The 2016 presidential election has left two key groups unfulfilled. Conventional supporters of the Republican Party and millennials who were galvanised by the refreshing campaign of Bernie Sanders.
Both groups feel underrepresented by the two candidates. However, the fact that many of these undecided voters seem reluctant to vote for Clinton, or at all, is just inexplicable. Republicans and Democrats alike, irrespective of their views on Clinton, have to vote for her. On campus when the topic of the election has come up, I have repeatedly shocked by the number of people who just cannot quite bring themselves to commit to vote for Clinton. There is an easy way to overcome this reluctant ambivalence towards Clinton—just think of the alternative.
Under usual election circumstances, Republican supporters’ unwillingness to change their vote to the Democratic Party is fathomable. In this election, it is not.
Trump winning the Republican nomination was already embarrassing enough for the GOP, and week by week his name being attached to the party becomes more damaging for Republicans.
The latest scandal to hit the Trump campaign confirmed what many already knew. Trump has no respect for women. This has created further dissent among Republican politicians, with at least 35 Republicans withdrawing their support for Trump. Politicians are now trying to save face, both for themselves and the Republican Party by distancing themselves from Trump. Voters should do the same.
The best way to do this is to vote for Clinton.
Thinking of it as simply a vote against Trump may make it seem more appealing. This is exactly what a vote for Clinton stands for. A Trump presidency, although looking increasingly unlikely, would have dire consequences for the reputation of the Republican Party and the values that it holds.
For the so-called millennials, who were ignited into life during the Democratic primaries in support of Sanders, the fear of Trump should provide enough motivation to vote Clinton.
There is a danger that these millennials simply will not vote, either out of complacency or ambivalence. Anyone who is in favor equality should be motivated enough to actually go and vote. Voting for Clinton is the most effective way to stand against Trump and everything he stands for.
I’ve heard talk that the dishonesty of Clinton and her ties to the “Washington establishment” make her, at best, difficult to vote for by principled Sanders supporters. While these accusations may hold some truth, a simple comparison of the candidates should be enough to convince any reluctant young voter. Young voters oppose sexism and bigotry. They should also oppose the candidate who propagates these toxins.
If pre-existing allegiances were withdrawn from the situation it would be a simple choice for all undecided voters. Should you vote for the candidate who is xenophobic, Islamophobic, inexperienced, sexist and quite frankly deluded? Or the alternative?
While Clinton is far from perfect, the numerous problems that Trump poses to 21st century America outweigh the Democratic nominees’ weaknesses instantly.
It is time for those remaining undecided voters, irrespective of allegiances to the Republican Party or the ideals of Sanders, to see that.
Jacob is a junior majoring in history. Do you think that voting for Clinton is the best type of protest vote? Let us know at opinion@dailycardinal.com.
