Dear Donald J. Trump,

I am a millennial independent voter who has taken a great interest in this current election. As a very recent college graduate, this election affects my future career opportunities and finances. I have watched both parties very closely and was curious to see who you would choose as your vice presidential pick.

Needless to say, I am severely disappointed. I was hoping you would be more diverse with your choice. Probably foolish and wishful thinking on my part as you have made negative comments toward women and minorities, but I was hopeful you would put your money where your mouth was and pick someone not only qualified, but diverse, even if it was just to prove that you were not sexist or racist. I was aware of your rumored short list containing Christie, Carson, Pence, etc., but I still remained optimistic.

Part of the reason Hillary Clinton is popular is because she is giving women—like myself—hope. Hope that we, as women, can do anything we set our minds to and possibly attain the highest level of office in the United States. Personally, I do not want her to be the first female president due to Bengasi, her email scandals, etc., but it is still inspiring as a woman to see her make it this far in what is traditionally a male-dominated field.

Aside from the diversity issue, I have issues with Michael Pence himself. Going into your announcement, I knew you needed someone to satisfy the GOP and help you gain support with the more traditional Republicans. Pence seems able to fit the GOP’s criteria. In trying to please the GOP, you may have lost the support of some independent voters. According to a CNN article, “ [Pence] advocated a constitutional same-sex marriage ban that the Republican-dominated Indiana legislature decided went too far in limiting LGBT rights.” You have to recognize it is bad when the “Republican-dominated legislature” decides it is unfair. Pence and his views will have gained you more support with strongly conservative Republicans, but may cost you votes from the Independents and moderate Republicans who have Liberal social views.

However, I am relieved to hear that he has a problems with some of your ideas. In the same article, CNN reported, "[Pence] called Trump's attacks on an Indiana-born judge of Mexican heritage "inappropriate," and said his proposal to temporarily ban Muslims from entering the United States was "offensive and unconstitutional." There is a slight, silver-lining of a chance he may change or challenge some of your views after all.

Mr. Trump, you have made your political bed. Now, you have to lie in it.

Sincerely,

A Concerned Millennial Voter