As a twenty-something-year-old individual who lived in New York City, I was often given the strangest looks when I said that I supported Hillary Rodham Clinton as opposed to Bernie Sanders. It's just not something that is commonplace for someone my age to do. Bernie Sanders is a longtime activist. He wants immigration reform. He is pro-choice. He is against war. He despises elitism. He fights for LGBTQ+ rights. He wants to forgive student debt and loans.The list continues. All of these policies align well with what I am support of, so why wouldn't I be voting for him? A lot of people think it is overboard to proclaim that one of the key reasons that I am voting for Hillary Clinton is because she is a female, however, I am not backing down from this belief. If not her, then who? If not now, then when? If we continue to have a lack of representation of females in politics this trend will continue. Little girls will start out with hopes of becoming president, but as they age and become more "practical" they will shy away from thinking that it is unrealistic because there has never before been a woman president. We all want to believe that we will be the person to break the mold, however, this seldom happens due to societal pressures and norms that remain embedded within our minds early on. We must raise our girls to believe they can be president. We must be able to point to a woman and say this can be you some day. You are capable of that. I don't want to have to wait up to another 8 years for the potential of a female president. The time is now. Hillary Rodham Clinton could set that example.
Here is my personal list of Pros and Cons that I believe could defend the notion that though she is controversial and has been portrayed by the media as being ridden with scandal; but, she is still suitable, adequate, and the best possible option for president.
Cons:
1) The majority of Americans perceive her as untrustworthy and dishonest. The argument against HRC is how could you possibly want a president who you can't even trust? Someone who has been wrapped up in controversy and scandal? One thing to keep in mind is that the media lives and breathes scandal. Any hint of such and they will scoop it up and present it for their own personal benefit. As a senator, she supported the Iraq Invasion (I disagree with that). She was unprepared, and dishonest during Benghazi. Who could forget the infamous email scandal?
* Many of those who argue against her state that she is cold and an elitist. She has lied many times and did such wrong in the past so why should we believe she should ever change? Since the media has chosen to focus and amplify on all of her scandals because that is what the people want to see, that is what she has become known for. When you delve further into her policies, you realize that it shouldn't define who she is because what she believes in is actually pretty great.
Pros:
1) She is aiming to reform immigration in a positive manner. She aims for full and equal citizenship, and in comparison to Donald Trump's racist and Xenophobic views, this seems like a much better option. She hopes to continue with Obama's immigration policies with continued reform and I think this could be best because it won't shock the nation and turn it upside down.
2) She is pro-choice all the way. She has been noted saying "politicians have no right interfering with women's personal health decisions". That is a very bold, noble, and truthful statement.
3) Aims to defeat ISIS, strengthen alliances, maintain a strong military, stay out of nuclear warfare. Her foreign policy seems effective, and far less idealistic and more practical than Bernie Sanders (at least in my opinion).
4) She is portrayed as an elitist I feel partially because her name is so well known. Her family is known. Bill Clinton is known. Her taxation policies seem far from elitist, in fact, she aims to tear that down and give relief to the middle class.
The list continues in her favor at least in my eyes. She has a history of controversy in the public spotlight, however, she also has an equally large history of being a great secretary of state, passing other not as known legislation as senator, and being a great fundraiser. No candidate for president is and will likely never be perfect, however, as I stated earlier we need female leadership. #ImWithHer #MadamPresident #HRC2016
