In support of Sanders, 18-year-old from Gig Harbor hitchhikes to Philly

An 18-year-old from Gig Harbor was so inspired by Bernie Sanders’ campaign that he trekked more than 2,800 miles to the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. And like his political hero, Zachary took the road less traveled.

“I actually hitchhiked from Seattle,” he told KIRO Radio’s Jason Rantz.

Zachary said Bernie’s speeches inspired him to become politically active and that he’s “definitely less enthusiastic” about Hillary Clinton in the White House.

“I might just not vote,” he said. “I don’t want to support Hillary Clinton. Bernie Sanders didn’t bring me into the Democratic Party, he brought me into the Berniecratic Party. I’m not a Democrat. I have no allegiance to them.

“I could see myself voting for Donald Trump before voting for Hillary Clinton,” he added.

Related: Follow KIRO Radio at the Democratic National Convention

While the notion of a Bernie Sanders supporter jumping to the Trump campaign didn’t shock Rantz, the idea of hitchhiking across the country struck him as a bit crazy.

“Actually, it’s not as hard as you think,” Zachary said. “People drive straight through those Midwest states. I only got like 20 different rides, actually.”

And how did he do that?

“Well, it’s illegal to hitchhike on interstates so I had to do on-ramps,” he said. “… You get your sign out and just write where you’re going and put your thumb out.”

Were his parents OK with this?

“No. They said they’d buy me a plane ticket, but it’s not really about that,” Zachary said. “It’s like a Muslim’s pilgrimage to Mecca is supposed to be a pilgrimage. Not a plane ride. So I felt like it was more meaningful to hitchhike.”

It must have been a pretty meaningful pilgrimage because Zachary plans to hitchhike home, too – after some peaceful protesting against the Democratic establishment.

“I’m just having fun before I get old and say, ‘What have I been doing with my life?’” he said.

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