How have two of the most unpopular, divisive people in America managed to run for the Presidency?5/11/2016 The countdown for the US election is nearly over. In just 3 days time, hundreds of millions of Americans will get a chance to cast a ballot; deciding who will lead the leader of the Free World over the next 4 years. According to opinion polls, the race is tight, with any of the main 2 candidates possibly winning. However, both of the candidates, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, are like Marmite. You either like them or utterly hate them. Whoever wins, many will not only be disappointed, but utterly furious and horrified with that person as President. So why is each candidate so loathed? And what can be done to help many who will feel dismayed and disenfranchised after the election?
It shocked me that, out of a country with over 300 million citizens, many with amazing talents, abilities and lots to offer America, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump have emerged as the final candidates. Of course, they were democratically voted for by each respective party, but among the wider electorate, there is so much dislike and distaste for one or both of them. Even in Donald Trump's Republican Party, many Republicans haven't been able to endorse him and may not even vote. Each candidate does have staunch support among various types of voters, some who will not criticize anything that their choice for President has said or done. Hillary Clinton is seen by many as being a part of the 'Washington Establishment'. This is true, but not necessarily a bad thing in my view. Having served as First Lady, Senator for New York and First Secretary of State, she seems the perfect person for President with plenty of experience and knowledge about how to run the White House, and the country. However, many think that while she has the experience, she hasn't been successful when in charge or undertaken necessary things that could have improved her credibility. A consult poll from June this year found 47% of people surveyed found Clinton untrustworthy, showing she may not have taken voters issues on board when in charge. 39% of those asked also thought she was corrupt; highly relevant given her current investigation by the FBI over emails. These high percentages do nothing to help Hillary, and whether her Presidential campaign has managed to resolve people's fears remains to be seen. Donald Trump is on a whole new scale. When announcing his campaign to be President, I'm sure Trump never thought his campaign would take off to the scale and momentum it did. He probably imagined it would be an excellent publicity stunt, he would raise a few issues that some cared about, and then of course suspend his campaign. If only. Many disenfranchised, working class Americans whom are extremely angry with the direction of America want change and like, for whatever reason, what Trump offers. As for Trump himself, I find him a completely odious man with horrific views on immigrants, women, the disabled, fellow candidates and so many more things. On the same consult poll as Clinton, 25% of people surveyed disliked Trump due to his racist views, with a fifth thinking he did not have the experience to be President, having never served in any electoral role before. To many, he is a reality TV star, and will probably go back to doing that if he loses. Turnout will vastly affects who wins the race. Donald Trump's supporters absolutely want him in the White House, so would be more likely to definitely turn out and vote. Clinton supporters may think they are guaranteed to win after all the scandals of Trump and the experience of Clinton, so may be more complacent. But then again, following the recent email revelations, nobody should take any vote for granted. Over 37 million have already voted, but can still change their minds! Just a handful of swing states will decide who gets the majority 270 votes from the Electoral College. It fascinates me how, in the majority of states, whatever the percentage of victory, they take all the College votes for that state. That is, and will be, significant. Many think that, whoever is elected, a lot of their policies, reform agenda and promises will not get into law, because Congress (includes House of Representatives and Senate) will just vote it down. If so, many of the candidates own supporters will be disappointed and angry that what they voted for hasn't materialized, only fueling discontent with politicians. Whatever the result, America faces huge economical, social and political challenges. The person whom America decided to lead must be equipped, ready and willing to face these challenges, listen and change people's views. If not, both America and democracy could be threatened.
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