If this election has been a lesson about anything, it's that anyone can be president. Absolutely anyone. In the primaries, a field of tons of republican candidates boiled down to one of the only non-career politicians in it. Donald Trump, the child in adult's clothing, is in a weird way proof that the American Dream is still alive. Evidently, being a presidential candidate only requires wealth, not a political career.
On the other hand, both Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders represented a change from mainstream politics. To many, Clinton was everything that was wrong with politics but she made headway for women everywhere. Sanders proved that no matter how non-conforming ideals are, support can and will come from the American people.
A 2016 NPR interview stated that young voters were the most engaged in this season's primaries than in the last 20 years. This engagement was largely attributed to Sander's participation in the race- he caused people to come out in large force who would not normally politically participate.
People are unhappy with the candidates. People will be unhappy with the results of the election. This election has been dubbed by many the worst in recent American history. Without a doubt, it has been unusual.
Though this oddity seems like a bad thing now in 2016, it holds hope for the future of elections. It holds hope that maybe more than career politicians could be president. Maybe more than old, white, father figures can lead the country.
I am disappointed in the choices the country has given me to vote for- but I am not disappointed in the willingness of America to let non-traditional candidates into the system. America still has a long way to go. People do not need to be satisfied with the options presented to them. They have it in their power to pick candidates that represent them and their beliefs.
The participation of the youth and the diversity of the candidates gives me hope. The fact that the youth came out in numbers with support and made their voice heard means that politicians will have to respect their opinions. People can make choices, make an impact, and completely upset historical politics.
This year was a hurricane of events and scandals. The storm is nearing over, and it's time for Americans to pick up the disaster. The good news is people can rebuild however they see fit.
2016 may have been one of the most chaotic elections in recent history, but it presents a world of possibility for the future.
