The news media picked winners and losers of the latest round of the Democratic Presidential debates that were televised on Tuesday and Wednesday night last week. I watched all five hours because I really want to make an informed decision about which candidate I will support in the primaries. I walked away with a candidate that the media all but ignored, Senator Michael Bennet from Colorado.
I really liked what he had to say during that contentious second night debate in which too many of our candidates tried to destroy each other and even attacked President Obama. Really? Honestly, it does us no good to rehash the records of a politician from 50 years ago. Any thinking human being changes over time as the world changes, perspectives change, and better information comes to light. Who among us can defend some of our perspectives from our youth? No one remains exactly the same over time and candidates not should be held accountable for words and beliefs that made sense 20, 30, 40 or 50 years ago. I hated that aspect of the debate and will have a difficult time supporting candidates who continue to engage in those tactics. I want to know what each candidate stands for today. That’s relevant and Michael Bennet stood out to me as a reasonable and smart candidate with good ideas.
I went to his website, MichaelBennet.com and was further impressed by his lengthy statement that details his background, his values, and his policies. Both his values and policies align with where I want this country to go. He is also younger and more vibrant than Biden. Even though he might be more soft-spoken, I believe he can stand up to Trump and has the kind of character that can make Americans proud of the presidency again. We need dignity and intelligence in our White House.
And so I donated $10. It’s not much, but more than the minimum of $1 or $5 that he needs to get his numbers up in supporters. His is the very first candidacy that I donated to for 2020. My fear is that he isn’t getting the media attention he deserves and may not make it to the next round of debates if enough voters don’t support him. How about we give more media attention to candidates who aren’t just provocative, but reasonable? Thankfully, he isn’t the only candidate I have my eye on.
I also like Biden and Warren for President. I like Bullock, Harris, Gillibrand, and Buttigieg for vice president. My dream ticket would be Bennet-Harris at this point. I also dream about Warren-Bullock or Warren-Buttigieg. A Biden-Harris or Biden-Gillibrand ticket would also be acceptable. This doesn’t mean that I don’t like most of the other candidates. I actually do.
Each of them raised issues that their candidacy brought to light. Bernie makes us think more about income inequality, free college, and Medicare for all. Yang makes us think about a universal income. Booker highlights immigration and criminal justice. And Williamson made the best case for reparations.
I realized that I care most about integrity, intelligence, and sound policies that I believe will improve the lives of all Americans. So, for me, at this point in the election cycle, I’m supporting Michael Bennet. What a surprise.