American elections have always captured our attention. With their expensive TV advertisements, enormous rallies and ferocious debates, the process is certainly unique.
However, this year has seen a radical shift, in both parties, towards populist politicians. The success of Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders suggests that voters have made the decision to rebel against traditional establishment figures, much to the dismay of their respective parties.
The performance of Trump has been of particular concern to a number of global leaders. Nonetheless, his extreme viewpoints, including plans to build a wall along the Mexican border, have resonated with a lot of republicans, fed up of an apparent lack of action in previous years. Trump argues that he will be different, slamming his counterparts for their comparatively moderate agendas.
On the other end of the political spectrum, Bernie Sanders has found success by appealing to frustrated Democrats, who he believe he has the answer to the large financial gap between America’s richest and poorest citizens.
As a politician, it is interesting to see this populist approach perform so well. Whilst I appreciate that both Trump and Sanders have proven themselves to be strong campaigners, I think that they rely on shock value rather than considered debate. The reason I spend so much time in Wyre Forest is because it is genuine one on one interaction that should shape a politicians views, not the desire to go against the regime.
The frustrations that many voters feel are universal, evident across a broad range of democracies and institutions. I believe that it is up to us to break these barriers down, ensuring that our constituents feel as engaged in the political process as we do. In order to accomplish this, it is absolutely crucial that my constituents continue to contact me with their personal viewpoints and opinions.
My constituents are always welcome to book surgery appointments to discuss specific topics and ring my caseworkers to discuss personal issues. I would also encourage you all to attend the EU Referendum debate I am having with James Carver, West Midlands MEP, on the 27th of May. Many of you have expressed an opinion on the EU and this debate presents an opportunity to further engage with this important topic.
The reason I decided to become an MP was because I am passionate about my community and the people that I serve. In a political landscape that is seemingly becoming focused on broader and more extravagant rhetoric, we would all do well to remember that successful politics should be about taking time to speak to people, having considered debate and listening to all members of our community.