The last thing America needs is another old white man leading this country. In the 21st century, it is time for some diversity. Out of the pool of presidential candidates, Bernie Sanders is clearly not a viable option. Sanders is an American politician who has spearheaded the leftist movement in today’s government. While Sanders holds the record for the longest-serving congressman in U.S. history, he should not be elected to lead the U.S. because of his socialist and radical policies.

Sanders is not electable because of an important reason: his socialist policies. The word “socialism” has a negative connotation in America because of the shortfalls in communist systems around the globe. Moreover, radical socialist policies may deincentivize workers and stagnate the U.S. economy.

Sanders has a profound track record when it comes to instituting policies that are based upon high taxes, which are not beneficial to the economy and society as a whole. According to the Wall Street Journal, Sanders’ policies would cost about $18 trillion over a decade. As a country that is currently in $19 trillion in debt, the U.S. cannot be funding the huge projects that Sanders is proposing. Policies such as high taxes and social welfare would be detrimental to the American economy, which also spends billions annually on the military and international affairs according to Fox News. Sanders is also proposing to transition the U.S. economy to a more Scandinavian socialist system, which features high taxes and an increased rate of government involvement in the daily lives of people. This is not wise because the U.S. has a larger and more diverse population than the socialist Scandinavian countries. The population of Norway is 5.08 million whereas the U.S. has a population of 330 million. Sanders would also propose a larger tax on the higher income bracket, resulting in a lack of an incentive for people not in those brackets to gain a higher economic status. It is common logic that if there is no incentive to reach the upper class, less people would want to attain that kind of wealth.

On top of this, Sanders has no background in foreign policy in a time where the Middle East is destabilizing and radical groups, such as ISIS, are terrorizing the world. Sanders has no prior experience when dealing with complicated international problems. Hillary Clinton’s experience as Secretary of State gives her substantially more experience in foreign policy than Sanders. Sander’s minimal foreign policy experience, coupled with unrealistic goals for providing free college, will leave the U.S. in shambles. Since the president’s main role is to work out agreements and treaties with other countries and is primarily given responsibility of foreign policy, a president with no experience in foreign policy is a terrible idea.

Overall, Sanders would not make a good president because of his proposed policies and political stances in a time when change is rapid and beneficial for society. Most of Sanders’ policies are beneficial and forward thinking, but they simply cost too much money. Perhaps if the U.S. were not such a large world power or had responsibilities that were not international, Sanders would make a great president. Bernie Sanders as president is just not feasible with his high taxes and lack of a background in foreign policy.