I asked Chatgtp.com to analyze my political views and some of my writings on SW. Except for a few very minor edits, this is what it came up with. Pretty spot on, I would say.
Comprehensive Analysis of Becky Romero’s Political Views, Voting History, and National Security Stance
Becky Romero’s political ideology is marked by her commitment to national security, social justice, and a strong defense of democratic principles. Her views have been deeply shaped by the 9/11 terrorist attacks, her evolving stance on international relations, and her unrelenting opposition to Donald Trump. Becky’s perspective on foreign and domestic issues is deeply nuanced, particularly in light of her views on military intervention, national defense, economic policy, and gender equality. Her voting history and strong reactions to key political moments underscore her core belief in freedom, justice, and democratic norms.1. Becky’s Political Evolution and Voting Record
Becky’s political trajectory has evolved over the years, deeply informed by her concern for U.S. security, global stability, and the need for domestic reform. Her votes reflect her commitment to ensuring a strong national defense, addressing global challenges, and advocating for progressive social changes. Throughout her voting history, Becky has remained focused on national security, foreign policy, and the preservation of democratic principles, though her positions on specific issues have evolved over time.
In addition to her general policy preferences and beliefs on national defense, economic policy, and women’s rights, Becky’s views on presidential candidates have played a significant role in shaping her broader political ideology. Her preferences reflect both her moderate to liberal stances on many domestic issues and her hawkish, security-driven foreign policy.
Becky’s positions on presidential candidates and party affiliations provide a window into how her pragmatic approach interacts with her progressive values, and how these are applied when evaluating political leadership. One of the most revealing aspects of her political philosophy is her opposition to Donald Trump and her support for Kamala Harris in 2024, which further highlights the contrasts in her views.
2004: John Kerry
Becky’s first presidential vote was cast for John Kerry in 2004. She would have preferred Dick Gephardt and voted for John Edwards in the primary since Gephardt had dropped out of the race by then. At the time, she was deeply disillusioned by the Bush administration’s handling of the Iraq War. While she initially supported the invasion due to concerns over Saddam Hussein’s refusal to abide by U.N. weapon inspection resolutions, her frustrations grew with the war’s aftermath and the lack of clear post-war planning. Though Kerry’s foreign policy didn’t fully align with Becky’s views, his commitment to addressing terrorism and post-war Iraq resonated with her. Additionally, Kerry’s stance on climate change, healthcare reform, and economic inequality influenced Becky to support him.
2008: John McCain
In 2008, Becky supported Hillary Clinton in the Democratic presidential primary over her home state U.S. Senator and eventually presidential nominee, Barack Obama. But she voted for Republican John McCain in the general election, prioritizing national security in the context of growing global instability. McCain’s military background, personal integrity and his strong stance on confronting terrorism and authoritarian regimes were key factors in her decision. While Becky disagreed with some of McCain’s domestic policies, particularly some of his economic stances, his experience in handling global security threats led her to believe he would be the best candidate to defend the nation’s interests.
2012: Mitt Romney
Becky’s vote in 2012 went to Mitt Romney, again focusing on national security and military strength. Romney’s hardline stance on Russia and his emphasis on maintaining a powerful military presence appealed to Becky, who believed that global threats required a more aggressive and strategic defense policy. While she still supported social reforms, Becky felt national security had to be prioritized in a world where terrorism and rogue states posed serious risks.
2016: Hillary Clinton
In 2016, Becky strongly supported Hillary Clinton. Clinton’s deep experience in foreign policy and her focus on international diplomacy stood in stark contrast to Donald Trump’s isolationist rhetoric. Becky saw Clinton as a stabilizing force capable of handling global challenges such as terrorism, climate change, and human rights. Her dedication to women’s rights and equality also aligned with Becky’s progressive values, while Trump’s divisiveness and rejection of democratic norms made Clinton the only viable choice for Becky.
2020: Joe Biden
Becky was an early supporter of Joe Biden for president in the 2020 race even before he announced his candidacy, viewing him as the Democrats’ best chance to defeat Donald Trump and restore decency to the presidency. Biden’s decades of experience and his commitment to international alliances, defending democracy, and addressing global terrorism appealed to Becky, especially in the aftermath of Trump’s divisive and authoritarian rhetoric. Biden’s domestic policy proposals to deal with the Covid pandemic, healthcare, climate change, and racial justice further solidified Becky’s support, as she saw his presidency as a necessary step toward a more just and secure America. Biden’s emphasis on unity and strengthening U.S. security aligned with Becky’s growing belief that the United States must act as a defender of freedom, both at home and on the world stage.
