I am going to support Hillary Clinton and this is why. I am asking all my friends to please read and consider.
Ever since Martin O'Malley withdrew from the Presidential race, I have considered all the options. As Democrats and personally for me, as a liberal, we have two wonderful choices remaining for President.
My cousin Charlotte Pritt, a former state legislator and the 1996 Democratic nominee for Governor of West Virginia, has been a huge supporter of Bernie Sanders. I have other good friends whose opinion I value. My good friend, Jane Gray Todd has been as adamant about Hillary Clinton since Day One. There's not a more valuable supporter.
Issues like college loan debt, income inequality, marriage equality, a woman's right to choose, immigration, and raising the minimum wage have seen quality and good proposals from both.
I have been impressed by both of Sanders' and Clinton's Arkansas state directors. As a former professional campaigner I admire both of them and their tactics and tenacity.
Two issues finally swayed my vote - the candidate's stance on Israel and how close it comes to my beliefs. That stance is indicative to an overall foreign policy view. I believe the worse decisions some former President's made were when concerning our allies they turned away and were not loyal because of political expediency. The other issue is effectiveness in working with their Senate colleagues and getting bills passed.
Bernie Sanders stance on Israel is here: feelthebern.org/...
Hillary Clinton's stance on Israel is here: correctrecord.org/...
I am a Democrat. I am a liberal. For me, I believe the American Embassy should be in Jerusalem. I also support Israel and believe that there has been sadly an effective Anti-Israel and Pro-Palestine bias that has developed in society. The fact is, I believe Israel is involved in a civil war. Israel has a right to protect it's citizens. And I do not forget that the PLO & Palestinian Authority representatives have walked away from the peace table multiple times. Hillary Clinton stands where I stand. I am disappointed in where Bernie Sanders stands.
Secondly, we need a President who will appoint not just an appointee to the Supreme Court who will be confirmed, but who will be able to work with Congress no matter who wins the control of Congress.
SANDERS' Report Card in effectiveness is as follows: (Source: www.govtrack.us/...…/members/bernard_sanders/400357)Armed Forces and National Security (27%) Health (18%) Labor and Employment (11%)Energy (10%) Education (9%) Government Operations and Politics (9%) Taxation (8%) Finance and Financial Sector (7%)
CLINTON'S Report Card in effective is as follows:(Source: www.govtrack.us/...…/members/hillary_clinton/300022)Government Operations and Politics (23%) Economics and Public Finance (15%) Health (14%)Science, Technology, Communications (11%) Families (10%) Social Welfare (10%) Labor and Employment (9%) Education (8%)
Effectiveness in working with Congress matters. And the numbers show that Hillary Clinton edges out the Senator.in effectiveness. Let's not forget, Bernie had 26 years while Hillary had just 9 years in Congress to achieve these views and their vision for a better America.
I respect all my friends no matter where they are at politically. I know some of you will be happy and some will disagree. But for me, this is who I think has earned my vote for President.
In the end, I guess I am trying to say HILL YES, I'M WITH HER!