A Millennial in Support of Ted Cruz

It is no secret that millennials are supporting the perceived anti-establishment candidates –– Donald Trump on the right and Bernie Sanders on the left. Being a millennial myself, I have had several discussions with my politically engaged friends about why our generation is attracted to these candidates. In regards to Sanders, I feel that some in our generation believe he is trustworthy, albeit as trustworthy as you think a socialist can be, and see him as a man who has been "fightin' the good fight." I believe that our generation is more prone to seeing socialism in an academic light due to portrayals of different socialist theories that are vastly different from the historic realities of socialism. In the majority of colleges and universities, socialist theories are taught as if their implementation would lead to some sort of fantastical utopia (and free college), which is precisely opposite the lessons history has taught (some of) us.

As for Trump, discussion has led my friends and me to realize that throughout our lives, we have always heard about Mr. Trump's success and subsequent wealth. So many in our generation hope to achieve only a fraction of his success. Several millennials feel as if the jobs and money are lacking, although the bills and student loan debt are insurmountable. Thus, it is perhaps understandable that millennial voters would support a candidate who has the money and success they can only dream of. These voters believe that Mr. Trump can lead America down a path of success, wealth, and whatever else Mr. trump has promised. Unfortunately, Mr. Trump has put forth limited details and plans with questionable substance, which makes me question his ability to lead the country. Do voters think Mr. Trump would build one of his hotels without a detailed plan? Obviously, he would not; the lack of a plan would never happen in the business world. Then why should it happen in America? I am a millennial. I was born in 1991. I have caucused for Ted Cruz in Iowa. I urge millennials to vote for Mr. Cruz. I believe he is the most qualified candidate to lead our country forward in these chaotic times. Before becoming a senator, Mr. Cruz clerked on the Supreme Court for Justice Rehnquist and was the solicitor general for Texas. While these positions may not seem to be necessary for a future president, as a lawyer myself, I argue that these roles are important because they shaped and honed Mr. Cruz's respect for the Constitution and separation of powers. Currently, we have a commander in chief who does not respect the Constitution and goes beyond the bounds of his authority. Mr. Cruz has been a great defender of the Constitution and has stood against overreach by the Executive Branch. He has done so on several occasions and in front of the United States Supreme Court. Millennials should value these credentials if they hope to preserve the land of the free. Without separation of powers and defense of the Constitution, freedoms that we millennials value will be degraded. I believe that Mr. Cruz has the best demeanor and personal characteristics to lead the country. Mr. Cruz is a principled man who defines and then stands for what he believes in. If you recall, Mr. Cruz used his position as solicitor general to battle for conservative reforms. Since being elected to the United States Senate, Mr. Cruz has remained true to conservative causes by standing up against Obamacare and urging members of Congress to use the power of the purse to dissuade illegal executive actions, specifically illegal amnesty. Mr. Cruz has been repeatedly criticized by Republican senators, who have not always held true to what they have promised their own constituents. Mr. Cruz has stood up to these leaders; best remembered is the time he accused Sen. McConnell of lying on the Senate floor. If millennials are looking for a leader who will do what he has promised, they should turn to Mr. Cruz, who knows exactly where he stands and does not participate in demagoguery, mockery, or bullying. We need a nominee who is strong in his beliefs and does not flip-flop. All of Mr. Cruz's political beliefs align with mine when it comes to limited government and regulatory reform. Mr. Cruz has a detailed plan regarding the elimination of government agencies. Mr. Cruz also plans to "appoint private-sector leaders to serve on a commission that, as President Reagan put it, would 'work like blood hounds' to improve government efficiency." Through reduction of government waste and regulatory reform, we really can make America more prosperous. When we are less beholden to the federal government and our businesses are less burdened by cumbersome regulations, the economy will grow. Millennials should be in favor of Mr. Cruz's plans, as his plans will help create jobs that millennials so desperately need. If any demographic group should care about the future, should it not be the millennials? The bottom line is that Mr. Cruz has a plan, says what he means, and is a true conservative. Mr. Trump does not have a plan, does not always say what he means, and is a questionable conservative. Millennials, we have the total package in front of us! Let us not turn our backs on Mr. Cruz just because he is not a prototypical image of success like Mr. Trump. Mr. Cruz is also successful, in his own right, as one of the great conservative legal minds. Ellen Young is a lawyer invested in taking down big government through commonsense reforms.