Seemingly coming out of nowhere, Independent Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders has announced his presidential campaign. He bursted onto the scene with a combative, yet bold speech about his efficiency as a leader and plans for America.
Sanders said, “People should not underestimate me. I’ve run outside of the two-party system, defeating Democrats and Republicans, taking on big-money candidates and, you know, I think the message that has resonated in Vermont is a message that can resonate all over this country.”
His confrontational campaign strategy is intimidating, but oddly respectable. He speaks honestly about his views and his evaluation of the current state of the U.S. Sanders’ aggressiveness this early in the race is the best strategy when facing heavily supported – politically and financially – opponents such as Hillary Clinton.
When I read that Sanders, a self-proclaimed “democratic socialist,” decided to run against the firmly favored Clinton, I initially thought, “This guy’s crazy as his hair.” Google Bernie Sanders and you’ll understand what I mean.
But then I read a transcript of his speech and his answers to questions thrown by the press. Sanders more than simply steps into the ring, he comes in swinging. He has specific plans for critical issues that plague the U.S.
Unlike his competitor Clinton, Sanders answers the media’s questions. Not only does he execute his answers well, but like a sermon, he preaches his ideals with full conviction.
On the issues:
Social
Sanders stands as a pro-choice candidate with a 100 percent rating by NARAL. He supports emergency contraception for rape victims, voted ‘no’ on banning partial-birth abortions, and protects the reproductive rights of women.
On gay rights, Sanders supports same-sex marriage, believes in prohibiting employment discrimination for gays, and voted ‘no’ on banning gay adoptions in Washington D.C.
Despite the stereotype of old men holding conservative values, the Vermont Senator stands with Millennials, on the side of women, the LGBT community, and the rising generation of world-changers.
Education
Taking President Obama’s free community college initiative to the next level, Sanders stated he would offer tuition-free education at all public colleges and universities. If that doesn’t sound like a choir of angels singing to college students, I don’t know what will.
I know too many people that skip college, drop out in the middle of a term, and drown in debt because a higher education costs too much. Higher education leads to more opportunities, but that’s not at all possible with the barrier of exorbitant tuition fees barricading students’ access.
Free trade
Sanders stamps his record on free trade with a big, thick ‘no.’ He voted against implementing the CAFTA, US-Australia and US-Singapore Free Trade Agreement, to name a few.
The advantages of implementing free trade can be found in any basic economics textbook. Overall, free trade benefits both countries with lower prices and more quantity; however, it hurts domestic produces. Nevertheless, I disagree with Sanders’ view on free trade.
Sanders differs from his opponents, both Democratic and Republican. Rather than simply announcing a plan to increase or decrease taxes, he said he would release specific proposals to raise taxes on wealthy Americans and corporations.
“I don’t believe that the men and women who defended American democracy fought to create a situation where billionaires own the political process,” said Sanders.
If elected, Sanders looks towards overturning the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2010 Citizens United Decision, which he blames for unleashing a flood of money from wealthy donors. He supports heavier regulations on Wall Street, a group that finances Hillary Clinton’s campaign.
While this message may deter big money donors, Sanders’ campaign raised more than $1.5 million within its first 24 hours. A huge momentum swings towards Sanders’ favor, and if he continues to campaign as aggressive and honest as he has, he could outpace and steal the Democratic nominee from Clinton.
Many voters oppose Clinton because she appears disconnected from the everyday American, dodges questions, eagerly accepts money from the rich, and campaigns in a minivan to sway voters that she’s just like you. Well, those voters can find solace in Bernie Sanders because he has already answered more questions from the press than Clinton.
Sanders’ political style and his flyaway hair wildly juxtaposes those in Congress and the Senate. His blunt and blatant criticisms get right to the point without the typical political ambiguity and fallacies.
His website states that his campaign is “Paid for by Bernie 2016,” under which it says “(Not the billionaires).”
Sanders said, “I believe that in a democracy, what elections are about are serious debates over serious issues. Not political gossip, not making campaigns into soap operas. This is the debate over major issues facing the American people.”
Bernie Sanders may be the resolute and courageous candidate we need 2016 elections. He’s fearlessly fired up and ready to discuss his views, his plans, and his ideals with straight and direct answers. He gallantly stands forward, daringly opposing the expected Democratic nominee Clinton. He’s dauntless in his critiques and inspiring in his speeches.
Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders is perhaps the most honest politician in the current political field and certainly in my lifetime. My vote goes to Bernie Sanders: A political revolution.
