Over the past week, over 300 students voted in our online poll so we could gauge the political climate of campus.
Four students submitted their own reasons for picking the candidates they did .
Bernie Sanders
by Rachel Rippetoe, sophomore |
A lot of people think Bernie supporters are naive, but Sanders isn’t a young guy. He’s been in politics for decades and he’s had the same goals and the same vision for this country throughout his entire career. When you compare him to the rest of the candidates, he’s the most consistent by far. (Donald Trump was pro-choice less than a year ago.)
Consistency doesn’t guarantee that Sanders’ ideas will work. Yet, when I look at Bernie as a candidate, I see a civil servant infuriated by the havoc Wall Street has caused for the working class. I see someone who has envisioned a government that works for all Americans, not just the billionaire class and has been fighting for this vision since the 1960s. Call me crazy and naive, but I want to help him achieve that
John Kasich
by Mackenna Krohn, senior |
As someone who moderately identifies with the values of the Republican Party and has voted along party lines in the past, it is upsetting to see how the contenders have displayed themselves during the latest Republican presidential debates. For that reason, if I were asked to vote today I would choose Ohio Governor John Kasich, who has recently stood out among the rest of the candidates.
I will continue to follow both sides of the debate until it is time to cast my final vote, however at this point, in my opinion, Kasich has the most practical experience, a respectful demeanor in the public sphere necessary for national and international support and the ability to work with Democrats to strive for bipartisan reform. Additionally, his election would result in the least amount of backlash against the Republican Party and its brand across the nation.
Hillary Clinton
by Jordan Paul, senior |
Hillary Clinton is the most qualified candidate for the president of the United States.
She has a resume that most candidates only dream of: she was a precedent-breaking first lady, leading the charge to expand health insurance to low-income children and standing up to China’s human rights record — all before holding elected office.
As a Senator she helped to protect children from drug companies, and led the fight for equal pay. As Secretary of State, she secured a new arms reduction treaty with Russia and helped to bring Iran to the table to discuss what would become a landmark nuclear deal. Her established record of public service has taught her the difference between campaigning and governing, and she has the scars to show for it.
Young people propelled one of the most consequential presidents of a generation to office in 2008. Let’s do it again.
Marco Rubio
by William Gunnels, senior |
No one should place much faith in any politician, and they certainly shouldn’t expect much change after electing them; our government works to limit change and check those in power. However, our country faces both unique challenges and opportunities that our government must confront in the coming years. With this in mind, I am unabashedly supporting Marco Rubio. He is someone who can facilitate the right amount of change, appoint the best judges to federal courts, work to balance the relationship between the national and state governments and present a bright future for all Americans. Although he is not a “perfect” candidate, he has an inspiring story, a love for America and a chance to bridge the wide ideological gap in the Republican Party. Moreover, he is relatable, smart, pragmatic and committed to using our liberal American values to build on the prosperity that our country enjoys.
