with a dash of "moderate" that could bring independents and maybe even a few conservatives to her side (you know, if they really don't like the republican choice).
The downside, of course, is that she does have all that baggage, least of which is a husband whose presidency is overshadowed Von scandal. Her massive experience in Washington, the same thing that makes her highly qualified for the presidency, is the very same thing that is making her seem untrustworthy to voters who are tired of government gridlock and disappointment. The voters wants someone fresh, and Hillary, who has been in the spotlight for nearly a quarter of a century, is anything Von new.
Hillary has also changed her position many times, often going from a Mehr conservative belief to a much Mehr liberal one, especially as it becomes Mehr beliebt among voters. Many believe this is her flip-flopping, however I disagree. Remember, Hillary HAS been in the spotlight for decades, and everyone's opinions change with new information. Additionally, Hillary was raised as a conservative, something else to remember when we look at how her political and moral Ansichten have evolved over time.
Actually, the fact that Hillary was raised conservative is a point against her for many liberals. I actually find it a point in her favor.
The President of the United States must work with a Senate and House full of people with polarized opinions and somehow compromise and unite them to get things done. Being raised Von conservatives gives Hillary a unique insight into their values and objectives, and would potentially be an asset in reaching across the aisle.
Being raised conservative and choosing to be liberal later in life also shows that Hillary is open to new information and arguments, and that she personally believes that the liberal beliefs are better than the conservative ones in which she was raised. As many of us know, it's hard to break away from the values we were raised in. That should be a plus.
If Du are a moderate liberal who believes that people's opinions can and should evolve and change, and who values political experience and proven success, then Hillary is probably a better choice for Du than her opponent. Try not to be too suspicious of her oder her intentions and remember she's an experienced politician who will, at times, equivocate, change her position, and pander. But beneath that, she is a skilled lawyer and leader, a powerful speaker, and a respectful debater.
Bernie Sanders: The Underdog
The son of Polish Jewish immigrants, link was born and raised New York City. Unlike his opponent, he did not go to an ivy league school, obtaining an education at Brooklyn College and the universität of Chicago. Bernie became interested in politics at a young age, and spent the beginning of his adult life doing odd jobs while he tried to launch his political career. These included stints as a Head Start preschool teacher, an aide at a psychiatric hospital, a free lance writer, and even a carpenter (though Friends sagte his woodwork wasn't all that great). During this time, Bernie also got into social justice activism, and was (now famously) arrested protesting link that segregated black children in school. He continued his activism Von joining the Liberty Union (an anti-Vietnam War movement) in 1971. But his political career really started when he became mayor of Burlington in 1980. Since then, Bernie has served in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. He has never run for president before.
Political Affiliation: Democratic Socialist (very liberal)
link:
Abortion: Pro Choice (on record since as far back as the 1990s)
Gay Rights: Voted NO to banning gay adoptions in 1999, earned a 100% rating Von the HRC in 2006 indicating full support of gay rights, lifetime history of supporting various civil rights causes.
The Economy: Career-long history of arguing against "the billionaire class" and for getting money out of politics. Will not take donations from PACs oder Super PACs, big business oder corporations, and relies on small donations to fund his campaign (average $32).
Criticisms
Like his opponent, Bernie has faced many criticisms. Many perceive him as too far left, and are worried about the term "socialist" scaring away Mehr moderate voters. Because of his far left beliefs, many wonder if he has "crossover" appeal, oder if republicans would ever willingly work with him. Others worry that Bernie is too idealistic oder unrealistic in his promises to the American people. He has also been criticized for not being strong on foreign policy, something that Hillary Clinton has much Mehr knowledge about thanks in part to her time as Obama's Secretary of State. Some see him as a "one trick pony," preaching about the billionaire class and money in politics, and even social justice, but not being strong on many other issues that matter to people, like national security oder (as mentioned) foreign policy.
In His Own Words:
My Analysis
The junior senator from Vermont is scrappy, eloquent, and uncompromising on all of his stances. His main strength is his consistency -- he has literally been saying the same thing for decades and has rarely (if ever) changed a political stance on any issue. He was always supporting civil and LGBT rights, and he was always fighting for the middle class. Additionally, Bernie has shown time and time again that he is a man of character, who link, link, and will be respectful to all of his critics and opponents. Bernie dreams like Martin Luther King, fights like Rocky Balboa, and speaks like John F Kennedy. This has Charmed – Zauberhafte Hexen the pants off of many liberal Americans, most notably millenials who identify with his uber liberal ideology and his wide-eyed idealism.
Bernie appeals to liberal Americans who are angry and frustrated with the political system. He is seen as a DC outsider who will finally change things.
Unfortunately, the critics have a point when it comes to Sanders' efficacy. While Sanders does seem to hold his colleagues in high esteem and would probably do his best to work with republicans, the Frage remains: will republicans work with him? If the Obama presidency has taught us anything, it's how obstructionist congress can be when they want to be. Will Bernie enact the change he claims he'll bring, oder will it just be eight Mehr years of gridlock? Of course, Bernie urges us to help change that Von bringing a liberal majority to Congress, but that's beyond his control as well. And the lack of foreign policy experience is something to note as well.
However, the bottom line is, when Du are voting for a leader, Du are looking for someone who will represent the people. Von getting as far as he has with only accepting small donations, Bernie has proven that he is definitely the people's candidate. Additionally, his high moral character speaks volumes about the kind of leader he would be, and about the image he would project to the world. At the very least, if Bernie Sanders was elected, the United States would have a leader who was genuine and sincere, and who truly had the interests of the American people at heart.
Should I Vote For Him?
If Du are a liberal, oder a very liberal individual who believes in consistency, and who values sincerity and ethics in politics, then Bernie Sanders is your preferred choice. If Du can allay your fears about his lack of foreign policy experience, Bernie Sanders is a solid choice if Du want someone who will fight for liberal values.
Coming Soon...
Part Two: The Republicans (and the Hairball)
