Certain ideas and images pop into the minds of Americans when the term “politician” is mentioned. Some of these images are positive, some negative, and some are just neutral observations from casual bystanders. However, more often than not, a specific face does not come to mind, but more an idea. Many politicians have come and gone over the years; some have been extremely popular, others forgotten mere moments after they leave office. But it has been a long time since two individuals in politics have been embedded into the forefront of political consciousness like Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders.
Sanders and Trump do not present ideas that are new to the political discussion. Radical as they may be, each of their positions on various issues, whether it be immigration, foreign policy, the economy, or a whole host of other topics, have been presented on and off by politicians at various levels of the political spectrum. Yet these two candidates are two of the most spotlighted individuals in recent political history- and neither one has even taken office. The question then becomes what makes these candidates different from those who have presented the ideas before them? The answer is simple: like them or not, these two candidates are different types of politicians, a breath of fresh air compared to those in recent memory. This does not result from their viewpoints, looks, or backgrounds, but rather their candor with the voting populous. They tend not to give roundabout answers or reply to questions with vagueness, but rather boldly state a plan of action with specific details. When asked for their opinions, neither are afraid to pull punches, opting for an honest dialogue rather than tiptoeing around issues and trying to be politically correct 24/7.
In the recent Republican GOP debate, Trump was very candid about this topic, stating that he felt America was getting far too politically correct. Whether you agree with Trump’s stance on this issue or not, you have to give him credit for his openness. Bernie Sanders, while being far on the other side of the spectrum from Trump on many issues, carries the same open quality, giving frank answers to tough questions. As radical as some of his opinions are, he is very open about them whether he is facing his supporters or his opposition. For this reason, Sanders and Trump are two of the most controversial politicians at the present, and they've got everyone talking.
The question that stems from this fact, of course, becomes this: is it okay that we are so surprised by honesty in our political system? We are supposed to be electing these people to represent us at the highest level, yet we have almost become accepting of the idea that they are going to lie to us. We applaud and cheer at debates when our candidates “answer” the questions posed to them, even when, upon inspection, these responses are just clever banter designed to push the candidate’s platform - sometimes, about issues entirely unrelated to the question posed. I for one am tired of having to accept the fact that my politicians and political candidates are most likely simply going to dance around issues instead of giving an honest answer about how they feel and would deal with them. Whether I feel that either Sanders or Trump would make a good president is a separate issue. I am not advocating for either of them. What I hope to see in the future is more candidates like these two who are willing to say what they really think and not beat around the bush. If I don’t like one of their opinions, fine. But at least I will know what their opinions are head on, without all the fluff surrounding them like we see today. My hope is that one day we will be in a political system where candidates who are like Trump and Sanders - telling the truth and putting their opinions out in a concrete manner - are the norm instead of the exception.
