The fundamental question in politics as my old professor Bruce Smith would say is “What should we do?” The job of American lawmakers is to make big decisions hopefully for the common good of our country. Now if you ask most Americans we will tell you our government does a pretty mediocre job at that. No fucking surprise.
Like many liberals, I am a soft optimist. I believe Obama has made short progress but his efforts must incite a larger push for social reform by the next in office. That is I believe in increased efforts to combat global climate change, a deeper commitment to basic social services such as infrastructure in low income communities and basic planned parenthood benefits for women as well as a larger push to end human rights violations such as mass incarceration and unjust policing.
However simply agreeing with me on these social issues will not make a successful leader. Being president is a hard job. Foreign policy decisions will always be difficult. Moderation between both party extremists and an eclectic range of American realities will always be necessary. Most importantly the position will always be heavily scrutinized and rational and well informed decisions must be made in spite of the pressure.
These demands on the position are what make Hillary Clinton not only the more convenient but also the more qualified choice for Democrats in this primary season against Bernie Sanders. There is no doubt Sanders is the more progressive and ambitious choice but while that may quench our thirst to hear a passionate ideolog that will not fulfill the need for a flat footed American leader.
Clinton’s political sword has been sharpened in ways that Sanders’ has not. Between the shit-show of the Benghazi attacks and the pseudo-scandal of her e-mail accounts Clinton has felt the wrath of right wing crazies, the 24 hour American news cycle and political armchair gurus. In spite of this she has ran a firm and prudent campaign based around sensible and honest progress.
Sanders on the other hand has lofty ideals with little to no practical application. If Republicans refused to pass a budget when they could not repeal The Affordable Care Act or currently lose their shit when they just hear the words planned parenthood how applicable are Sanders’ ideas for free college tuition? How sane is Bernie’s pacifism in the face of the backlash caused by the Iran Deal or even any real issues dealing with the Middle East? I think this dude is in fantasyland… worse than Rand Paul.
Bernie Sanders is a nice guy with some cool ideas however Clinton is the leader with the character to not only push social reform but also to make tough decisions . Sanders might make a better friend that mumbles pleasantries but Clinton will make a better president that redefines Obama’s vision and makes firm, well-informed moderate decisions.
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