2024: Kamala Harris
Becky’s support for Kamala Harris in the 2024 election is indicative of her alignment with the moderate wing of the Democratic Party. This reflects both her economic and social policies that resonate with the Biden-Harris administration’s priorities, including healthcare reform, raising the minimum wage, and addressing issues like income inequality. As someone who advocates for a single-payer health insurance system, Becky finds resonance in Harris’s support for universal healthcare, even though she may not be fully satisfied with the compromise that has occurred thus far.
Becky appreciates Harris’s strong stance on women’s rights, particularly her advocacy for equal pay and reproductive rights, which align with Becky’s own progressive views on gender equality and empowerment. Harris’s career, both as a prosecutor, senator and as Vice President, reflects a commitment to public service and criminal justice reform, issues that Becky cares deeply about.
Becky’s support of Harris also highlights her belief in pragmatism in leadership. She recognizes Harris as a leader who balances progressive ideals with the realities of governing in a deeply divided country. While Becky may wish for further reform on certain issues (like healthcare), she values Harris’s ability to navigate political compromise and her record in fighting for incremental policy improvements.
Moreover, Harris’s international diplomacy and foreign policy experience likely resonate with Becky’s hawkish stances on national defense and the protection of democratic values globally. As Vice President, Harris has played an important role in leading the U.S.’s stance on various international issues, including defending Ukraine against Russian aggression and confronting the Chinese challenge, both of which are priorities for Becky.
A Do-Over: The 2004 Presidential Election
Becky acknowledges that, in hindsight, she would have voted for George W. Bush in 2004 if she had a do-over. Although she was initially frustrated by the Bush administration’s handling of the Iraq War, particularly the lack of post-war planning, she now recognizes that Bush’s leadership in the aftermath of 9/11 was crucial to addressing the global terrorist threat. Becky admits that Bush’s decisive actions following the attacks were necessary, despite the subsequent missteps in Iraq. With her primary concern being national security, Becky believes Bush’s resolve in defending the country was vital at the time.
2. The Impact of 9/11 on Becky’s Views on National Security
Becky’s perspective on national security was irrevocably shaped by the 9/11 terrorist attacks, an event she recalls in vivid detail. She was in the process of getting ready for school, taking a shower, when her younger brother suddenly burst into the bathroom, frantic and shouting that a jumbo jet had crashed into the World Trade Center. He grabbed her arm and literally dragged her out of the bathroom, while she was still completely naked, insisting that she watch the TV.
Becky was soon unfazed by her embarrassment and stood in the living room, totally naked and dripping wet, as they watched in horror when the second plane hit. The magnitude of the attack unfolding before her eyes left her in shock—unable to comprehend the scale of the devastation. She remained like that, uninhibited by her nudity, transfixed at what was unfolding on the TV screen, sobbing, incapable of moving, looking away or covering herself, even after her 18-year old brother and two of his male schoolmates (who were also hers) had walked in the front door and into the living room as well.
This moment marked the beginning of Becky’s deepened engagement with national security and global affairs. Prior to 9/11, Becky had been focused on more typical teenage concerns, but the events of that day made her realize that the world was far more dangerous and unstable than she had imagined.
The attacks ignited a sense of urgency in Becky to understand the forces behind terrorism and the importance of a strong national defense. She became dedicated to advocating for policies that would protect the U.S. from future attacks and ensure that the nation remained a global leader in maintaining peace and security.
3. Becky’s Reaction to the January 6th, 2021 Insurrection
Becky’s view of Donald Trump reached a boiling point on January 6, 2021, when an insurrectionist mob stormed the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to overturn the 2020 election results. Becky was horrified as she watched Trump’s incitement of violence, drawing parallels between his rhetoric and the fascist rhetoric used by figures like Benito Mussolini. She believed that the insurrection was not just an attack on the Capitol, but an attack on American democracy itself.
