Bernie, Privilege, and the Presidential Election

Thank you, Bernie Sanders, for what you advocate, for the revolution you began, for your authenticity, and for truly caring about us. Thank you for your powerful convention speech in support of Hillary and for your support of her during the delegate roll call. Your hard fought campaign has already changed the Democratic party for the better.

I now turn to the minority of Bernie supporters who just “can’t bring themselves” to vote for Hillary. Many of you said you either won’t vote for President at all or will vote for a third party candidate. I understand your passion and subsequent disappointment. It’s hard to pour your heart and soul into a candidate – a cause – and not come out on top. I get it. I’ve been there.

But it’s no longer about you. It’s about the millions of Americans who will suffer if Trump wins. It’s about Hispanic children worried their parents will be deported. It’s about Muslims who fear harassment, or worse. It’s about women who risk losing control over their own medical decisions. It’s about people with disabilities being seen as “less than.” It’s about African Americans being told their lives don’t matter. It’s about stripping affordable and accessible health insurance from twenty million people. It’s about depriving hard working people of a living wage. It’s about reversing and stopping gains in animal welfare. It’s about the millions of children who go to bed hungry.

If you choose not to vote for Hillary, then you are likely in the enviable position of privilege and choice. Your dislike for, or even disdain of, Hillary is a luxury that millions of others can’t afford. For all those at risk – of losing their families, dignity, income, healthcare, or lives - there is no choice in this election, only fear.

So, our vote isn’t all about you or me. It’s about all of us. Bernie knows this, which is why he is “with her.” I hope you will follow Bernie’s lead.