For many people, the 2016 presidential election seems like a joke. How could all the Republican party candidates submit to a candidate so absurd as Donald Trump? A man so readily willing to adopt any radical view to rally the extreme traditionalist republicans behind him?
Donald Trump has taken this election season and turned it on its head, making a complete joke of the election process. He represents nothing but the worst of the country, and in this time of struggle, he is completely unfit to be a leader of the free nation.
However, Donald Trump, was not the only one to turn this election on it head. The wildcard candidate, Bernie Sanders, also shook up the mix and brought to the surface a whole other reshaping of American democracy. He also rallied the troops, just on the opposite side.
Personally, I would much prefer Bernie to Donald. He has good intentions and truly wants the best for America, and Americans. However, no matter what you feel about either candidate's politics, it is true that this election season has been a wild one.
Of course, there is one last candidate, and you either love her or hate her, Hillary. What Hillary represents for many people is the baseline politics or the norm. She's traditionally funded, progressive but not too progressive, an eager politician familiar with the political process, etc. She's Obama 2.0, kind of. And while she is surrounded by two people on complete opposite sides of the spectrum, she has kept her footing as a strong leader that will not be out shined by Donald who offers the most extreme radical views or by Bernie who offers the most extreme liberal views.
Hillary served as secretary of state and in Congress; do you know how many other presidents have had that qualification? Three. Hillary is by far the most qualified for the job. But she is going up against two totally different beasts. Republicans see her as too liberal, and super liberal Democrats see her as not liberal enough. But that is where the silent majority comes into play. While both Bernie and Trump have very vocal supporters, it is likely that the nation of moderates out there will show their support for Hillary when it comes time to vote.
But this election still seems crazy. Two different extremes battling it out, with Hillary being a common enemy of both sides.
She has been dubbed "Crooked Hillary" by the Trump Team and is affectionately known as "Pantsuit" by the Bernie-or-Bust squad.
The battle for the presidency has been childish and melodramatic to say the least.
But now, Bernie has just offered his support to Hillary, and he may bring some of his supporters with him. Although it is likely there will be a strong Bernie write-in presence, it is hopefully not strong enough to give the majority to Trump.
For the Bernie-or-Bust people out there, while you may feel supporting "Pantsuit" compromises your views, it more important to realize that the America you envision is impossible with Trump leadership. And change doesn't happen overnight. Bernie ran a very strong campaign and got much farther than many imagined he would. It is likely that under Hillary, he will gain a stronger presence in nationwide government. But to uphold everything we as a country has accomplished, Hillary is the better choice.
Hillary is a politician, and she has made stupid mistakes and is not the perfect leader. She is biased and possibly a bit corrupt. She is not popular with everyone, and she never will be. She has super PACs and knows how to work the system. She is cunning and probably a little too smug, but she is not unlike any other president so far.
Many factors, including Hillary's gender, Bernie's candidacy, Trump's sh*t storm and the state of the world have complicated this election.
But now, as we continue on this run away train, and Donald and Hillary battle it out, America faces a great gap in leadership. It's crazy versus competent, and it's your choice as to what direction this country moves in.
