I'm not going to lie, I strongly disagree with Bernie Sanders on a ton of his views. He is very much a socialist (I don't hold that as a dirty label like many Americans). I lean Libertarian aka socially liberal/fiscally conservative. Almost AnCap.
The thing about Bernie though.. I respect him. The thing that upsets me so much about modern American politics is the practical impossibility of trusting candidates. Everyone seems so dirty. The two party system has polarized the American public. They fight each other, viscously, and to no end. It's funny because as much as they fabricate the image of being diametrically opposed, the people in power all seem to behave the same. Regardless of party. Long gone are the days where you could respect someone, trust them, and still disagree with their ideas. Despite the (obvious) liberal leaning bias on reddit, the Democrats have just as many corrupt assholes as the Republicans. Maybe the republicans are just more obvious and archaic.
I would be so upset if Hillary Clinton was elected president. We need another Clinton in the white house like we all need holes in our heads. Members of the Bush family too (ahem, Jeb).
Who knows how the caucuses and primaries will go. Presidential elections without an incumbent are always more interesting. Both parties going through that process. Depending how it goes, I'm in favor of Rand Paul, or someone with ideals similar to his. I wish he was more socially liberal, but his ideas for the government and economy seem more pertinent to the health of our country than social issues.
Bernie though. Man, if I had to choose a leader with opposing views it would be him. From everything I've read, listened to, and watched about him, he seems like a stand up guy. Honest. Real. No bullshit donators and big money corruption. Take it from me, someone who disagrees with Bernie on many political topics. If I can still hold confidence in him as a potential leader, and trust him, his future office has a solid possibility of being on 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
Regardless of political goals, ideals, and plans, it's obvious that our country needs a strong leader right now. I think Obama has been an utter failure in that regard. We remember our greatest presidents not so much for their political accomplishments, but for their sheer leadership. Franklin Roosevelt and Ronald Reagan are both revered, despite their near opposite political alignments. It is largely because they were strong leaders who sought to unite our country.
Anyway. Enough of my booze and weed influenced diatribe. I'm just trying to say that Bernie seems like a great guy. American leadership must be pretty shitty right now if my favorable opinion towards Bernie exists. His normal background and trustable history are just so fucking refreshing. Even with my highly differing opinions, I know we could do far worse than Bernie Sanders. I'd take Bernie over numerous Republican politicians in the race.
To all those supporting him, I wish you the best of luck. Even though we disagree on things, you are supporting a candidate that deserves it. Unlike Obama, I don't think the faith you're putting in Bernie could ever backfire.
My two cents.