This election cycle has been a special roller coaster with many applicable adjectives. It’s been truly bizarre, because of who has won and who hasn’t. In an incredible feat nobody predicted, controversial businessman Donald Trump would win the Republican nomination, and with more votes than any other candidate in primary history. Worse, who would have thought that Trump would defeat party darlings like Senator Marco Rubio and former Governor Jeb Bush?
The real story comes in the months ahead. We’re seeing the story itself unfold now, regarding what the elections say about American voters.
It’s a positive step that we’re seeing third parties become more mainstream. But even with the rise of third parties, it’s still not a guarantee that Libertarian Gary Johnson will even make the presidential debate stage.
So, for the average American voter who does not want to split the vote and enable the person they hate most, this is a two party race coming down to two candidates that nobody likes. Two candidates that nobody likes, but will still win the election because of a lot of votes.
Donald Trump has become a controversial figure for his policy points to a degree, but a lot of the outrage has to do with the things he says – most of which is deplorable and hateful, and has rightfully established his controversial reputation.
But what is he running against?
Republican Trump speaks a lot of bad things, but his Democratic opponent actually has the record. Hillary Clinton has a record of corruption and breaking the law. Her endorsement of continued foreign intervention and willingness to entangle ourselves in foreign conflicts reflects a neoconservative tradition that is breaking this country.
Clinton’s continued e-mail problems, which Federal Bureau of Investigation Chief James Comey described as “extremely careless”, reflect poorly on her. Can America afford to have this leading the country?
There comes a point where we, as a country, have to ask ourselves which is worse: words or actions. Words may speak volumes, but nothing defeats a record. Clinton has a record of supporting war, supporting big government, opposing whistle-blowers such as Edward Snowden, and breaking the law. Her record speaks for itself as to why she should not be Commander-in-Chief.
But Hillary Clinton continues to lead in the polls. Why? Have we really become so sensitive as a culture that our fragile emotions are more important than the actual safety and stability of the nation?
Even if you’re concerned about what a Trump presidency would look like, admitting that there are legitimate concerns regarding Clinton is not admitting support for him. There are third party options. There are protest votes. Leave the presidential ballot box blank and just vote down-ticket. There are plenty of options for Americans to consider, and they should.
But Hillary Clinton winning the Presidency speaks poorly on American culture. Her continued rise and lead in the polls shows that America is comfortable with having a pro-war President that breaks the law and has close connections with Saudi Arabia.
