The primaries are creeping up and the 2020 presidential election is picking up speed. With a crowded running list, now is the time to choose the best candidate; 21 total candidates are currently running, comprising of 17 Democrat and four Republicans including President Trump.
However, the three Republicans are unlikely to beat the current preside. Trump’s incumbency nearly guarantees his spot, especially since, according to Gallup polls, his popularity ranking in the GOP is 89 percent even during threats of impeachment. As a result, the future president-elect will be either Trump or a Democrat. Because of Trump’s concerning political record, ranging from his absurd tweets, questionable allies, controversial administration, separation of immigrant children from their parents, travel ban, plentiful sexual misconduct allegations, and even a possible impeachment, one thing is clear: President Trump must not win the 2020 ballot.
In order to undo America’s mistakes and help fix the countless political problems plaguing the nation, we need a Democrat far more radical than ever before in order to win the election and make the change. The candidate for the job is clear: Bernie Sanders.
Bernie Sanders is a senator and a self-described Democratic Socialist from Vermont. Last election, he ran as an independent candidate against Hillary Clinton and Trump after losing to Clinton in the primary election. While some diss Sanders for taking votes away from Clinton, Sanders has signed a loyalty pledge from the DNC to guarantee that this time, he will stick with the Democratic Party through thick and thin.
Besides, the 2016 election has given Sanders priceless experience that can help him win the next election. At age 78, he has a vast amount of political experience, with positions ranging from mayor to senator.
Though some cite Sander’s age as a cause for concern, age simply isn’t an important factor among the dominant candidates. Trump is 73, and the other leading Democratic candidates are Joe Biden, age 76, and Elizabeth Warren, age 70. When all four of them have a birthday in the ‘40s, a few years does not make a difference. It is crucial to vote for the candidate who can help America, not the one who is slightly less old.
On the issues, Sanders’ policy plans are full of ideas on how to flip the political system upside down and work on solving the consistent issues in America. Today, major issues include health care, global warming, and student debt.
ABC reports that 1 in 5 Americans do not have health care. Even worse, soaring costs of healthcare have left the other 4 out of 5 Americans to still struggle. Sanders is already striving to amend the healthcare system with his bill, Medicare for All. This plan would provide comprehensive health care to every single person in America with no out-of pocket expenses besides prescription medicine. When so many people cannot afford health care, this plan would be a saving grace for those struggling with medical costs.
Our environment is showing continuous signs of collapsing, which requires immediate action that Sanders is willing to take. A report written by a group of 11,258 scientists from 153 different countries has declared a serious “climate emergency.” Sanders’ own plan, the Green New Deal, could help fight this, were he to be elected. It covers reducing global emissions, promoting renewable energy, and going head to head with the fossil fuel industry. These initiatives would create an estimated 20 million jobs. The plan would cost an estimated $16.3 trillion, though it generates money itself via its own plan and aims to pay for itself over a span of 15 years. Besides, the environment is priceless and the price tag that comes with protecting it should not be relevant in a critical time like now.
The college system is suffering, but Sanders aims to reform the entire college system, cancelling all student loan debt and making public colleges free. Education is crucial in America, and yet it yields such a financial burden; Sanders as president would increase education opportunities while reducing financial stress. This is crucial because over 45 million Americans currently have student loans debt. Under Sanders’ plan, all people with household incomes under $250,000 would be relieved. He also supports his College for All Act, in which the federal government would funnel $48 billion to the states who would use the money to eliminate both tuition and fees in public universities.
Sanders’ policies strike a similarity to Elizabeth Warren’s, though their philosophies are quite different. Warren describes herself as a capitalist and aims to help America via regulations, while Sanders favors complete reform. This increased dedication change is what makes Sanders the superior candidate, though Warren’s more liberal policies are far better than moderate Joe Biden’s.
Nevertheless, in the event that Sanders does not win the primaries, it is crucial to cast a ballot for whichever Democrat does. Avoiding write-ins and independent candidates is crucial in order to guarantee that a Democrat can win the office and push for improving healthcare, fighting global warming, and making college more affordable. While any of the three Democrats is far better than Trump, one thing is clear: Bernie Sanders deserves to be in office.
Article by Kara Peeler of Clarksburg High School
Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons