I refuse to vote with my vagina. Nonetheless, I understand the appeal of having the first woman president enter office in the United States. I really do. I know what it would mean for the nation. I know what a lot of little girls would feel in their hearts. I know how much feminine role models meant to me in my childhood and how much they still mean to me now.
Regardless, I do not want Hillary Clinton as my president. I'm a young, liberal woman and I reject her politics. If you've heard this position but have yet to wrap your head around it, or if you're pushing for liberals to vote for her in order to secure a win, I hope this article helps you understand. I hope to reveal where the rejection comes from. I also hope to explain how Clinton is not the root of all evil, but still isn't my politician.
Please note there are positions in this article I claim are good within my own perception of politics. If you are typically conservative, you may not resonate with my words. That's fine, but the article is about judging Clinton through this particular lens.
The Lies
Clinton is a liar. This puts her on par with about every politician out there. The lie I keep coming back to has nothing to do with broken promises. Clinton claimed she was greeted with gunfire while visiting Bosnia as first lady. This was entirely false. Clinton was greeted with peace and smiles. She claimed she "misspoke." In my opinion, she wanted people to think she was a brave victim who could not be cowed. Lying about it was unacceptable and manipulative. Her overall lying record makes me uneasy.
The Inconsistency
Clinton used to be conservative not so long ago. The inconsistency of her views is alarming. Granted, she has probably changed her views and actions in order to appeal to her constituents (take note: that's awesome), but it doesn't change the fact she didn't support same sex marriage as recently as 2013. She was still pro-NAFTA. She still voted for the war in Iraq. Her judgement on foreign policy wasn't enough when it mattered most.
Push Polling
Clinton is acting sinister. She will manipulate and fool voters in order to win. She is prioritizing her own fame over what people actually want. How? Push polling. Clinton's campaign volunteers are trained. When they're losing support for Clinton, they're supposed to push those candidates away from Bernie Sanders by portraying him in a bad light. One record of a push poll call notes how the "pollsters" would make up easily debunked lies about Sanders, then ask if those ideas changed the caller's opinion of him.
Her Feminism Is Not Enough
Clinton's feminism is not inclusive. It was Clinton's brand of feminism that paved the way for my generation and mine, but my brand of feminism prioritizes intersectionality and identity politics. Clinton doesn't prioritize those issues with the vigor I want her to. The fact we're inclined to adore a rich, white, cisgender, heterosexual woman is reflective of a bigger problem. As one article notes, she separates herself from "you people" in the most sterile way she can, and it isn't cutting it. Her philosophy is not unifying.
What's Truly Good About Hillary Clinton
First of all, Clinton learns. She talks about her mistakes. When she lies, she usually acknowledges it like with the Bosnia incident. While it doesn't change the fact she's lying, it helps. She's intelligent. Her speech as first lady from the UN Women's Conference in Beijing is a thing to behold. A powerful woman should not be treated lightly. Clinton's accomplishments are great.
What My Political Rejection Doesn't Mean
I don't hate Clinton. I will not hate her if she becomes my president. I probably won't hate her policies. I will respect her the way she deserves to be respected. I will not be incredibly bitter. I'll only be a little bitter. I am not bashing her because she is a woman. I do sometimes bash her for running on the "I have a vagina" platform. That's not enough to make me vote for her. I bash some of the men a lot harder on their policies because their policies are worse. Her sex has nothing to do with my feelings.
Why I (And Others) Want Sanders
Bernie Sanders shares my beliefs and offers what Clinton can't or won't. He is socially minded and has been consistent about it for the past 40 years. He's honest, straight shooting and isn't a celebrity. He is humble. When a Muslim woman asked him what he would do about anti-Islamic sentiment in the United States he invited her on stage, comforted her and assured her he would fight for change because his own family had suffered through concentration camps. He is more concerned with what he believes than his image. He calls people out with purpose and without scrambling to make himself look better. In a race where votes mean everything, he denounced "Bernie Bros" for their misogyny and said he "didn't want them" as part of his campaign. His priorities are admirable. His focus on peace will make him a fine representative for the country.
What You're Asking For When You Ask Me To Vote For Hillary Clinton
I understand the fear of having a conservative president many liberals face, especially with options like Trump, (do I even need to explain?) Carson, (believes the pyramids were built by Joseph, not slaves) and Ted Cruz (said it's better for a child to have a parent in jail than have a gay parent who loves them). Nonetheless, by asking me to vote for Clinton in order to avoid this fate, you're asking me to choose between the lesser of many evils. I will always make the choice I believe isn't evil at all.
Why I Will Write Sanders In The Final Hour
Evidence of poll pushing and playing dirty are signs Clinton is afraid she will lose. Sanders is doing incredibly well in key states and caucuses. He has the potential and the support to win. The poll pushing is an attempt to beat the margin. I will write Sanders down because I want to be one of the few who pushed from the other side. I believe in him. I would encourage fellow supporters to do the same. Votes win elections. Voting means winning. I want to win. I want my interests represented in my nation.
