Our final Chase the Race 2016 event prior to the Democratic and Republican National Conventions this July is upon us. Student reporters Gabryelle Matz-Carter and Kaicey Pritts will journey to Miami, Florida for the Democratic Debate hosted by Univision and the Washington Post. The debate comes at a pivotal time for the Democratic race with big primaries coming next week in Florida and Ohio.
Bernie Sanders is on the ropes, but has not stopped fighting and won three out of four contests this weekend. Hillary Clinton, while the presumed candidate, has yet to land a knock-out punch against Sanders. Some say the two may even end up on a Clinton/Sanders ticket!
We took some time to interview Gabryelle about the Democratic debate and the issues facing the candidates. She said that the two candidates have come together on some issues, particularly education where both feel that students who cannot afford education should have the opportunity afforded to them. Bernie Sanders does believe college should be free for all, a differentiator noted Gabryelle.
The anti-establishment momentum continues to drive Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump, and should play into some of Sanders responses at the debate. “Bernie Sanders’ views are pretty radical,” said Gabryelle. “He calls himself a socialist Democrat. People don’t necessarily feel betrayed by the Democratic establishment, like they do on the Republican side, but they want something different.”
One critical element in the primaries that have been held is the minority vote as well as the vote for women. “Hillary has the advantage because of her ties to the African American community,” said Gabryelle. “That’s part of the benefit of being the establishment. On the other hand, Bernie Sanders has 84% of the youth vote.”
Gabryelle noted that while Bernie Sanders is considered the progressive, Hillary Clinton has her own progressive chops to bring to the table. “I think people forget that it would be revolutionary for a woman to be elected as president of the United States. Women are taking a hold of that, the feminist movement, more progressive movements, and they are rallying around Hillary because she is a symbol of a revolution.”
Don’t miss our continuing coverage of the Super Tuesday excitement on ChasetheRace2016.com. Follow us online via Twitter, Instagram, SnapChat (Envision Social) and Facebook.
About Gabryelle Matz-Carter
Alumna, Envision’s Intensive Law & Trial
When Gabryelle moved from the Chicago suburbs to Seattle, in the year of the 2008 election, she realized why our nation’s aspiring leaders fought to ensure the life, liberty and prosperity of all Americans. At that time, classmates remarked that she only supported Barack Obama because she was black. Now, at age 16, she is president of her junior class, with a fierce passion for justice and equality. In addition to her fight against discrimination, she is also a youthful voice for stronger gun regulations.
About Kaicey Pritts
Alumna, Envision’s NYLF Digital Media, Film & Journalism
With a true passion for both journalism and leadership, this Houston 11th grader is an active student reporter. She leads the reporting teams for the National Charity League, school football program, and 4-H Club. She also uses her communication and leadership skills as the captain of her gymnastics team. Today’s key issues, in Kaicey’s mind, include unemployment, the college tuition crisis, gun control, the environment, and at-risk teens.
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