August 8, 2016

Let’s be honest, the current political scene is a mess. Even in the differing opinions of conservatives and liberals, we can all agree that this election year has been more akin to a carnival than to the election of an office of power. Both parties now face a major split regarding whether or not party leaders and voters will back the nominees. For the Democratic party, it comes down to this: will Bernie supporters vote for Hillary?

There has been an obvious and intentional lack of support for Hillary ever since she was declared the presumptive nominee. Many Bernie supporters grew furious at what appears to be a rigged system; at every twist and turn, Bernie supporters became increasingly ostracized by the DNC. The recent emails from seven DNC leaders display in no uncertainty the favoritism shown to Hillary, who was quick to accept their help. The emails, miscounted votes, anti-Bernie propaganda circulated by the DNC itself have been just some of the injustices Bernie supporters have had to fight, and for some, the fight is not over.

Given every injustice Sanders supporters have faced, one can hardly blame their anger and refusal to back the very candidate who has outcasted their votes and “revolution;” however, this election is no longer about just the platform of the Democratic party, nor is it about fighting a revolution. The Democratic Party now only has one goal for this election: keep Trump out of the Oval Office.

Considering that the two parties both have a major split right now, with moralities and loyalties clashing, it seems to be common sense that whichever party has the most unified voters will be sure to take the presidency. With this in mind, Bernie supporters must listen to the man himself: “the issue right here is I’m going to do everything I can to defeat Donald Trump. I think Trump in so many ways would be a disaster for this country if he were elected president.”

This election cannot be one based on morality and principle (which are why many Bernie supporters won’t back Clinton), it has to be about choosing the lesser of two evils. A Trump presidency is a real possibility, and most die-hard Bernie supporters seem to forget what that reality means for so many minorities and women of this nation. The Democratic party is too focused on its own internal conflicts when the number one priority should be demolishing a demagogue’s chance at one of the most influential positions in the world.

Hillary Clinton would simply be a placeholder for four years. She is predictable and at least competent enough to hold her own in an office of power. Trump, however, has always taken an opportunity to show that he is not a “politician,” or for that matter, anyone with a filter and common sense. Which would you rather have for four years? It comes down to this: you split the Democratic vote, Trump wins.