In less than 150 days, millions of citizens across America will cast their vote for a new President of the United States. The 2016 Election has excited a populist revolution against the political establishment, from Bernie Sanders on the left to Donald Trump on the right. This election started with dozens of candidates. But, with Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump informally clinching their respective nominations, the American people face a critical decision during a critical time.
These two candidates are historically unfavorable, but it is highly probable that one of them will be our next commander in chief. Below are the strengths and weaknesses of both Clinton and Trump, as well as the necessary actions each will need to take in order to win the presidency in November.
Hillary Clinton: Presumptive Democratic Nominee
Strength: Governmental Experience
Clinton served as a former First Lady, Senator and Secretary of State, making her one of the most qualified presidential nominees in history.
Strength: Foreign Policy; International Relations
As First Lady, Clinton met with many international leaders. When she became the 67th Secretary of State, that role continued.
Strength: Diverse Support
The key for a Clinton victory is to repeat the Obama Coalition from 2008 and 2012 (Educated whites, women and minorities). Current polls show Clinton leading women, African Americans and Hispanics against Trump
Weakness: Disconnect From Ordinary Americans
Viewed as elitist, Clinton has been a public figure since the 90s. While name recognition helped her during the primaries, her disconnect from the struggles of everyday Americans could be a serious liability.
Weakness: Failure After Failure
From Benghazi to her email scandal, many Clinton opponents argue that while she has experience in politics, that experience hurt the nation she served.
What does Clinton need to do in order to win?
Make Bernie Sanders the running mate. Sanders brings in the millennial vote, which is now the largest voting block in the country.
Hold down the Rust Belt region (Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota). In these states, convince blue-collar white voters that the Democratic Party still represents them.
Minority support. In swing states like Nevada, Colorado, and Florida, winning the Hispanic vote will continue the Democratic victories seen in 2008 and 2012.
If she achieves these goals, Hillary Clinton will be our 45th President.
Possible Electoral Maps: Variations of what a Clinton success could look like on the Electoral College map, ranging from landslide victory to close win.
Donald Trump: Presumptive Republican Nominee
Strength: Populist Appeal
He tells it like it is, and with government approval ratings hitting record lows, people want a president that represents them. Trump's simple yet passionate expressions completely contrast Clinton's prepared, articulate speeches.
Strength: Economy
The economy is stagnant at best, with the stock market failing to hit record highs in over a year. If the economy worsens, voters may look at Trump's business experience as a potential asset.
Strength: Confidence
Scandal after scandal, slur after slur, Trump refuses to offer the slightest apology for any of his actions in the past year. While he is by no means the perfect candidate, Trump's "never back down" attitude gave him the Republican nomination, and might even give him the presidency.
Weakness: Temperament
His passion and confidence, however, could hurt him when dealing with serious issues both domestic and abroad. The presidency is not a dictatorship, meaning Trump will have to compromise and cooperate with many people.
Weakness: Inexperience
Even if his real estate business gives him economic credentials, Trump completely lacks foreign policy experience.
What does Trump need to do in order to win?
Pick a VP whose have governmental experience, particularly in foreign policy. Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice would be the best pick, but South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley or New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez would also be great choices. In order to unite Republicans, choosing an establishment politician is imperative, albeit very difficult.
Develop a calmer, cooler demeanor (at times). Passion and excitement is a strength and weakness for Trump. Be passionate, but also be presidential.
Win over blue-collar Democrats. Mentioned earlier, the Rust Belt states could easily determine this election. States like Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Michigan had large manufacturing sectors that employed poor white Americans, until free trade and a dilapidated economy took those jobs away. To win, Trump needs to win in the Rust Belt.
Win over minority voters. While winning a majority of African American or Hispanic voters is highly improbable, affirming that "Make America Great Again" refers to helping all Americans achieve prosperity, including minorities, cannot hurt.
If he achieves these goals, Donald Trump will be our 45th President.
Possible Electoral Maps: Variations of what a Trump success could look like on the Electoral College map, ranging from landslide victory to close win.
Many say this election is over, and that Clinton will easily become our next president in a landslide victory come November. But democracy, and this 2016 Election, have proven and will most likely prove again that the United States is anything but predictable.
