Bernie Sanders, on second thought…

Last week, I told one of my friends that I am still not sure who I am going to caucus for. We are both hardcore liberals, but she might be harder core than me. She offered to watch the debate with me, so she could “steer me in the right direction.” Yes, she really said that. But then I had to come clean: as of Jan. 17, 2016, I do not think I am going to caucus for Bernie Sanders. My friend was not ready for that. She has been feeling the Bern for months and we generally agree when it comes to politics.

Honestly, the more I hear Sanders speak, the more I feel that he is making promises he would not be able to fulfill in the presidency. Yes, it would be great to tax the hell out of Wall Street, make college free, and create a universal healthcare system. But that is most likely not going to happen in the next 4 to 8 years. Especially because whoever becomes president will be going into a Republican controlled Congress that loves to shut the government down anytime they do not get their way.

Bernie is cool and consistent, but he is not a miracle worker (at least not to my knowledge). Sanders prides himself on his Republican enemies. That does not sound like a recipe for bipartisan productivity. I love the sound of his promises; I just do not think they are plausible. I hate to say it, but taxing Wall Street more will not solve all of America’s problems.

Any Democrat who is worried about foreign affairs is obviously going to caucus for former Madam Secretary Hillary Clinton. Honestly, I am more afraid of domestic racism and terrorism than any international threat. I want a stronger economy for when I head into the work force. I want stronger gun control, so maybe we can go a day without a mass shooting. I want people to not have to worry about their black sons, brothers, and nephews walking home from school. Is there a candidate who can make all of that happen? Because that is who I want to caucus for.

Maybe the last Democratic debate will push me towards one candidate or another. Maybe I will not make up my mind until I’m at my caucusing location. I guess I have two weeks to figure it out…