Do you want America to change in any way? The 2016 presidential race has already amplified several changes desired by the American people. Whether it’s the Trump supporters calling for reforms on immigration, or Sanders’ followers supporting free public education and a higher minimum wage, it’s obvious that America wants some form of change.
The most sought after change that I have continuously heard throughout the race, is the establishment overall. The continuous negativity towards the establishment shows how much people distrust their current government. Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump both have used voters’ fears and displeasure with the establishment to help drive their campaign. Unfortunately, the media has had the opportunity to manipulate our views on certain candidates and their support. Bernie Sanders has had far more supporters than the media is willing to acknowledge, and John Kasich is doing better than anticipated at this point in the race.
I realize the media had a strong hold on my opinion towards the race, so being a New Hampshire citizen, I used the time just before the primary to see candidates such as Jeb Bush in a Town Hall. While I consider myself a more liberal moderate, Jeb Bush is one of the few candidates I believe has a true sense of politics. He respected other candidates, was honest, and had a very interesting campaign, though I lost respect for him when he endorsed Ted Cruz.
Cruz has trouble understanding the separation between church and state, he believes terrorists’ families, innocent or not, should be killed alongside the terrorists, and he continuously opposes gay marriage, accepting an endorsement from Phil Robertson, among others. A man who spoke on Cruz’s behalf during a rally in Iowa, said homosexuality is “…nonsense. It is evil. It’s wicked. It’s sinful.” Ted Cruz then came on stage and thanked him.
While Ted Cruz and Donald Trump cause people to lose faith in America, I don’t see either of these candidates receiving the nomination. I believe Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders will come close, but Clinton will win the nomination due to her superdelegates and that it’s not something Sanders is going to do.
Instead, Clinton will win the nomination and continue towards the presidency. Sander’s tax regulations and proposals may have benefits, but it will ultimately be his downfall. The Republicans, I believe, will be smart and select Kasich as their nomination. With both Clinton and Kasich, the two most moderate candidates in the race, and Clinton’s negative reputation, Kasich is the GOP’s best chance for presidency. Trump will most likely run as an independant if he does not receive the nomination, because I believe he is running to ensure a Democratic president.
I believe John Kasich is the most viable option for the 2017 U.S. president.
Taylor Beaven, 17, of Jaffrey, attends Conant High School.