November is rolling around sooner than we think. In just a little time, we’ll be in the thick of the 2016 election season, with the seat at the Oval Office at stake. At this point we have two candidates fiercely battling for the job. One, based on experience and knowledge, seems pretty qualified for the seat, while the other…well. So, instead of rooting for someone who would take this country back to a time when not everyone had rights, let’s examine your other possibilities.
While some people actually would vote for one Donald Trump, I am not one of them. Additionally, here are 11 people I'd vote for instead of the former reality TV star.
1. Michelle Obama
An obvious choice. Harvard educated and highly charismatic, she’s already been through the ringer of what it is like to be President of the United States. She’s intelligent, a great role model, and embodies the character of the American dream, all characteristics we need in a president.
2. Coach Eric Taylor
If Flannery O’Connor says a good man is hard to find, well I have indeed found a good man. A great husband, father, coach, role model, teacher and coach, it’s hard not to be inspired by him. And I trust him with my life, if Coach Taylor says it, I believe it. “Clear Eyes, Full Hearts…Can’t Lose”
3. Joe Biden
“Middle Class Joe” as they call him on Washington is probably not his favorite nickname, but it’s a pretty telling one that let’s us the people know that he cares about the middle class. His interest does not lie in protecting the riches of the 1%, but rather helping the rest of us grow and flourish.
4. John Kasich
The Republican governor of Ohio was once also contender in the 2016 election but soon he too succumbed to the Trump Train. However, I’m still sitting here and wondering why? He is a contender who would really give Hillary Clinton a run for her money, as he is beloved by his home state of Ohio and well liked amongst his colleagues on the political scene. Unlike Trump and Ted Cruz, his acts of protest are far less dramatic, as he never spoke ill of Trump at the Republican National Convention in Ohio, but rather didn’t attend at all.
5. King Arthur
The greatest leader of a land that may or may not have existed. After reading T.H White’s “The Once and Future King” it becomes painfully clear that Arthur always has the good of country above the good of his own. Arthur childhood mentor Merlin taught him valuable lessons that shaped his character and actions as a leader, and although he attained a kingdom by drawing a sword from a stone, he never really was handed anything free in life, especially not a “small loan of $1 million from his father”. Arthur would not lead the American people through fear and power, but rather the only he knows how: love and justice. And it seems his motto would run exactly opposite of Trump’s:“Might does not make right! Right makes right!” ( The Once and Future King by T.H White)
6. Melinda Gates
Sometimes overshadowed by her husband, Melinda Gates is a force to be reckoned with in her own way. A highly intelligent and educated Duke University alumna, she got her career start working at Microsoft, and after marrying co-founder Bill Gates, became the co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates foundation, which enhances healthcare, helps to reduce poverty, and expands access to education and technology across America and the world. Surely someone with not this philanthropic spirit but also experience would make a suitable leader.
7. Charlie Baker
The Republican governor of Massachusetts is exactly the type of candidate the Republicans need: middle of the road. In his policies and practices, Governor Baker has never leaned too far to either side, rather taking a more moderate approach, which is what made him such an appealing choice in his gubernatorial election. Although the Governor has done some things to upset his constituents and colleagues, he has always remained focused on the welfare of the Commonwealth, especially in the face of the opioid epidemic.
8. Albus Dumbledore
One of the wisest characters in modern literature, Albus Dumbledore is the the model leader. An area in which Dumbledore would shine as Chief of State is in his ability to look past the appeal of pleasing those with money and simply do his job to serve everyone. As Headmaster of Hogwarts, he never put the 1% (The Malfoy Family) at an advantage or disadvantage, but always provided extra support for the 99% (Harry, Hermione, The Weasley’s)
9. Sonia Sotomayor
Familiar with the job of serving the American people and protecting the Constitution, Sotomayor appeals to so many different electoral groups. First, she is a woman, also Hispanic, from a poor Bronx neighborhood and also a Roman Catholic. She’s also incredibly intelligent and educated, as a practiced attorney dedicated to her work, she would bring this same fighting spirit to serving the American people from the Oval Office.
10. Michael Scott
A seemingly strange choice, it puts into perspective just how ridiculous it is that some are sincerely considering Trump a better choice. Michael Scott, although sometimes a borderline lunatic, always acted in the best interest of his company and its employees (unless you are Toby). His intentions were almost always pure and his mistakes were honest. His transparency is what makes him an attractive candidate, and he has nothing to hide. Especially not his tax returns.
11. Anyone.
Me. My dog. My sixth grade teacher. My middle school bus driver. Tom Brady. ANYONE BUT TRUMP PEOPLE. His racism, bigotry and inciting words are dangerous for the future of this country. Make sure this November to exercise your right to vote, but exercise it wisely.