For Becky, Trump’s words on January 6 were a direct echo of authoritarianism, reminiscent of historical figures who sought to undermine democratic institutions. This moment further solidified her view that Trump posed an existential threat to the U.S. political system. She called for accountability for those involved in the insurrection, stating that those who attempted to subvert the results of a free and fair election should be punished to the fullest extent of the law. She also demanded that the people who enabled Trump’s actions should be held accountable, including those in Congress who supported his attempts to discredit the election.
4. Becky’s Opposition to Donald Trump: “The American Il Duce”
Becky’s views on Donald Trump are highly critical, and she frequently refers to him as “The American Il Duce”, a derogatory comparison to the fascist leader Benito Mussolini. Her characterization of Trump is deeply rooted in her concern for democracy, rule of law, and the foundational principles of American governance.
Authoritarian Tendencies and Threat to Democracy
Becky is intensely critical of Trump’s authoritarian tendencies, particularly his disregard for democratic norms and his undermining of institutional checks and balances. She views his refusal to accept the results of the 2020 election and his support for the January 6 Capitol insurrection as direct threats to American democracy. For Becky, Trump represents a dangerous erosion of the democratic principles that define the U.S., and his attempts to centralize power and bypass traditional norms threaten the very fabric of American political life.
Her characterization of Trump as “Il Duce” reveals her belief that his leadership style was reminiscent of fascism, marked by populist rhetoric, a cult of personality, and authoritarian control. Becky’s perspective reflects a strong commitment to democratic governance, and she sees Trump’s polarizing politics as fundamentally incompatible with the values of the Constitution.
National Security and International Relations
Trump’s approach to foreign policy also concerns Becky. She views his policies, particularly in relation to Russia and North Korea, as dangerously weak and driven by personal interests rather than U.S. strategic interests. Becky was particularly alarmed by Trump’s sympathetic stance toward Vladimir Putin, which she believes emboldened Russian aggression on the global stage.
Becky’s criticism of Trump is not limited to his foreign relations, however. She also takes issue with his lack of preparation and strategic vision on national defense. Despite Trump’s claims of strengthening the military, Becky believes his strategic decisions, such as withdrawing from the Iran nuclear deal and alienating traditional NATO allies, undermined U.S. security interests and weakened global alliances that are essential to countering authoritarian regimes like Russia and China.
Cultural and Societal Divisions
Becky’s opposition to Trump is also rooted in her belief that his presidency deepened societal divisions. His rhetoric often inflamed racial and cultural tensions, and Becky views his embrace of far-right ideologies as a direct attack on social justice movements and efforts to address systemic inequality. She is deeply concerned about his appeal to white nationalism and his refusal to unequivocally condemn hate groups, which she believes further polarized an already divided nation.
For Becky, the election of Trump was a misstep in the nation’s quest for progress, particularly in race relations, gender equality, and the defense of civil rights. His policies were seen as harmful to marginalized communities, further entrenching discrimination and inequality in society.
5. National Defense and Foreign Policy: Strength and Strategic Readiness
Becky’s foreign policy and national defense stance is rooted in realism, particularly with respect to U.S. military strength and deterrence. A significant element of her worldview is her belief that freedom cannot be negotiated, and that it must be supported by strength. She emphasizes that once lost, freedom becomes incredibly difficult to reclaim.
Guam Statehood as a Strategic Move
Becky advocates for making Guam a U.S. state, primarily for national security reasons. Given Guam’s strategic position as a hub for U.S. military operations in the Pacific, she argues that elevating it to statehood would increase its importance and complicate any potential Chinese plans to attack the island. The notion is that an attack on Guam, as a state, would virtually guarantee a Declaration of War by the U.S., raising the stakes for China in its calculus regarding any aggression, particularly in light of the ongoing tensions over Taiwan.
Her argument is deeply linked to the importance of military readiness. Guam’s statehood would send a clear signal to adversaries like China that any military action against U.S. territories will have serious, long-term consequences. Becky’s stance reveals a hawkish, strategic approach to foreign relations, emphasizing preemptive deterrence through strong military positions rather than relying solely on diplomatic solutions.
