*This letter originally was printed in the Tuesday March 8 edition of The Daily Eastern News

Dear editor and fellow students,

On Tuesday, March 15, the Democratic voters of Illinois have the opportunity to nominate a uniquely experienced individual for the presidency. This candidate has been on the national forefront of progressive issues for nearly 25 years, and was the first American political figure to fight for universal health care. This candidate has dedicated herself to global security, and engineered the military missions that killed Osama Bin Laden and Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi. This candidate is more than just talk. This candidate is Hillary Clinton.

What sets this candidate apart from her opponent in this race, is that Secretary Clinton refuses to promise lofty ideas that will not become law in the current political climate. Clinton knows that it is not realistic to promise free college tuition, or that she can magically make our college debt disappear. She also understands that other voices are in the room. Considering that Republicans want nothing more than to repeal Obamacare, Clinton understands that no president within the next few years will be able to do more than protect the current health care program. Being realistic with the American people does not make her any less of a progressive. Instead, Clinton’s candor illustrates her trustworthiness and measured approach to governance.

Like the candidates on the Republican side, Sen. Sanders focuses his campaign on faceless enemies, such as “Wall Street executives” or “billionaires” as the people who are tearing our country apart. This is no different than Ted Cruz blaming our problems on “welfare cheats” or gay couples. These baseless political attacks are nothing more than talk. In 2016, we need a president who can do more than talk or shout.

Next Tuesday, I ask you to give your vote to the one candidate in this race who has proven herself to be ready and able to tackle the toughest challenges facing our nation and world. I urge you to vote for Hillary Clinton.

Jonathan M. Williams, political science graduate student