Many of us fall into the trap of thinking that presidential campaigns are about issues.
They're not.
They're about people. Which person do I trust the most? Which person seems like someone who wouldn't make a catastrophic mistake at the helm of the country? Which person seems the most presidential? Specific issues are important to voters, but on a deeper level it's about the emotional leap we make toward the person we think is most likely to mirror our views, at least the important ones. Which person is able to both excite me and make me feel secure, to keep me hanging on their every word but also help me sleep well at night? Which person do I want to share my future with?
In this sense campaigns are no different than dating. You meet a bunch of people, all dressed to impress. You listen to what they have to say and make mental notes. You might even have a cocktail or two and snicker at some of the more outlandish opinions they voice. But as time wears on, you start thinking about which one you might want to spend more time with. Who makes me feel the most comfortable? Who seems the most compatible?
Think of presidential campaigns as your dating life between the ages of 15 and 25. Who's the hottest boy of the bunch? Which girl gives me the biggest rush? For most of us, after the endorphins wear off and we come off that new relationship high, we start to evaluate the person we're dating as a potential life-mate. Could I see myself settling down with this person, perhaps having a family? Could I see spending the rest of my life with this person?
Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders are the boys you date when you're out exploring. They're the fun ones, the ones who make you laugh and think, the ones who tell you exactly what you want to hear. But deep down you know they're not the right ones. They're just too — what's the word? — out there. You're a little embarrassed to go out with them with your friends because they always seem to say things that are just a little bit crazier than everyone feels comfortable hearing. You can't imagine taking them home to meet Mom and Dad.
Hillary Clinton, on the other hand, is the safe choice. You wish she were more lively and fun. You wish she'd stop talking about all those serious issues all the time. You wish she'd let her hair down and do shots once in a while. But you're also tired of the crazy. And the immature. You're tired of kids. You want to date a grown-up. So this one time you decide to give her a chance. You spend a little time with her. You discover she's not quite as straight-laced and boring as you thought. She'll go with you on the biggest roller coaster you can find. She'll go with you to your favorite out-of-the-way dive. She'll even knock back a couple with you on occasion. She's smart too. And she'll make you laugh. It usually happens when no one else is around but it starts becoming a regular thing. And before you realize it you're starting to feel some chemistry. She's like your best friend and partner in crime all in one. She's not the boring girl with glasses you thought she was when you first met her. She's special. She's your rock. And boy oh boy does she have your back when you need it. She makes you a better person. You suddenly realize all the little ways your life has improved since she's come into it. Your life is more stable. You're calm. You're happy. You feel like with her at your side you can take on anything. You bring her home to meet your parents and they're impressed. You're conflicted because you're not sure whether that's a good thing or not. But grudgingly you accept your parents' support even if it makes you feel old. Because you realize Hillary isn't just some girlfriend you take home to meet your parents. Hillary Clinton is the girl you marry.
