From Bernie to Jill: A Journey to Optimal Candidate Alignment

As someone who has closely followed the 2016 U.S. Presidential race, I found myself at a crossroad when Bernie Sanders was unable to secure the Democratic nomination and Jill Stein entered the race as an alternative. This journey of shifting support from Bernie Sanders to Jill Stein reflects not just a change in my preferred candidate but also a deeper commitment to finding a candidate who truly aligns with my values.

Support for Bernie Sanders

Initially, my support for Bernie Sanders was firmly rooted in his refusal to sell out to big business and his dedication to interacting with voters. During his campaign, he maintained a commitment to integrity and grassroots support, a stark contrast to the allegations of corruption faced by Hillary Clinton. However, after a thorough review of the candidates, I found myself questioning my previous allegiance.

Reservations About Hillary Clinton

Despite Bernie's principles, my support for him wavered when I delved deeper into the problems surrounding Hillary Clinton's candidacy. The accusation of corruption and the perceived prioritization of campaign funds over genuine voter interaction were alarming. It was clear that while Bernie didn't sell himself out, Hillary was often seen as a puppet of big donors.

The Draw of Donald Trump

For a moment, Donald Trump seemed like the lesser evil. His unapologetic rhetoric and the grassroots funding he received appealed to me. However, the two-party system and the prospect of supporting a platform that goes against my values left me conflicted. Trump's inflammatory comments about various groups were indeed problematic, but the idea of voting for the “lesser evil” aligned less with my principles. I could not stomach voting for someone who deviated so far from my values just because he was the alternative.

Introducing Jill Stein

Through the ISideWith quiz, I discovered a strong alignment with Jill Stein. Her values closely matched mine, especially on issues like government transparency, environmental protection, and social justice. While I had some reservations about her stances on immigration, her commitment to these causes resonated deeply with me. Her rejection of border abolition further reinforced her candidacy as an active partner in the political process, not just another face in the current duopoly.

Endorsement of Jill Stein

Given the current scenario where Hillary Clinton may secure the Democratic nomination, I am considering endorsing Jill Stein for the 2016 Presidential Election. Her candidacy offers the promise of true representation of my values, free from the constraints imposed by the two-party system. By supporting Stein, I can ensure that my voice is heard without having to rubber-stamp a candidate who, albeit the lesser of two evils, still falls short of my ideals.

Every vote counts, and so does every voice. Even as a teenager, my vote can make a significant impact. If Hillary wins the nomination, I will use every opportunity to promote Stein and encourage others to do the same. The path to change starts with our individual choices, and by opting for a candidate who truly aligns with our values, we can collectively create a better future for ourselves and future generations.