Why I Did Not Vote for Bernie Sanders in the 2020 Election

I remember voting for Bernie Sanders in the primary elections of 2016 and 2020. In both cases, I appreciated his grassroots approach and his dedication to progressive policies. However, the reasons I did not support him in the general election of 2020 are significant and complex, reflecting a mix of personal preference and pragmatic considerations.

My Support for Bernie Sanders in the Primary

When Bernie Sanders was on the primary ballot, I wholeheartedly supported him. Despite not being on the general election ballot, I accompanied my then 16-year-old daughter to his Super Tuesday rally, which was a few miles from our home. The energy and enthusiasm of the crowd were palpable, but ultimately, he was not the candidate on the general election ballot.

Changing My Mind for the General Election

Interestingly, in one of these general elections, the candidate I did choose won. While it would have been ideal to have voter Bernie Sanders, we often cannot get everything we want.

Although I personally preferred Bernie's politics over those of Hillary Clinton, I concluded that Clinton would have made a better president due to her extensive political connections and experience. I firmly believed that she was better equipped to navigate the complexities of the presidency and deal with the many challenges our nation faced.

Moreover, I held the view that any Democrat would have been a better choice than Donald Trump. My position was clear: if I had to choose between supporting Clinton and potentially Trump, the preferential vote would have been with the Democratic candidate.

The Pros and Cons of Voting for Bernie Sanders

Imagining the election day experience, despite my support for Bernie Sanders, it would have been a lengthy and potentially emotionally taxing process. One would have to wake up, grab some breakfast, shower, and then drive to the polling place during a global pandemic. The lines would be long, and you would have to show a photo ID. Casting the ballot would be a moment of triumph, especially if one was supporting Sanders, but then watching the news to see the results, without feeling foolish, would add another layer of anxiety and anticipation.

However, the BernieBro culture was a contentious issue. I found it deeply troubling that there was a sense of hostility towards anyone who disagreed with Bernie's policies, often bordering on viciousness. It created a toxic environment where lies were accepted without scrutiny. The strategy of using Bernie's candidacy to steer votes away from Clinton seemed clear and devastating. Bernie allowed this negative faction to snowball, and by the time the election came around, I was reluctant to support him.

Some Bernie supporters may argue that this was all part of a broader plan, but I believe that it was a misguided and counterproductive strategy. Bernie was undoubtedly sincere in his beliefs, but the elephant in the room was the behavior of his supporters. It became clear that their actions were not fostering a healthy and constructive political discourse.

Conclusion and Reflection

Despite my personal admiration for Bernie Sanders and my initial support, the reality of the situation forced me to reconsider. I respected the integrity of the democratic process and the need for unity within the party. While I remain a strong supporter of Bernie, the primary and general election processes each require different considerations and approaches.

In the end, I stand by my decision not to vote for Bernie Sanders in the 2020 general election. It was a difficult choice, but one that I felt was in the best interest of the nation. I am proud to have supported Hillary Clinton and am hopeful that our country can continue to move forward with pragmatic and experienced leadership.