by Jonah Sachs ’20

America divided: this simple and powerful phrase describes the current state of American politics throughout the country. After President Donald Trump’s first four years in office, many citizens are tired of the policies and actions of the administration. Now, in 2020, only two Democratic candidates are left standing in the race for the nomination, and, much like the country they want to lead, they couldn’t be more divided. Moderate or Liberal: the question many are asking is which of these will win the 2020 presidential election. Will the nomination fall to the Democratic Socialist Bernie Sanders or come to the more moderate Joe Biden? Each position has its perks, but, ultimately, it is the moderate approach that has the best chance of beating Trump.

As of early March, all other candidates have dropped from the race after strong election campaigns. With candidates like Buttigeig and Klobuchar leaning towards the centrist point of view and those like Warren maintaining views on the further left side of things, it’s clear to see that each candidate took one of two approaches from the get go. Now, with one of each to compete in the Primaries, people have begun to ask themselves which is the best approach. The truth is, though, that Sanders–who led a strong campaign, granting him the lead for much longer than anyone anticipated–could easily win the nomination, but in the General, might fall flat in beating the incumbent. Many Independents and Republicans in general might consider voting away from Trump this time around, but they would likely not switch viewpoints completely. The American people need a buffer from the polarized Considerative President from the last four years; they need someone willing to work with the Republican-heavy Senate–granted it stands strong throughout the next four years–and get things done. It seems, however, that Sanders’ ideas are too far left to be passed in the Legislative Branch. Many voters, therefore, might neglect to vote in a President whose every move might be counteracted by the Republican Senate, creating an endless stalemate between the two.

On the opposing side of the Democratic spectrum, Biden stands as more moderate than his opponent. Taking viewpoints from both sides, Biden has begun to take the lead where the others have fallen. Since South Carolina, Biden has seen a surge in votes, giving him the beginning steps to beat out Sanders. Endorsements from many Democrats–including Buttigeig, Klobuchar, and former Texas Rep. Beto O’Rourke–shows Biden’s overwhelming support from those who see the truth: a moderate nominee is needed to act as a transition away from the Republican nature that is Trump’s presidency.

The Democratic party has been struggling to win back the White House since Inauguration Day in 2016, and, as Election Day fast approaches this year, different approaches to election have been taken. Ultimately, though, it is the more moderate Democrat who can win the Primaries and the General–who will give Trump a run for his money, so to speak. With the expected 15 million to 20 million more voters turning out for this presidential race, Biden stands a chance at taking his place in the White House once again. Supporter or not, the Democrats need Biden–acting as a compromise, of sorts, with the Republican party–as nominee in order to take back the Presidency. Sanders would likely lose in the General thanks to his Socialist views, so, no matter what ideas you support on the Democratic spectrum, Biden is the necessary candidate to take back the White House.