Why Bernie Sanders is My Choice Among The Democratic Candidates

The 2020 Presidential Election brought a diverse set of candidates from both the Democratic and Republican parties. Among the prominent figures on the Democratic side was Bernie Sanders, a seasoned politician and one of the frontrunners for the nomination. This article provides an in-depth look at Sanders' background, his political stance, and his vision for the United States.

Bernie Sanders' Background and Political Journey

Born on September 8, 1941, in Brooklyn, NY, Bernie Sanders is one of the oldest candidates to run for President at the age of 78, alongside fellow candidates Joe Biden and Elizabeth Warren. Despite his age, Sanders’ platform and energy continue to resonate with young Americans and progressive voters.

Sanders graduated from the University of Chicago with a Bachelor's degree in Political Science. His political career began in 1981 when he won the election as an Independent to become the mayor of Burlington, Vermont. He held office for four terms, from 1981 to 1989. Following his time as mayor, Sanders served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1990 to 2006 before joining the Senate in 2007, representing Vermont. Sanders first sought the Democratic presidential nomination in 2016, ultimately losing to Hillary Clinton but amassing significant support, securing 43% of the popular vote in the primaries and backing from 39% of delegates at the national convention.

Despite his official alignment with the Independent Party, Sanders is a self-proclaimed democratic socialist and progressive. His campaign eschews funding from Super PACs and wealthy donors, instead focusing on grassroots support through small, individual donations. Sanders leverages social media, live-streamed events, and podcasts to spread his message to the public. On February 19, 2019, Sanders declared his candidacy for the 2020 Democratic nomination.

Key Issues on Sanders' Platform

Bernie Sanders advocates for transformative change in several critical areas of American society, aiming to make the country more inclusive and equitable. Here are some of the primary issues on his agenda:

1. Healthcare Reform: Medicare for All

One of Sanders' flagship policies is his call for "Medicare for All." He envisions a single-payer healthcare system that would provide comprehensive healthcare as a right to all Americans, not a privilege. Under this plan, coverage would extend to include vision, dental, and mental health services. Sanders also aims to cut prescription drug prices in half and increase funding for medical research.

Sanders argues that this plan would alleviate financial burdens on Americans, allowing them to seek necessary medical care without fearing high costs. Although critics question the feasibility and funding of such a large-scale reform, Sanders proposes financing it through increased taxes on Wall Street and the wealthy.

2. Climate Change and the Green New Deal

Sanders has long advocated for aggressive action to combat climate change, framing it as an urgent global crisis. His support for the Green New Deal includes a ten-year initiative to transition the United States to 100% renewable energy by 2030 and to achieve full decarbonization by 2050. Sanders proposes investing $16.3 trillion in public resources to create 20 million jobs related to clean energy and sustainability.

Sanders' Green New Deal would integrate climate considerations into all areas of policy, from trade to immigration, underscoring the need for a holistic response to environmental issues.

3. Affordable Housing for All

With housing costs soaring across the country, Sanders addresses the ongoing affordable housing crisis by proposing a $1.48 trillion investment over ten years into the National Affordable Housing Trust Fund. His plan includes building, rehabilitating, and preserving 7.4 million affordable housing units, ensuring they remain accessible and equitable. Additionally, Sanders advocates for an additional $400 billion to construct two million mixed-income social housing units.

Sanders’ policy also emphasizes social equity by ensuring that communities are integrated and desegregated. His proposal includes increased funding for the Indian Housing Block Grant Program to support affordable housing initiatives for Indigenous communities.

4. Higher Education and College Debt Relief

Sanders' "College for All" plan seeks to make public college tuition-free and eliminate existing student debt. The proposed College For All Act would provide $48 billion annually to cover tuition and fees at four-year public colleges and universities. With over 45 million Americans carrying a cumulative $1.6 trillion in student debt, Sanders’ plan aims to alleviate this burden by canceling all existing student loans.

To fund these initiatives, Sanders suggests a small tax on Wall Street transactions, projecting that this tax could generate $2.4 trillion over the next decade. This tax would apply a 0.5% levy on stock trades, a 0.1% fee on bond trades, and a 0.005% fee on derivatives trades.

Sanders vs. Elizabeth Warren: Progressive Similarities and Key Differences

In the 2020 Democratic race, Elizabeth Warren shared several progressive views with Sanders, particularly on issues like free college tuition, student debt relief, and minimum wage increases. Both candidates advocate for a $15 minimum wage, are strong union supporters, and call for taxes on the wealthy to fund social programs. However, they differ in ideology and approach:

• Sanders as a Democratic Socialist: Sanders calls for a grassroots political revolution that challenges the influence of corporate interests and the wealthiest 1%. He envisions broad structural changes that will overhaul the current economic system.
• Warren’s Market-Based Approach: Although progressive, Warren identifies as a capitalist who believes in the benefits of regulated markets. Her policies are designed to address specific social issues through legislation rather than a full-scale overhaul.

Both Sanders and Warren are committed to holding Wall Street accountable, though Sanders has proposed a cap on the size of financial institutions, which could break up six of the largest firms in the U.S.

Bernie Sanders' Unique Appeal

Sanders’ vision appeals to a younger demographic eager for systemic change, viewing his policies as not only beneficial for specific groups but for society as a whole. By addressing student debt, healthcare reform, climate action, and affordable housing, Sanders seeks to create a foundation for lasting improvements that will impact future generations. His platform aims to reshape America’s political and economic landscape, making it more inclusive and fair.

While Sanders’ ideas align with progressive values, some critics remain skeptical about his ability to fund these programs without raising taxes, especially given the anticipated opposition from wealthier groups and corporate interests. Sanders’ stance, however, reflects a determination to enact transformative change, even if it means challenging powerful opponents.

Conclusion

Bernie Sanders stands out in the 2020 Presidential Election as a leader willing to push for ambitious reforms across various areas of American society. From Medicare for All to tackling climate change with the Green New Deal, Sanders’ platform represents a vision for an America that supports its citizens equally. Though he faces challenges in winning broad-based support, particularly from older, wealthier voters, Sanders has invigorated a movement among young Americans and progressives who seek significant changes in healthcare, education, housing, and environmental policies.