"Don't Boo - Vote" - President Obama
On Thursday night, Hillary Clinton officially accepted the Democratic nominee for president. This was a historic moment, a major political party has nominated a female candidate. However, this historic moment seemed to be over shadowed by the the resent Wikileaks scandal and by protesters outside and inside the DNC. its seems that even with Bernie Sanders, President Obama, and many other prominent politicians asking for unity it did not work. Rhetoric such as "Bernie or Bust," "Never Hilary," and "Jill Not Hill" became prominent through the week. Sanders supporter where adamant that Hilary Clinton is just as bad if not worst than Donald Trump. Whether this is true or not is subject to ones persona opinion.
But why is it that such strong opposition is occurring? Hillary Clinton has been moving more to the left as the primary campaign has progressed and now has some of the most progressive policies ever. However, her speeches seem to be convincing Sanders supporters of already perceived notions - that she is simply pandering for votes. Whether Clinton believes what she is saying does not seem important or relevant to Bernie or Bust individuals. Because of this more and more Clinton supporters are becoming frustrated with the Bust moment, including some Sander supporters. During Tuesday night of the DNC, Sarah Silverman told Bernie or Bust members, “you’re being ridicules." A bold move by the comedian. Could this comment simply continue the divid?
Comments such as Silverman's have fueled one thing: the “us vs them” mentality. The “us vs. them” mentality is as evident as ever and growing. This mentality is evident among the Democratic party and the Republican party. Among the Republicans its the Trump crowd vs the Anti-Trump and in the Democratic Party is the Bernie or Bust vs democrats. The Democratic side may seem the most difficult yet simplest one to understand. It is simple to see because the Bust movement feel betrayed, unheard, and lied to; which is understandable due to the recent DNC email scandals and the fact that their “leader," Sanders, lost the nomination. However, it is also difficult to understand because they are so angered and frustrated they are currently unable to listen to anyone who disagrees with them or tells them to “bit the bullet” and vote for Clinton. This “listening” issue is not just for the Bust movement but for democrats, independents, and Clinton supporters.
We have to be open to listening to all sides which many of us to do not do. The clear example is the Bust movement as previously mention but also the Democrats. Because needer side is willing to listen to the other it has created the “us vs them” mentality. When such mentality it creates the inability to think both rationally and logically in the political context. Many times politics are about emotions and not reason and normative reasons beat out factual evidence. Because Bust movement is currently angry, frustrated, and upset, they may not see that Clinton is not the devil that many claim she is. While they are so right in their frustration they must look at her policies as if they where not hers - judge her polices not her. Compare Jill Stein and Hillary Clintons policies and platform side by side without knowing whose is whose. If Jill stein wins then you vote for her, its relatively simple yet so complicated. Another thing many forget is that a president is not our “savior."
Although the president is the face of the country many forget that they needs a congress to help support them, a congress that votes for progressive policies, and a congress that is the one with true power. We must not forget about the rest of the ticket when voting.
