For college students, “hope and change” has been a part of the lexicon for as long as we’ve been following politics. It may be easy to take for granted just how far we’ve come under President Obama’s leadership.
We’ve seen hope turn into reality. The worst economic downturn since the Great Depression has turned into an unprecedented 71 straight months of job growth. Healthcare, once out of reach for many, is now accessible for millions of Americans. Marriage equality is now the law of the land, thanks in part to a judicial system filled with progressive appointees. A disastrous "go-it-alone" foreign policy has been replaced with a renewed emphasis on diplomacy and cooperation.
These were some of the stakes in 2008 when voters backed "hope and change." Eight years later, the election holds a different stake: Progress.
The challenge this time is not to bring revolution to the White House; the challenge is to build on the progress of President Obama’s time in office.
For those who want to keep America moving forward, it’s clear: Hillary Clinton is the best choice to be the next president of the United States.
Clinton’s character and experience make her the most qualified candidate for the presidency. She understands today’s political climate and how to deal with the Republicans in Congress. As first lady and as senator she scored victories, both by working with and fighting against those across the aisle.
Her record as Secretary of State was remarkably successful, with a legacy of promoting human rights — particularly LGBT rights and women’s rights — alongside strengthening America’s security and global partnerships.
In any role she’s been in, from her work as a young civil rights lawyer to her service in government, Hillary has made a positive impact in the lives of others.
No one is better prepared to build on the progress made under President Obama. That’s apparent on issue after issue.
College is more affordable thanks to increased Pell Grant awards, tax credits for families and student loan reforms enacted under President Obama. Hillary’s New College Compact will build on that progress to achieve debt-free college. Her promise that “costs won’t be a barrier, debt won’t hold you back” is backed by a detailed plan to institute sweeping reforms of the higher education system. Her plan will make it possible for students to finish college without borrowing and will lessen the burden of debt for those who have or will have loans. Hillary is the only candidate running for president with a comprehensive plan to make college affordable to all.
Healthcare coverage is a reality for millions of Americans as a result of the Affordable Care Act. Obamacare is working — a record high of nearly 90 percent of Americans are now covered. Hillary will build on that progress by leading the push to expand healthcare access to those still without coverage. That doesn’t mean repealing the law, as Republicans want. And that doesn’t mean an unfeasible (politically and practically) proposal for the government to take over what amounts to 17 percent of the American economy. Progress here means adding to the law already on the books.
The Dodd-Frank Act was a huge step forward for regulating the financial system. Hillary will build on that progress to further rein in Wall Street’s excesses. Look past campaign rhetoric, and one will find Clinton has the most comprehensive Wall Street plan of any candidate running for president because she has details where others merely have slogans. Her plan tackles the risks, not just in the big banks (which Dodd-Frank already gives the government the power to break up) but also in the "shadow banking system," which was a major culprit in sparking the Great Recession. Her plan holds individuals and corporations accountable when they break the law.
In the midst of the primaries, we have to remember what’s at stake. Almost every single Republican running for president is dead set against every progressive policy the Democratic Party is committed to advancing: Marriage equality. Criminal justice reform. Gender pay equity. Gun violence prevention. Campaign finance reform. Paid leave. Clean energy. Reproductive rights. Immigration reform.
And if one of them ends up in the White House, they will finally be able to undo every law and executive order passed under the Obama administration.
The last seven years have given Democrats a long list of accomplishments. We should be proud of President Obama’s record, and we should rally behind a candidate who will unapologetically defend his legacy and fight to build on it.
When I step into the voting booth — on Feb. 27 and on Nov. 8 — I will vote for progress.
I will vote for Hillary Clinton.