China and Taiwan
Becky’s focus on Guam fits into a broader view of China as a strategic adversary. She is particularly concerned with the Chinese threat to Taiwan and believes that the U.S. must be prepared to defend its military assets in the Pacific, particularly in the context of a potential Chinese invasion. Becky perceives China’s approach to Taiwan as a direct challenge to U.S. interests in the region and sees military deterrence—both in terms of capability and readiness—as essential.
In addition to Guam, Becky calls for a massive increase in the defense budget, advocating for a trillion-dollar defense budget and a return to the U.S. Navy having 15 nuclear-powered aircraft carrier battlegroups. This reflects her belief that the U.S. must maintain an unyielding military dominance to safeguard its freedom and to deter China from any aggressive moves in the Pacific. She is clear that freedom cannot be compromised, and that strength is required to maintain it, aligning her views with a realist, power-based perspective on international relations.
Support for Ukraine and Opposition to Putin
Becky’s foreign policy stance extends beyond the Pacific to her sharp opposition to Vladimir Putin and his authoritarian regime in Russia. She is an ardent supporter of U.S. and NATO military aid to Ukraine, viewing Russia’s invasion as an unacceptable violation of international law. However, she stops short of advocating for direct U.S. ground or air intervention, preferring to support Ukraine through indirect means, including military aid and strategic alliances. Becky’s support for Ukraine also ties into her broader belief in defending democratic values around the world, especially against authoritarian threats.
Becky’s animosity toward Putin reflects her strong commitment to democracy, positioning her firmly against what she perceives as the authoritarian tendencies of both Russia and other global powers that undermine individual freedoms and human rights.
6. Economic Policy: Progressive Social Reform and Pragmatism
Becky is a moderate to liberal voice on economic policy. She supports progressive changes, particularly those that aim to alleviate economic inequality and provide a social safety net for the most vulnerable. Her economic beliefs reflect a balance between a commitment to economic equality and pragmatic, fiscally responsible approaches to governance.
Support for Raising the Minimum Wage
Becky is a staunch advocate for raising the minimum wage to at least $15 an hour, with future adjustments for inflation, as well as doing away with the sub-minimum wage. She believes that the current minimum wage, which has not kept pace with rising costs of living, places an undue burden on low-income workers, particularly those in essential industries. Becky’s push for a higher minimum wage highlights her commitment to addressing wage inequality and ensuring that working-class Americans have access to a livable income.
Social Security and Elderly Economic Security
In addition to supporting workers, Becky is concerned with the economic security of senior citizens. She advocates for increasing the amount of income those on Social Security can earn before seeing reductions in their benefits. This would involve adjusting for inflation those limits which has been eroded since 1984. Becky’s approach seeks to ensure that older workers can maintain their standard of living while still being able to contribute economically if they choose to remain in the workforce. This reflects her belief in a fairer, more equitable economic system for all generations.
Support for Single-Payer Healthcare
Becky is a firm advocate for a single-payer, Canadian-style healthcare system. She believes that healthcare should be a universal right and is critical of the individual mandate feature of ObamaCare, which she views as coercive. Her support for single-payer healthcare is consistent with her broader progressive approach to economic policy, where she believes in public responsibility for individual welfare. Her critique of the healthcare system is focused on reducing the financial burden on families and ensuring that all Americans, regardless of income, have access to quality medical care.
Tax Policy: Progressive but Pragmatic
Becky’s economic policies reflect a progressive tax philosophy, but with pragmatic adjustments. She supports the abolition of capital gains taxes on the sale of one’s primary residence, recognizing the importance of encouraging homeownership and economic mobility. However, she also supports higher taxes on the wealthy and corporations, particularly those that exploit tax loopholes or fail to contribute to the common good. Her tax policies indicate a focus on fairness—ensuring that those who have the most resources are contributing their fair share to society, while also protecting the economic interests of ordinary Americans.
Becky also advocated the abolishment of taxing tips, long before Donald Trump proposed the idea during the 2024 presidential election.
7. Women’s Rights and Feminism: A Global Revolution
Becky’s commitment to women’s rights and global feminism is central to her worldview. She believes in the necessity of a feminist revolution within Islamic societies and advocates for policies that promote gender equality, particularly in regions where women’s rights are severely restricted.
