It’s Bernie Sanders for me. Aside from the Brooklyn accent and the frank, candid, New Yorkish way we share of expressing ourselves, my vote doesn’t only confirm my faith in Bernie, my vote reflects my conviction that it’s time we be ‘moving on’. 

I don’t want a third President Bush or a second President Clinton.  When it comes to the Clintons, I am very, very grateful for their service. Bill was the first boomer President and as a boomer myself, I can’t tell you how proud I am that he did well.  I’d like to have them both over for dinner some time. As long as they leave the “drama” at home.

To Hillary Clinton, I am especially grateful. Her story is opera-worthy and she’s truly a  champion.  The idea that after all her work for the country and for women all over the world she may in fact not become president is a life lesson. Hillary’s womanhood and expertise have not changed but in my opinion, the electorate has changed course.

To me, the outcome of this election must be to the advantage of the average citizen –that’s all of us as different as we are from one another from coast to coast.  The consideration that we have given banks and corporations must end or at least take an extended vacation.  Hillary continues to defend Bill’s “Third Way” of bringing economic growth and prosperity to America.  That is no longer an economic policy that benefits most of us and many of us are put off by its lack of a backbone when it comes to principles.

Hillary certainly has extraordinary experience at the global level. However I believe her vote in favor of George W. Bush’s invasion of Iraq needs to be considered within the context of that time and considered in light of her goal to assume the presidency. When she cast that vote, the memory of 9/11 was fresh in the hearts and minds of that constituency; blood was in the water; Hillary voted in favor of the resolution.

Bernie Sanders stood with Massachusetts Senator Edward M. Kennedy against President Bush’s decision to invade Iraq. Of course, Bernie was in a different position. Yet I can’t imagine that Senator Kennedy did not reach out to Hillary, lobby her, and share his opinion and his information with her. To me, her vote for the war was a political vote. It flew in the face of the quagmire our generation knew as Vietnam at the time and in retrospect. To me that vote disqualified Hillary for the presidency.  Sending American boys to war must be a non-partisan decision free of self-interest as a consideration.

While never revealed I think that was Sen. Kennedy’s opinion, too, and it was a consi
derable basis for his endorsement of Barak Obama. 

I see no reason, looking back, to think Sen. Kennedy was wrong.  To me, Barak Obama has been a magnificent president; not flawless but magnificent; fair, kind, patient, and honest.

Once again, Ted Kennedy’s wisdom is revealed and I miss him all the more. I am supporting Bernie Sanders.  I think that is the wise, if unconventional, way to go.

Sarah Wenig is a community and political activist who lives in Boston’s Back Bay.