Unlike past elections, this election actually matters to me. Before, I could have all the opinions I want on presidential candidates, but I had no say in whether or not they would be elected. Now, I suddenly feel the urge, and need in a way, to pay attention and actually give this some thought. After sitting through two republican debates, which were so informative, I figured I'll stick with my democratic beliefs that I had grown up with. Most importantly, I'm definitely with Bernie Sanders.
When talking with my dad about the presidency and making all the necessary daily Donald Trump jokes, I mentioned how I really liked Bernie Sanders. My dad was surprised and confused, and couldn't understand why. Without any deep investigation into his tax policies or any other very specific detail, I explained how he felt real. Bernie Sanders doesn't say what will get him the most votes, he says what he believes.
Some may think, "well, Donald Trump clearly says what he thinks. How is that any different?" First off, what Bernie Sanders promotes, which is essentially equality across the board, aligns with my own beliefs beautifully. Secondly, what Bernie Sanders hopes to do for the American people is far more likely to happen and not tank the country, unlike Trump's policies. Lastly, Bernie Sanders has actually been doing what he preaches for decades. He walked with MLK during the Civil Rights Movement. Sanders continuously comes out in favor of women's rights, gay rights, trans rights, and the rights of any other group of people who may face discrimination in any way.
Bernie also seems like he may actually be a real person. While everyone is using their security teams and limousines at all times, Bernie seems perfectly content walking to work. When two women from the Black Lives Matter movement charged the stage at an event that Bernie Sanders was about to speak at, he didn't lose his temper for a moment and instead carefully considered what he should do in the situation, choosing to back off and wait quietly. While some people may call this being spineless, I see it as the best possible choice in the situation. Whether or not he was in support of the movement that charged the stage, no one enjoys being forcefully interrupted and made to wait on the sideline right before they were supposed to speak.
Sure, Bernie Sanders may be the most liberal candidate possible, but he happens to be exactly what I, and many others, want. People may say that he'll be forcing a liberal way of life on them, but that remains true if any Republican is elected as president as well. No matter who is elected, there will always be a group of people who will say that they're being forced to live in a country that acts in ways that they don't believe, but that's what happens with democracy unfortunately.