Election season is always highly contentious, with tensions between Democrats and Republicans running high as each party tries to advance its view for a better America while drawing sharp contrasts between the candidates and policy. While tensions normally escalate during the general election period, this cycle seems to have gotten to an early start. I speak, of course, of the highly visible animosity between the Sanders and Clinton camps. Both groups of supporters are greatly devoted to their candidates and their respective visions for America. The differing visions presented, one speaking of revolution and the other of pragmatism, should be perfect grounds for debate on the issues the candidates highlight and the policies they propose.
However, what I have witnessed is a defense of each candidate through continued attempts to delegitimize the other based on factors that should not be brought to the forefront of debate. Both camps are clearly guilty of this, as Clinton supporters continue to question the general election viability of Sanders and Sanders supporters hammer Clinton on ideological purity. These attacks are continued, and often propagated by the candidates themselves on the national stage. As a result, the candidates’ supporters are highly polarized, with neither group willing to give ground.
As the primary season drags on, these attacks will surely grow stronger and more devisive as the candidates try to gain ground against the other. I am not arguing that the Democrats should throw their support behind a single candidate from the start, but rather that they should highlight the good things about the candidates’ policy and vision for America. This sort of debate is what the primaries should be about, because such debate shows what the electorate wants from their candidate and shapes the focus of the campaigns.
As such, I urge supporters to try to move beyond such superficial attacks as “Sanders is too old” or “Clinton seems dishonest.” Instead, really attempt explore the policy proposed by both candidates and debate the merits of that. Approach differences with an open mind, so that even if you do not agree with the other side, you at least may understand its point of view. Because when the primary eventually yields a nominee, we want that nominee to emerge strong and with the support of the party behind the nominee, so that we are well positioned to carry on the progress that President Obama fought tooth and nail for.
Jordan Griffith, a Contributing Writer for the Voice, can be reached for comment at jgriffith19@wooster.edu/