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Each of them represents and is running on the worst things about human nature. Instead of making any attempt to inspire the American people to be better than we are, each of these three individuals is instead attempting to politically capitalize on the desperation and divisiveness wreaking havoc in our culture.
For Sanders, a self-described socialist, he’s running on straw men and turning the sin of covetousness into a political platform. Or the idea that it’s simply not fair that some people are better gifted and more talented than others, therefore they should have their prosperity redistributed to alleged victims as punishment for their success. Of course, it’s government that gets to choose who these victimized people are, and somehow those in government are immune to the frailties of human nature bedeviling those of us in the private sector.
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In Clinton’s case the basis for her candidacy seems to be the worst of both worlds — identity politics and cronyism.
Because if there’s one thing worse than electing another tool of the corporatists, it’s electing one who offers the country nothing else besides, “Vote for me because I’m a woman.” I have two terrific daughters at home. My wife and I raise them to be strong and feminine. Not to let being female hold them back by an unjust world, but rather to be proud of the gender their Creator assigned them. At the same time not to think they’re entitled to something they haven’t earned just because of it, either.
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Finally, this brings us to Trump, who is re-running the 2008 Barack Obama campaign, minus the inspiring speeches. Just run down the Obama check list:
- – Does Trump capitalize on a uniformed segment of the electorate by creating a cult of personality that insulates him from being properly vetted? Check. Just as it was with Obama, his hardcore followers can’t really tell you something specific they like about Trump. They’re just convinced he’s a secular messiah who has all the answers. “Hope and change” becomes “make America great again.”
- – Does Trump ruthlessly demagogue all opposition? Check. When you disagreed with Obama, you were automatically a racist, now if you disagree with Trump, you hate America.
- – Does Trump promise to fix all of our problems but offer no real specifics? Check. Remember how Obama’s healthcare fix sounded great until the bill came due?
Trump is running on victimology, too, just like Obama did. White nationalists/racists come out of the woodwork to defend Trump on social media whenever I criticize him. Whatever language Trump is speaking at his rambling, stream of consciousness rallies seems to be these folks’ dog whistle.
Bottom line: If these are the three best choices we have, America loses regardless of who wins.
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- Discussion
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