English Class Questions

Personal Essay

Stephen Benoit

English Composition / ENG 121

Tara Laramore

November 12, 2015

Bernie Sanders Candidature

One thing the currently captures my interest is the continuous political campaign around the country that makes the race to white house sounds difficult for the contenders. The Republican side continues to experience more revelations and iron fist promises from renowned philanthropists, Donald Trump. Similarly, the soft spoken renowned neurosurgeon, Ben Carson is giving Donald Trump a run for his money. On the Democrats side, the talks of the town are about veterans Hillary Clinton and experienced senator Bernie Sanders.

Hillary Clinton draws experience in running a presidential campaign and enjoys the support of moderate leftists in the trail. Bernie Sanders on the other hand comes in handy as the epitome of far left thinkers and socialists ready to establish a balance between the social needs of the citizens and the plight of the Wall Street capitalists. To many Democrats, Bernie Sanders offers little promises to deserve the presidential ticket since Hillary Clinton enjoys more publicity.

Despite all the focus on Hillary Clinton, her campaign trail, and the opinion polls, I am of the opinion that Bernie Sanders offers the best presidential candidate for the Democrats. Bernie Sanders does not depend on financing from Super PAC. Super PACs are independent expenditure committees composed of financers from different levels in the society. These groups enjoy the capability of raising unlimited sums of money from individuals, corporations, institutions, civil society, and other lobby groups. Because financing a presidential campaign is expensive and costly, Super PACs often offer sponsor candidates. However, these groups of people have individual interests that often supersede the interests of the general populations. In this context, they often hold presidents at ransom giving ultimatums on policy formulations and decisions. Since Bernie Sanders does not rely on any action committees for expenses, his policies and decisions will be devoid of individual and group interests from any corner of the US.

On issues that seem to require bold moves and non-political lineage, Bernie Sanders stands out as a better person who trusts his conviction. For example, in development of the Family Act, Bernie Sanders stood out as the most vocal supporters of the new law thereby reaffirming his socialist’s orientation. This Act seeks to guarantee all employees in America twelve weeks of paid medical and family leave. Most of the Republicans, known for the capitalist’s nature, remain adamant in appreciating this move because of their dependence on the private sector which hold no value for family reunions and bonding. Bernie Sanders therefore presents the best candidate with candid care for social and family values.

Bernie Sanders is a far left thinker and staunch socialists. With President Obama’s legacy founded on a mixture of socialism and Marxism, Bernie Stands out as the leading contender to live up to the expectation of the distribution of resources among the US citizens.in the run up to the 2008 election of President Obama, there were fears of economic downfall of the US. However, after introduction of tax credits and all sorts of subsidies in the private and public sector, the US economy came out stronger from the 2008/9 economic depression. With a far left socialist taking over from a moderate one, introducing such credits and subsidies to the taxpayers will help in establishment of firm tax regime that can spur the growth of the economy to even higher heights.

Foreign policy especially towards the Middle East is important for America as a super power. However, Obama’s abrasive relationship with Israel has created a frosty relationship between Israel and US especially after the US entered into a deal with Iran. For this reason, many Jewish- Americans are leaving the Democrats. However, Senator Bernie Sanders stands out as one of the most moderate Jewish American who not only appreciates the role of Israel as US’s leading ally in the Middle East but also critical of Benjamin Netanyahu’s reckless policies. To Bernie Sanders the use of excessive force in restoration of peace and love is the last resort as opposed to many Republics who believe any form of disagreement requires force. For this reason, Bernie Sanders, among all the presidential candidates stands out as one of the pro-Israel crusaders who are mindful of the actions of the Israel’s government decision.

In my view, I believe that Bernie Sanders offers a soft landing for the rebels from Republicans who believe the iron-fist and abrasive nature of Donald Trumps’ campaign is hurting peaceful co-existences of the Americans. Trump’s constant tirades on immigrants and African Americans have brushed the large number of voters within the republicans thus leading to a likelihood of protest votes should Trump get the republican ticket. Since republicans always win when the voter turnout is low, the likelihood of turn out in 2016 being high remains high. Thus, a ticket for Bernie Sanders in the primaries represents a ticket to White House in the main elections.