The 2016 presidential race is a losing battle. I am not saying anything that a hundred pundits have not said before me. So then why am I saying it? Because as a 20 year old male who is about to graduate college and get married the future of my country matters to me. My voice matters and here is my opinion:
The 2016 field of presidential candidates looks like a who's-who of "People Whose Parents Told Them They Could be President and They Took it Too Seriously." We have two one-term senators, a governor, a neuro-surgeon, and a real-estate billionaire contending for the G.O.P. and a liar and a socialist contending for SDU - I mean the Democratic Party.
I do not believe that divisive will propel this country to any kind of greatness. This is a conversation I have had with one of my dearest friends who is politically polar opposite me. We believe that we could run on a ticket together and win because we do not act like children. In order to get things done, you must compromise and work together - you know, that thing that no one wants to do anymore. There is a constant urging from the lefts and the rights to send someone to D.C. who will "stand their ground" and "not allow [other party] radicalists to ruin our country." Okay, yeah, when you talk like that, who would dare work with the "enemy"? I respect the Republican Party and the way they have consistently reminded our nation that we should stick to the fundamental ideas of our Constitution. I respect the Democratic Party and the way they have brought about needed reforms in different times in our nation. I do not respect either of the groups of apes throwing their political poo at each other. So let's take a look at each candidate individually.
Donald J. Trump
There is much that could be said about Mr. Trump; the man says some crazy things. For how much people dislike him, America must put the bias aside and at least realize that he has brought many conversations that need to be had to the forefront of our conversations. Immigration, trade, and the political elite are very real issues in America and whether or not you agree with his policies (or lack thereof), America must be thankful that someone had the gall enough to stand up and say what many are thinking. There are many reasons that Mr. Trump should not be president; there are many reasons Mr. Trump could do well as president. I will not list any of them here. I will say that there are plenty of areas to criticize Mr. Trump in and I have heard them all. I would implore you to steer away from attacking his business record because his wealth would prove you wrong. Try to attack his policies; his business acumen is impenetrable.
Ted Cruz
My bias will come through while talking about Senator Cruz. The man is a snake, a liar, a cheat, and unfit for the presidency. Senator Cruz has one of the most impressive resumes to be president. He is a skilled debater, has a spectacular education, and has done many beneficial things for the state of Texas. However, his means are filthy. Senator Cruz attempts to appeal to a crowd of pissed off, white, evangelicals; this of course is proven by announcing at Liberty University, the hub of white evangelicals. However, Senator Cruz leads a campaign so devoid of Christian values that to label him a hypocrite would be too kind. Senator Cruz is the prime example of saying whatever it takes to get elected, though he has a contender across the aisle. Whether it be lying to supporters of Ben Carson in Iowa, effectively stealing votes, releasing doctored pictures, and videos with blatant and obvious lies, the Cruz campaign is all but "TrusTED." Senator Cruz's response to the most recent integrity violation on his staff was to say that it is clear the environment his campaign has and that is why he chose to fire his head of communication. I would agree with Senator Cruz; the environment in your campaign is very clear. And if you become the Republican nominee, and, God forbid, the president, this country will become a land without morals or ethics.
Marco Rubio
Senator Rubio, another one-term Senator, has been likened by some to JFK. He is a young, attractive, great communicator that has revitalized the Republican base and is giving Donald Trump a run for his money. Senator Rubio also is a skilled debater who has a unique ability to always sound deeply impassioned about whatever topic he is currently discussing. An issue has arisen in that it can seem that he is 100% rehearsed and never genuine. I do not believe that is the case, however some see it that way. Senator Rubio has been very clear about his policy stances and his method of leadership. So where's the glaring error? He's a one-term senator. I do not believe that President Obama is the worst president this country has ever had. However, his glaring inexperience was evident in his first term. There is no indication that this would not be an issue for Senator Rubio. He has proven that he can reach across the aisle to accomplish important goals and that he is not afraid to tackle the "issue" of his age. His inexperience, however, he has not properly handled.
John Kasich and Ben Carson
I hope no one takes serious offense to me lumping these two candidates into one group. I see the two as very similar and so whatever I say about one can easily be applied to the other. These are two men that anyone would want to have as a grandfather, but not a president. Personally, I have a hard time finding policy issues with either of them. Their biggest issue is that they're far too soft spoken in a race of yellers. I'm sorry, men, but this is not your time. We appreciate your hearts for America.
Hillary Clinton
In short, Hillary Clinton is a liar. We do not have more jobs in solar than in oil, she is not the only candidate to have a plan to deal with ISIS, Republicans have not cosponsored "every piece of legislation" that she has "ever introduced," healthcare is not the cheapest it has been in 50 years, ISIS is not showing people videos of Mr. Trump as a recruitment tool, the gun industry is not wholly protected from liabilities, the Benghazi probe is not the longest congressional investigation ever, only one, not all, of your grandparents immigrated to America, and then-Senator Barack Obama criticized the Iraq war before you did. And because I know what you're going to ask: at this point, the difference it makes is that you're running for president.
Bernie Sanders
I am feeling the Bern. Senator Sanders does not have my vote for the presidency but I love the message he his giving. I fundamentally and fully disagree with his message and his methods but no one can deny the love this man has for his country. Bernie is genuine, he is kind, he is honest, and he is fired up. I can only hope to see him win the Democratic primary. Now that my fan-girl-for-Bernie moment is over, we must address a major issue. Senator Sanders is a self proclaimed Democratic Socialist! That's what our country has fought against in two world wars. If Bernie were to tweak his beliefs into something slightly more American, I think he could seriously gain some traction and win the presidency.
The saddest part of this election is that it comes down to voting for who has the most heart. The reason that is sad is because experience, ability to lead, and sometimes common sense is overlooked. This election is telling. 2012 may have been the last year that two qualified, intelligent people competed for the office of the president of the United States.
God, please bless America.
