As different as they are and as much as they disagree on major topics, Trump and Sanders share remarkable similarities that show how voters views on politics may be shifting. Last year many people assumed that the 2016 election would be Jeb Bush vs. Hillary Clinton in a battle between two political families, however one year later things could not be more different. The emergence of the two outside candidates has thrown a wrench into the election, and while they differ greatly on many views they also have some similar views. For example both are against super PACs and do not have to spend time as wealthy people for money. While they have raised money in different ways (Trump has self-funded his campaign and Bernie has produced a record number of contributions), it is interesting they both oppose such a powerful concept. They also share their dismay with their party rules.
However, I think it interesting that they also agree on policy issues. Both Trump and Sanders have issues with current trade deal that have hurt the country, they have both opposed the war in Iraq, and they have similar view on the role of the U.S in the N.A.T.O.
This article by the Washington Post made me think, as different as these candidates are, could their limited similarities and surprising results, lead to a shift in future elections, where more outside candidates have better chances? Or is this year, with these two particular candidates an oddity that will not be replicated?
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/trump-and-sanders-find-common-ground-despite-deep-dislike-for-each-other/2016/04/16/8d33c9fe-0354-11e6-9203-7b8670959b88_story.html
However, I think it interesting that they also agree on policy issues. Both Trump and Sanders have issues with current trade deal that have hurt the country, they have both opposed the war in Iraq, and they have similar view on the role of the U.S in the N.A.T.O.
This article by the Washington Post made me think, as different as these candidates are, could their limited similarities and surprising results, lead to a shift in future elections, where more outside candidates have better chances? Or is this year, with these two particular candidates an oddity that will not be replicated?
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/trump-and-sanders-find-common-ground-despite-deep-dislike-for-each-other/2016/04/16/8d33c9fe-0354-11e6-9203-7b8670959b88_story.html
I've mentioned this in a lot of previous posts, but I think that the reason both Trump and Sanders have been so successful is because neither is a run-of-the-mill politician, and they don't seem to be tools for their respective parties. They've given off the impression that they are going to do what they think is right for the country, not act as pawns for big businesses or other politicians. I agree with you, Bharath. They have some glaring differences, but they are both very similar in many other aspects, both in their platform and their demeanor.
ReplyDeleteI think that with the internet and freer access to information, outsider candidates like Bernie Sanders can gain traction among voters and stand a chance against the establishment. I exclude Trump in this because the media has fuelled his rise like gas on a house fire. There's no doubt that in the future, candidates like Trump and Sanders can arise from the will of the people. There's a reason 42% of the populace identifies as independent.
ReplyDeleteAs for the similar policies, there are incredibly stark contrasts in most cases although many see them as steps in the same direction. Sanders believes in production subsidies while Trump proposes a 45% tariff on Chinese goods, which the Chinese finance minister has called "irrational". Sanders wants to unite a coalition of Middle Eastern countries to combat ISIS while Trump wants to simply "bomb the shit out of them". Personally, I see why many people draw comparisons to both candidates, but even if they have similar broad stances on an issue, Sanders offers rational solutions while Trump spews radical nonsense that panders to his small voter base.