The 2016 election may be over a year away, but the months preceding the election are the most important for the candidates. With various caucuses, debates, and tours, the candidates are constantly in the spotlight, both positively and negatively, and therefore voters begin to see their true colors.
As a relatively new 18-year-old, the newfound opportunity to vote is exciting but also kind of daunting. I never really knew much about politics growing up; the extent of my education suggested that if you were a Democrat, you were most likely a minority and you were pro-choice, and if you were Republican, you were probably very religious and therefore pro-life. But this mindset that I had previously adopted seemed to slowly prove itself wrong as I matured.
Going to high school in Milwaukee allowed me to learn alongside those who were both more and less privileged than I am. I was surrounded by such a diverse population that I was able to finally understand and appreciate what is important in today's society, especially in regards to this generation.
This all got me thinking about what I, a pro-life, pro-marriage equality, pro-gun control, feminist woman wants in a president. Not only did it get me thinking about what I want in a president, but it also made me realize what I do not want in a president. Specifically, who I do not want for president.
Ben Carson
I am still not quite sure what qualifies Ben Carson for the job of President of the United States because his most accomplished work has to do with neurosurgery. Dealing with problems within the nervous systems of various patients and dealing with our country's foreign affairs and debt are drastically different. Sure, he can check off the box that considers him to be a minority, being the only African-American candidate, but he does not represent the African-American population. I know that he had to overcome his fair share of discrimination and hardships, but he does not represent the common man. You would think that coming from Detroit, he would focus a lot on building up the African-American community, but instead, he has been repeatedly quoted bashing them. Even members of the African-American community that once respected and looked up to him, even idolized him, have said that they cannot fathom having him as our country's leader. To me, it seems like he is a lost puppy dog that walked into a political debate and decided to run for president.
Hillary Clinton
Although most people my age know Hillary Clinton as "Chillary Clinton," who can be found "just chilling in Cedar Rapids," I really do respect her for her previous work as the Secretary of State. However, that being said, she is too often found at the center of scandals (Bill's cheating and the deletion of confidential government emails) to be an effective and well-respected leader of our country. Although I would love to see a woman as president, I do not think Hillary is the right choice. She has been known to be shifty about her views, changing her mind on the sanctity of marriage, altering her viewpoint on things solely because it is politically beneficial for her to do so. Not to mention, she has been aiming at the presidency for so long, wouldn't one think she would get the hint by now? Not to mention, she is not even supportive of her own gender. Multiple times, it has been recorded that Hillary has said sexist comments AGAINST women. As Maya Angelou once said, "I’ve been female for a long time now. I’d be stupid not to be on my own side." I don't want Hillary to be president because I want the first female president to actually support women. Also, do we really need Bill Clinton to be the country's first "First Man"?
Donald Trump
As the unofficial King of Controversy, Donald Trump is the last person who I would've expected to put in a bid for presidential candidacy (okay, besides Deez Nuts). Honestly, most of what I know about Donald Trump has transpired from me watching "Celebrity Apprentice." Trump's hot temper and disregard for the feelings of others only add to my dislike toward him. He has often been quoted bashing minorities, primarily the Latino community, and also women, offering sexist and misogynistic digs. Most recently, he has been taking to Twitter to bully political journalist and Fox News TV reporter Megyn Kelly. Bottom line, Trump is far too hot-headed and immature to be the leader of our nation. His poor relationship with the Latino community would only prove to further be a problem if/when he had to deal with foreign affairs with Mexico for example. Trump is also very quick to deflect the attention put on him, onto the other candidates in an attempt to save face. Far too often, Trump is mentioned to be feuding with other candidates as well as companies and is usually in the wrong. We do not need a drama king in the Oval Office. Trump is a very successful and well-respected businessman. But that's just it--he's a businessman. Running a country is not a business, it's a responsibility--a responsibility that Donald Trump is not ready to take on.
Our country needs a leader who is strong, smart, and listens to the people--a leader who makes decisions based on what needs to be done--rather than what would look best, and works well with others--someone who respects all races, genders, sexualities, and religions, who is caring, and who loves our country fully.
Let me guess, you are thinking, "okay, so who are you voting for then?" Honestly, the answer to that question is--I have no idea. I can't tell you who I am voting for because I am still unsure myself. But, I can tell you who I'm not voting for.
