No one doubts, at least no Democrats doubt, that Hillary Clinton is one of the most qualified presidential candidates today. As a lawyer, community service worker, first lady during the Clinton administration, United States senator from New York and most recently Secretary of State for four years, she definitely fits the bill to be the first woman president of the United States.
Then there is Sen. Bernie Sanders, who is also a highly qualified candidate, elected mayor of Burlington, Vermont as a “socialist democrat.” He was so successful in meeting the needs of his community, and widely respected by many Democrats and Republicans alike, that he was elected to Congress for 16 years. He is now serving a second term in the Senate after receiving an impressive 71 percent of the votes cast. His integrity, pragmatism and tenacity have enabled him to pass legislation and amendments by working across party lines, as well as unapologetically clarifying just what a “democratic socialist” is.
Their similarities are numerous and their differences are due mainly to intensity and extent. Both agree we need to build on President Barack Obama’s far-reaching accomplishments. But now, in this election the dire issues and the unprecedented partisan opposition demands a clear and demonstrative voice of action for radical, not conservative, change.
The candidates will have to deal aggressively with colossal disparities in our economic system, inequities in our health care availability and educational opportunities, the unconscionable dominance of money in politics, restrictions on voting rights, climate change, structural and systemic racism, partisan threats to Social Security, gun lobbyists challenging citizens’ rights and safety, failing infrastructure and crumbling schools, the devastation of war, an unfair tax code and unfair systemic advantages that only favor the wealthy. All of these challenges must be dealt with the urgency of NOW.
Hillary, we believe, would be more strategic and conservative in dealing with these challenges and cautiously put a lid on those issues, which are very controversial, for a more politically convenient time.
Bernie is ready to take the lid off and risk a political and socio-economic revolution. To achieve this he will need all those who support his agenda now to slog through the morass of political opposition while maintaining moral and political stamina and commitment for many years to come.
Win or lose, Sen. Bernie Sanders must carry his message as far as possible, educating and inspiring the American people to action. Hopefully, he can also persuade former Sen. Hillary Clinton to take much more demonstrative stands on these issues that profoundly matter to us and many in the Democratic party.
Whoever wins the nomination, our fervent hope is that this remarkable, white haired, mensch Mayor of Burlington Vermont and current senator, who speaks passionately to his educated conviction that our government and economy are rigged in favor of the one percent, will be affirmed and thoroughly addressed. Also, Bernie’s dedication to the welfare of ALL Americans will ultimately convince Hillary to leave Wall Street behind and persevere with the rest of us here on Main Street.
P.S. We are not young supporters, we have just entered our 80s.
Barbara and Bud James
Newmarket, New Hampshire
