A Case for Clinton: A Fighter We Can Not Do Without

Every election cycle seems like it is more intense and pivotal than the last. That is not to diminish the importance of elections, let alone presidential elections, but rather to add perspective to the rhetoric which has been polarizing pundits and voters alike. This primary season has reached a fever pitch which has added a level of urgency and importance absent from recent local and national elections. Poll after poll has revealed changing affiliations and an even larger number of undecided voters even after months and months of almost weekly debates and town halls. For many years, New Jersey’s primary served as a rubber stamp on the rest of the nation’s primary choice. This year stands to be one where every vote makes a difference and with the possibility of contested primaries looming, it is of the utmost importance that every vote cast be the product of reasoned deliberation.

Photo by hillaryclinton.com

As a lifelong democrat, I cannot cosign the policies of even the so called “moderate” Republican candidates. Having been born and raised in the City of Perth Amboy, I have seen firsthand the positive contributions immigration can bestow upon our local economy. From the Polish immigrants to the Hungarian and Italian immigrants to the Latino immigrants, our community has seen the multicultural landscape develop and attract businesses and economic growth. The same way we wouldn’t let a few bad apples ruin our views of law enforcement, teachers or politicians, we shouldn’t scrap an entire demographic or fall prey to demagoguery which advocates wholesale discarding of entire segments of our community.

Understandably, many voters have reached a level of frustration with what is viewed as politics as usual which has spurned on the movement towards an anti-establishment candidate. But how much do the current slate of candidates really fit that bill? Senator Cruz was the longest serving Solicitor General in Texas history before heading to Washington where his greatest distinction is being the least liked legislator on both sides of the aisle, hardly anti-establishment or the unifying candidate this country needs to move forward. Governor Kasich has emerged in recent weeks as a viable alternative but even he, with his history of holding elected office since 1979, can hardly be considered a political outsider. On the Democratic side, Senator Sanders who touts himself as a non-politician has been in Washington for a quarter century. Hardly anti-establishment especially considering his voting record which stands in contrast to his recently espoused policies and proposed reforms. To be frank, the only true anti-establishment candidate is Donald Trump. But with his campaign lacking clear policies and platforms beyond hatred and misogyny, how can Democrats support his campaign, let alone presidency.

It is for this reason that I have decided to support Hillary Rodham Clinton for Democratic Presidential candidate and President of the United States. Within the Democratic party there has been a great divide as a result of Bernie Sanders’ candidacy. A lot of time has been devoted to criticizing Secretary Clinton’s qualifications and policies. In launching his campaign, Senator Sanders has focused on a platform of free higher education, campaign reform, and tax reforms targeted at the wealthy. Many middle class Americans with their hearts in the right place have thrown their support behind Senator Sanders in their drive to achieve social and economic equality. However, many do not fully understand the actual impact of these policies, even assuming he can put these into action. A quick trip to the Internet reveals the true impact of the Sanders platform. The average family of 4 would end up paying 15% more a year in taxes. Can any of you imagine bringing home 15% less a month?

Good in theory is exactly that, good in theory. New Jersey, and the United States, needs a candidate who shares a humanitarian social policy, a solid foreign policy background and a solid track record of consensus building to pull our country together and increase our international standing and security. If this election is a referendum on who can move this country to the middle and get DC to accomplish something, then Clinton is the clear choice.

Joseph B. Vas, Esq.