With the primaries around the corner and the presidential elections approaching, news headlines and social media feeds have blown up with news about potential candidates. Our two most popular prospects for the blue and red, Bernie Sanders (Democrat blue) and Donald Trump (Republican red). I've noticed that everyone has focused on the differences of the two candidates who seem to sit at opposite ends on nearly every policy in their platforms, but I think we've looked at two of our fellow Americans from the wrong angles. Check out these common grounds that practically make them one in the same.
1. They're both old white dudes from the East Coast.
Their homes may have been a little over 10 miles apart, Bernie in Brooklyn and Donald in Manhattan, but factor in the size of Trump's family mansion and they're practically neighbors. I bet Trumps father only gave him a million dollars because he helped put neighbor Bernie through college. Perhaps Bernie's fight for free higher education is so that parents don't go into debt with loans and can afford to give their kids more than one million dollars to start a business.
2. POTUS is their #Goals.
Both men are on a campaign to win the spots for respected parties for a chance to make America great, again. Sure Bernie Sanders is a liberal democratic socialist who suggests that he wants equality, more fair opportunities, justice and to make America a place for the people, all people, as the nation has preached for decades. Trump, a conservative right-wing's (fascist, extremist) methods are a little different with his desire to deport immigrants and label certain other groups such as Muslims for "the safety of Americans". The president of his empire wants to see America run more like a business. You can read where both candidates stand on the issues here [Bernie / Donald]. But let's stick to the real facts, people!
3. They have a stance on women's rights.
Trump's stance on the rights and views of women are way different from Bernie's. Bernie believes that women need better healthcare, maternity leave general safety, and a list of other issues the Bernie believe that women face in America that can be found here.
Meanwhile, Trump thinks that "pumping breast milk is disgusting." He also tweeted that "26,000 unreported sexual assaults in the military-only 238 convictions. What did these geniuses expect when they put men & women together?" Clearly, women's safety or rights are neither a problem nor a priority for Donald, but he does have a stance on the issues that are in the news headlines. Read some of the many overtly sexist statements he's made about women on this Huffington post listicles.
4. They make more money than most of us.
According to the US Census, the average American household makes about $52,000 a year. Rumor has it that Uncle Bernie makes six figures a year. Now, I'm not saying you or your family make less than six figures, but I'm sure six figures is more than Bernie's many millennial supporters; especially those Ramen loving college students. You didn't hear this from me, but Money Nation's rundown on Bernie should tell you enough about the career politician's bank roll.
Trump, too, makes over more than the average American and more than Bernie. Significantly more. I mean, from what I've heard, his bank account is nice for someone who got a family loan for only a million dollars? I'm not trying to put Donald's personal business out there, but check him out Donald on Forbes.
5. Bad hair days.
One has more than the other. But this just reminds us that they're human just like the rest of y'all. ....or are they the same human?
I'll let you answer that for yourself.
7. Hillary Clinton is the enemy.
These two men may not see eye-to-eye on most of their policies, but they have Hillary Clinton there to unite them and their mutual dislike of her. Bernie's shot towards her have been slightly petty, but more so political, especially since she is his biggest competition for the Democrat's ticket. Check out the website his team has made in response to the long awaited release of speech transcripts promised by Hillary [iwilllookintoit.com].
Trump's target on Hillary are strictly personal with a political punch. "If Hillary Clinton can't satisfy her husband what makes her think she can satisfy America" a tweet (posted and deleted) by Donald Trump's official Twitter account. Although, he did call her out in this (subliminally messaged) Instagram video.
When you put all of the political parties and platforms/policies to the side, you realize that that people are more alike than you think. If both candidates make it through the primaries, good luck choosing at the election polls. I bet you can barely tell them apart now. Either way, I hope these states can be more united once and for all.