Sanders or Clinton?

Much has been written that concludes Bernie Sanders is beating Hillary Clinton for the Democratic nomination for President. I think this is erroneous on two fronts: first, it is way too early to make the conclusion; and second, Bernie’s issue discussions are not the reason he is beating Clinton.

What will matter by the end of the campaigns will be the nation’s evaluation of who will be the better President making decisions and leading the mechanisms of government to manage and tame critical issues. The American people will want to know who they can trust in office to do the job well.

And I think in time people will understand that a President Sanders is not a viable choice; rather another President Clinton is the workable choice. And here’s why.

First, experience counts. Clinton has been next to the very seat of power she is asking us to elect her to. Both as First Lady and confidant of President Bill, Hillary has witnessed every huge issue (and many small ones, too!) and how they played out at the time and, most importantly, what impact they had on later development of critical issues. The long term effect is the dynamic here that requires active management. Hillary knows this and has experience with it. She also sat next to President Obama as Secretary of State and was included in the world’s greatest issues and challenges these past seven years. She knows the score and will hit the ground running on them when elected. Bernie cannot hold a candle to this experience.

Second, Clinton has governed as outlined in the previous point. She has been a Senator as well; but so has Bernie. Senators set policy and contribute to legislation. They do not govern in the main. They advise and consent. Someone else doing the governing and leading, not them. Clinton understands this solidly.

Third, age is an issue but one avoided due to political correctness and civility. Bernie is 74 and will be 75 if elected. He will be 79 at the end of his first term facing re-election. That age does not auger well for longevity for him or anyone else of similar age. It is a practical consideration we must face as a nation. Bernie’s age does not limit his usefulness as adviser, confidant, issue researcher or policy maker. But it does, I think, preclude him from the pressures and draining experiences of being the leader of the Free World and Commander in Chief of Americas military might. The rigors of the job make young men old. Let’s not start with an old man and take the risk of learning if we were right or wrong on the longevity issue.

Fourth, women make up 50% of the population of our country. They are the leaders of most of our households, and critical thinkers in our institutions, schools, and corporations. It is time for them to take on the Presidency and prove they are the equal of men. It is their time to do so. Maybe then equal pay for equal work will finally come to fruition if we have a woman President? I’d sure like to see if this happens. First we have to elect a woman to the office. Now we have the opportunity to do just that.

Fifth, we are early in the process of electing our next President. Let the facts, rhetoric and events unfold naturally and then take the pulse of the process. Currently we are just feeling our way into the early stages of the process. Way too early to conclude much of anything.

I think Hillary will demonstrate staying power and wind up as the party’s nominee. I think Bernie will end up a favored adviser and compatriot helping to educate the public on the issues that truly matter and need our attention. He is an excellent spokesman for those issues. 

I do not expect any such thing to happen in the republican party. Way too fractious and unfocused. All they have to talk about is fear of anything and everything. Just like always, they talk about who and what to fear, never any ideas on what to support and work hard for.

I guess working toward one’s own feathered nest and greed takes all of their focus from the really important issues the voters have in mind!

February 12, 2016