Maybe I’m going out on a limb here, but I would venture to say that most United States’ citizens do not prefer either major candidate in the 2016 presidential election. Swarming controversy and abundant (often manipulated) media coverage has made it seemingly impossible to act as a truly educated and politically aware voter. Previous campaigns urging youth and other demographics to take a firmer, more educated stance in exercising their right to vote are convoluted by media portrayals, attack ads, and other tactics meant to expose and defame candidates. If I sketched a picture of my ideal candidate – I’m talking principles, goals, and professional track record, not physicality – I can’t say with confidence that person would resemble our present major party options.
I don’t believe in the “lesser of two evils” discourse because, frankly, either the Democratic or Republican candidate is going to be elected on November 8th and we must evaluate the strengths and positives of both potential outcomes. On one hand, we have Donald Trump. I can appreciate the interest of a business-minded individual to show interest in politics and shaping the political climate and future of our country. On the other hand, we have Hilary Clinton. I certainly believe there is merit in extensive political experience and rapport that provides insight and expertise unknown to outsiders. Tomorrow, we elect one of these individuals as the 45th president of the United States of America in the 58th quadrennial election.
In a president, we seek to elect a leader. It has been argued that our president is merely a figurehead due to the position’s multitude of advisors and system of checks and balances. The greatest power within the position perhaps lies in the individual’s ability to appoint other positions, influence actions of those already appointed, and to play a role in decisions with consequences far more enduring that a given presidential term. If we choose to bring gender into the conversation, one may argue that I back Clinton simply because she, like myself, identifies as a woman. If the opposing candidate shared similar policy plans and a genuine concern for reproductive health, social identity equality, criminal justice reform, and campus sexual assault, I may have experienced a more difficult time choosing.
Ultimately, this election season feels as though we are living in the upside down. Media portrayals of our central candidates often subvert the humanity of the highlighted individuals. In an attempt to re-personify the potential leaders of our nation, I must evaluate the candidates based on their perceived consideration for humankind and goodness – traits on which I’m honestly saddened to base my vote. In Clinton, we have a professional and poised individual who is purposeful in her words and seems…well…presidential. She is confident and paints a picture of equality that I believe she will strive to actualize. In Trump, we have a confident, purposeful speaker who chooses to repeatedly use demeaning language, to attack personal identities, and to actually violate the bodily autonomy of others. I have no choice but to legitimately fear for my rights as a woman, but the rights of millions of Americans who possess a multitude of identities diminished by Trump.
Tomorrow, one of these candidates will be branded as our fearless leader. I choose to cast my vote for the individual whom I believe will best protect not only my rights, freedoms, and identities, but those afforded to every citizen of this country.
I am wholly and unapologetically with her.
#ImWithHer