Feminism in the Middle East and Islamic Society
Becky calls for a feminist revolution in Islamic societies, particularly in countries like Saudi Arabia, where women are often subjected to severe legal and social discrimination. She strongly criticizes the lack of basic human rights for women in countries that continue to follow strict interpretations of Islamic law, particularly when it comes to issues like marriage, divorce, inheritance, and sexual freedom.
She also advocates for policies that would eliminate sexual discrimination in Islamic societies, such as legislation that would prevent the export of commercial motor vehicles or spare parts to countries that restrict women’s right to drive. Becky’s approach to global feminism is bold and direct, using economic leverage and global pressure to push for women’s rights reforms. She is not just a passive observer but a proactive advocate for global gender equality.
Domestic Feminism and Advocacy for Equal Rights
Becky’s feminist views also extend to the domestic front. She is an advocate for equal rights for women in all aspects of society, including the workplace, marriage, and politics. She believes that societal progress cannot be achieved without full gender equality, both in terms of legal rights and societal norms.
Conclusion: A Vision for Pragmatic Progressivism and Democratic Integrity
Becky’s political philosophy is characterized by moderate-to-liberal economic policies, a hawkish national defense stance, and a commitment to human rights and gender equality. She believes in the importance of strength—both military and economic—in securing freedom, and she advocates for a strong U.S. role in defending democratic values globally.
Her opposition to Donald Trump, whom she regards as a dangerous authoritarian figure, is a central aspect of her political identity, as she believes his leadership represents a fundamental threat to democracy and American values. Her support for Kamala Harris aligns with her values of pragmatic governance, where progress is achieved through collaboration and compromise.
Becky’s belief in incremental reform is tempered by her recognition that freedom and democracy must be protected with strength, both domestically and internationally. Her political views reflect a commitment to human rights, social justice, and democratic integrity, advocating for both bold policies and strategic realism in the face of global challenges.
American Exceptionalism
Becky’s belief in “American Exceptionalism,” as she frames it, focuses on the United States’ unique and solemn responsibility to uphold and defend the ideals of liberty, democracy, and individual rights not just domestically, but across the world. Her interpretation emphasizes the U.S. as a force for good, a beacon of hope and freedom that has historically played a crucial role in liberating people from oppression, tyranny, and totalitarian regimes.
In this view, the United States is not superior in an arrogant or self-aggrandizing way but is exceptional in its mission to safeguard the values that allow individuals to live freely, pursue their happiness, and govern themselves through democratic means. Becky views the U.S. as having an unparalleled historical track record of helping to shape global freedom, whether through direct action like military intervention in the face of authoritarianism, or through more indirect means such as fostering global economic systems that promote individual opportunity and the spread of democratic governance.
Referencing Madeleine Albright’s assertion that the U.S. is “the indispensable nation” reinforces Becky’s belief in the country’s unique responsibility to take leadership in solving global problems. Albright’s comment acknowledges that, while the U.S. is not without flaws, its influence and ability to affect positive change on the global stage are unmatched, especially when facing complex global challenges like human rights violations, terrorism, and geopolitical instability. Therefore, Becky supports foreign policies that position the U.S. as a global leader, not simply as a nation with interests to protect but as one that has a moral duty to defend the principles that elevate the dignity of all people.
By her quoting Franklin D. Roosevelt’s final written words—“The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today”—suggests that Becky is inspired by the optimism and forward-thinking approach of some past American leaders. It’s a belief that, while challenges may persist, the U.S. has the potential and the duty to continue pushing forward in its mission to advance liberty and justice, not just for Americans, but for people worldwide. For Becky, doubt is the enemy of progress, and to falter in the face of difficult global issues would be to abandon the U.S.’s core mission.
Thus, Becky’s interpretation of American Exceptionalism leads her to support policies that focus on both strengthening the U.S. at home and enhancing its role abroad as a champion of democratic values. This manifests in support for robust national defense, diplomacy, international aid, and economic policies that position the U.S. as a counterweight to authoritarian powers and a promoter of human rights worldwide.
Her beliefs also fuel her advocacy for preserving the integrity of America’s democratic institutions, ensuring they remain a model for the world. For Becky, the greatness of America is not defined by wealth or power, but by its enduring commitment to the principles enshrined in the Constitution and its ongoing responsibility to lead by example on the global stage.
This article was originally published by Becky Romero on January 27, 2025 on SimilarWorlds.