Sociology - Current Events Paper 1: Analyzing Democratic Candidates

This essay, written from a sociological perspective, analyzes the Democratic candidates for the 2020 presidential election, with a specific focus on how their platforms align with core American values as defined by sociologist Robin Williams Jr. The author argues that Bernie Sanders best represents these values, particularly in his emphasis on equality, humanitarianism, democracy, and a non-interventionist foreign policy. The essay references Sanders's stances on issues such as Medicare for All, wealth redistribution, free college, and immigration, contrasting them with the policies of the current president. The analysis highlights the dynamic nature of values and the importance of adapting them to contemporary needs, concluding that Sanders's progressive approach offers the best path to realizing the true vision of making America great again. The essay incorporates references to academic sources and Sanders's official campaign website to support its arguments.

Running head: THE DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES
The Democratic Candidates
Student’s name
University
Author’s note

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The chief criterion of choosing an electoral candidate for me is the position he or she
takes on pertinent issues. Besides, his/her leadership qualities that in turn will drive the political
mechanism along with the common mass towards the proposed goal is similarly important.
However, for the upcoming general election of the United States is crucial for another significant
reason in the context of the aftereffects of the presidential regime of Donald Trump—the core
values of the United States of America. During his presidential campaign, Trump raised the
agenda of “Make America great again”, a clear call for reviving the heritage and national identity
of the country. However, after four years, it is quite evident that the agenda of national identity
and heritage were essentially limited to whimsical immigration laws and discriminatory politics.
Hence, this time the Democrat candidate Barnie Sanders is my choice for the next presidential
candidate, as I believe he would meet both my requirements, i.e. the core American values and a
clear and effective stand on important social issues.
In 1970, sociologist Robin Williams Jr. laid out 12 core values that define America.
Individualism, success and achievement, activity, practicality and efficiency, material comfort,
progress, humanitarianism, democracy, equality and freedom are the chief values that reflects the
ethos of America. Also, Williams describe group superiority as a core American value, although
it contradicts the aspects of freedom, equality and democracy. However, these values point to the
notion of social justice and egalitarianism, facilitating growth and development for all the
American citizens (Pan et al. 2019).
Sanders, among other Democrats, seems to uphold majority of the core values in his
electoral vision. Among all his agenda, Medicare for All and closing the wealth gap resonates the
core values of equality, humanitarianism as well as democracy. Both the agenda is an approach
to level the social and economic disparity prevailing in society. Besides, his emphasis on Free

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College program also endorse equality, along with progress, success and achievement and
efficiency. Most importantly, Sander’s proposed rhetoric of foreign policy reflects his
democratic socialist ideology, condemning the corporate forces and perceived oligarchy in the
process of accumulating wealth. He proposes to step down from the aggressive stance that
America has taken in several inappropriate interventions and ensuing political and military
conflicts. Thus, Sander’s non-interventionist approach is aligned with the core humanitarian
value, revering liberty and democracy. He advocates for government initiatives of distributing
all the necessary social amenities, including education, healthcare and housing facilities.
However, in contrast to Trump’s policies, Sander does not oppose immigration, but reflects a
careful approach to the process of asylum. Thus, his visions are not only idealistic, but also
aligns with the values of practicality. Also, his proposal to dismantle inhumane and cruel
practices of deportation and detention reflects humanitarianism and freedom.
(berniesanders.com) (Gallagher 2016)
The values are a dynamic aspect of society. In this context, adherence to core values
should not be conservative, rather should be flexible and efficient as per the contemporary needs.
Sanders, being a veteran politician, meets the call of the hour by addressing the issues of climate
change, reproductive rights, as well as justice for women and LGBTQ+ community in a
progressive manner (berniesanders.com). Hence, to realize the true vision of making America
great again, I believe sanders is the right choice among all the Democratic candidates.

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References
berniesanders.com (2019). Bernie Sanders on the issues. [online] Bernie Sanders - Official
Campaign Website. Available at: https://berniesanders.com/issues/ [Accessed 23 Feb. 2020].
Gallagher, T., 2016, May. Feeling the Bern: An Analysis of the Sanders Phenomenon. In New
Labor Forum (Vol. 25, No. 2, pp. 18-26). Sage CA: Los Angeles, CA: SAGE Publications
Pan, Z., Chaffee, S.H., Chu, G.C. and Ju, Y., 2019. To see ourselves: Comparing traditional
Chinese and American values. Routledge.
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