As a poly-sci major, I often enjoy gleaning the political leanings of characters from any fandom, and the Wizard world of Rowling offered interesting chances to not only see the characters’ views, but that of the muggle fans themselves. Fans of the series love placing themselves in the house most akin to their personalities, and their political beliefs often follow suit.

For instance, Slytherins are the conservative lawyers, judges and bureaucrats who make the rules and follow them to a T. They typically don’t like change and firmly adhere to a Keynesian economic model where government works closely with business in order to keep chaos at bay. On the other hand, their opposites and chief rivals typically champion justice over order. Gryffindors disdain rules and often fall into the extremes of libertarians and Marxists. Both dispense justice in their own way, with the Marxists distributing wealth equally. The libertarian wing believes that a state cannot and should not interfere with either individual or economic liberties. Both wings, however, despise a meddling government that prohibits justice in any form.

I knew few Ravenclaws, but gathered that their love of knowledge and creative bend lends them towards either the Marxist or libertarian sides, as rules seem to get in their way. The Hufflepuffs, however, take a more bold approach and believe in the possibility of utopia, following the Senator with the crazy white hair.

Unlike their realist counterparts, Hufflepuffs tend to “feel the bern” because his rhetoric centers around inclusion, equality and hope. They live to be inclusive, positive and vibrant, chatting with people they just met, then bake them cookies before class the next morning (shout out to guys like Aaron Sweigard and Jon Kresin for saving our taste buds from the bowels of the caf during the winter weekends!). Unlike the feisty, realist Gryffindors, Hufflepuffs tend to take a gentle approach to most any problem, but will not cower in the face of injustice. They will protest, support and cheerily call people together to call out a corrupt, unjust system, while firmly believing that a more socialist way of life levels the playing field for all. For the Hufflepuff, equality, not justice or order, brings out the best in, and for, humanity.

In a world where affluent white men get minimum sentencing for rape and black men shouting "hands up, don't shoot!" die at the hands of police, the Hufflepuff reminds us to strive for a better world. A Gryffindor may condemn a government for a lack of justice, a Slytherin may propose a rule change for the justice system, but the Hufflepuff says that we can do better, before tragedy strikes. While less suited for political office (face it, Bernie Sanders would either be helpless in office, or worse: Umbridge Incarnate), Hufflepuffs should take heart and continue to push for a world where Gryffindors don't have to fight, and Slytherins won't need rules.

And if you think for one second those peaceful, pleasant, cookie baking hippies will back down in the face of evil and inequality, just remember this character: