The presidential candidates, Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton and Republican nominee Donald Trump, are divided policy-wise; however, only one has consistently proven to protect people of all beliefs and backgrounds under those policies.

Hillary Rodham Clinton is that candidate.

With policies ranging from closing corporate tax loopholes, insuring free public university tuition for people with household incomes under $125,000 by 2021 and promising gender equality, Clinton consistently shows dedication to all Americans. While critics deem that these policy proposals will cause taxes to skyrocket, they fail to acknowledge that Clinton simply wants to reapportion taxes. Yes, taxes will increase, but only for those who are more than capable of paying. This is an American civic duty- to pay one’s fair share for the betterment of all.

Slanderous adjectives have been plastered on Clinton – manipulative, dishonest and weak, to name a few. It is so easy to label candidates with such words without having substance. For example, many people put Clinton at fault for the deaths at Benghazi and call her corrupt in regards to the email scandal. Many of these people, however, do not actually know the details of the events.

Clinton took full responsibility for the lack of security in Benghazi. Immediately after, she apologized and called for increased military spending to prevent future blunders. This is what separates her from her opponent. Trump consistently holds himself above the concept of failure.

Furthermore, the infamous email scandal is commonly associated when one utters the name “Clinton”. As secretary of state, Clinton sent a copious amount of classified emails using her personal email. She unconvincingly stated that she didn’t realize that they were classified. This is very hard to defend, so frankly I won’t. She did, though, admit to the mistake and apologize. What needs to be established, though, is that further investigation found no federal laws broken.

Opposition continues to milk this situation to pull out any negatives they can from Clinton. Seemingly incapable of speaking pragmatically on policy, her opponent just speaks of her husband’s scandals and past mistakes more than her policies. This is politics, so nothing less can be expected from the other side. However, the case is closed and she is cleared. People need to move on and focus on her policies.

What is interesting is how Clinton’s mistakes define her as corrupt and unfit to lead, while her opponent’s mistakes are disregarded as “oh, he is speaking his mind.” If Clinton dared to utter just a fraction of the things Trump has had the audacity to say, her career wouldn’t exist. The candidates are held at different standards and Clinton deserves the right to be seen as more than her mistakes. Even after the multiple misfortunes she has faced, she has gained the experience to remain strong in times of adversity.

Working for this position her entire life, Clinton is a human being who listens to and fights for all. I am not supporting her to solely keep Trump out of office. I am not supporting her because she is a female. I am supporting her because she is a respectable, qualified candidate who deserves to prove that she can lead this country and every individual in it.

This is why I’m with her.

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