While he certainly isn’t the most divisive candidate in the election this year (I think we all know who that is), everyone has an opinion about Bernie Sanders. We wanted to see if college women were really feelin’ the Bern, so we asked 14 college women to share what they think—read their thoughts below.
“I’m a huge Bernie supporter. I registered as a Democrat specifically to vote for him. His plans for free college won’t affect me, as I’ll be done with school soon, but I believe that it’s really important in order to provide equal opportunity to all Americans. I also really, really believe in his single-payer healthcare system. My mom has MS, and even with good health insurance, she’s paying astronomical amounts for basic healthcare and treatment. With Bernie’s plan, her medical condition wouldn’t be such a financial burden.”
-Ashley, NYU Class of 2016
“I am a Democrat, but Bernie Sanders to me is not a president. I think he is an incredibly passionate candidate, but I have a hard time seeing him being able to put his ideas into action once in office. He and Hillary have similar, if not nearly identical, platforms, but I think Hillary’s experience would make her a more capable president. For me, it just comes down to experience.”
-Gabby, McGill University Class of 2018
“Bernie Sanders has a lot of great ideas. However, how he plans to execute his ideas is unrealistic. His following shows a lack of understanding from college kids. At the same time, anyone is better than Hillary and I would be proud to call Bernie Sanders my president because I can trust him.”
-Lily, University of Utah Class of 2017
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“I like Sanders as much as any 20-year-old, but I’m probably going to vote for Clinton. For better or worse, she’s a more realistic and more moderate candidate and I have more faith in her to actually get things done. As much as I agree with Sanders the person, I’m not sure I’d trust Sanders the president. I think he’s pushing very necessary reforms too fast, which will incite a lot of blowback, and I think that Clinton will be able to implement similar policies in a better-paced and more pragmatic manner.”
-Ellie, NYU Class of 2018
“I’m not a Democrat, and I really don’t agree with Bernie’s socialist-ish policies, like free public college and universal healthcare, but if I had to pick between him and Hillary I’d pick Bernie in a heartbeat. Not only does he support the legalization of marijuana (holla), but Bernie Sanders is a great guy, while Hillary is just a lying POS in my opinion. I would love to completely denounce both Democrats, but since the Republican candidates aren’t exactly ideal, I can see how at this point putting Bernie in office wouldn’t be the worst thing for the country.”
-Sarah, Mizzou Class of 2017
“I like Bernie but I know he can’t win. Based on the Republican’s platform they are way too conservative and that shows there is an extreme divide in America. I would vote for him if he won the nomination but not now, I am voting for Hillary. I don’t disagree with him about anything. I just know he can’t get it done because the stuff that he is proposing is literally the Republicans worst nightmare and if they still control congress after this election Bernie will definitely not get things through.”
-Stephanie, Elon University Class of 2017
“I am a Republican, but Bernie Sanders is my least favorite of the two current Democratic candidates. Ideas are too radical. Promotes a lazier America. He sets unrealistic goals that would have unexpected consequences.”
-Regina, NYU Class of 2018
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“Bernie Sanders is a great candidate that focuses more on the concerns of middle class citizens and the younger crowd. I am a Democrat who is also a product of a middle class home. I know from first hand experience that citizens like myself need help, more money and to have better support. Bernie Sanders also has supported the African American movements in the past and present. Although he hasn’t mentioned much about the unfair treatment of colored people, I feel like he may help to further advance the cultures of colored people.”
-Alondra, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University Class of 2020
“I consider myself liberal, a Democrat, and I am a huge Bernie supporter. I am also a huge feminist and I feel that some figures in this campaign have made those two things exclusive in relevance to each other and I don’t appreciate that. To vote for a candidate based on sex, is sexist in and of itself. And voting for Bernie feels like a win for women as well. He stands for all people, when he talks he is genuine and truthful. He hasn’t lied during his campaign. He has had consistent views on issues of gay marriage and racial justice. He has been at the front lines fighting for the rights of all for decades. And I believe he is the best candidate to win. When I vote for Bernie, I’m going to be content in the fact that I am voting for someone who didn’t pander to my sex or race to get my vote, someone who didn’t use corporate funds to drive their campaign, someone who doesn’t stand for/with an elite group of our country who do not have the majority at heart. I am proudly voting for Bernie Sanders in my first presidential election, the best candidate in this election.”
-Alani, Northwestern University Class of 2018
“I think that Bernie is exactly what this country needs right now. His policies are accepting of each and every American, he is honest, he hasn’t been ‘purchased’ by big business and he understands the need for social tolerance, environmental protection and feminism. All in all, I pretty much love him.”
-Olivia, University of Connecticut Class of 2017
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“I think Bernie Sanders is what this country needs. I am a part of the Democrat party and have been since 2012. I have and will be voting for him once he wins the 2016 bid. I agree with his campaign. He may be controversial to some but so is Donald Trump. He is the perfect candidate to go against the Republicans. Even though it would be nice to have a first female president, Hillary should not hold that spot. Hillary seems to be influenced by Bernie everyday and changes her approach to politics because Bernie is getting the attention of younger people. She clearly is a flip flopper and no one should have to wonder what their president’s stance is every five seconds. Bernie clearly stands for one thing and sticks to it. Plus he was out there during the civil rights era kicking ass not like Hillary Clinton who was a Republican at one time. Bernie for President!”
-Janae, Marymount University Class of 2016
“I am a Democrat and I think that Bernie Sanders has some good ideas but is not realistic. I am voting for Hillary Clinton but if Bernie wins the nomination I would vote for him. I specifically disagree with his ‘free college’ plan. I do not think that making college completely affordable will fix the issue at hand, which is preparing students for college. Instead of funding college 100% he should be focused on putting the money where it is most needed—in high schools and middle schools. If you prepare students for college then you will have a lower drop out rate. What is the point of making college free if many students don’t even graduate because of how they grew up?”
-Isabel, NYU Class of 2018
“I think he’s competent, well spoken, trustworthy, and has a respectable vision for America and the U.S.’s relations with the rest of the world. I’m not a Democrat, but I would support Sanders over Clinton, Trump, or Cruz.”
-MJ, University of Notre Dame Class of 2017
“I am a Democrat and I will not be voting for Bernie Sanders. I have never felt like he address women’s issues and I think that his policy is too radical to work in a Republican dominated House.”
-Olivia, University of Denver Class of 2017