Donald Trump defies experts
As 2016 enters, we see the presidential political campaigns heating up. With this election cycle underway, we are seeing a change in how political campaigns are being fought across the board. Gone are the days of political correctness and civility, and enter the days of direct personal attacks and divisiveness.
The Republican frontrunner, Donald Trump, has been lobbing grenades at anyone who appears to be in his direct line of sight. He has taken the political stage by storm, and he refuses to back down from his brand of politics. Whether you like him or not Trump has defied the political elite by attacking not only his rivals personally, but he has also attacked his own party. His defiant attitude with his brash style and unforgiving words have not been seen in the same way before in politics. Having the financial means to run his campaign on his own terms has made Trump a political force. He is no longer looked at as the candidate whose time is up, but a serious candidate who may eventually receive the Republican nomination for president. Political pundits are at a loss for words to describe the staying power of Donald Trump. Each time Trump has either personally attacked a rival or has made a bold strategy statement the pundits predict his downfall, but Trump seems to defy even the best political minds. Only time will tell if Donald Trump is able to maintain the frontrunner status, but he certainly altered the face of politics for many years to come.
The Democrat frontrunner, Hillary Clinton, has been in the driver’s seat from the very beginning of her campaign. She has gained momentum throughout the months, but her past deeds keep coming up during her campaigning. Polls have indicated that many people have an issue with her trustworthiness – a problem that has followed her for many years. While she has tried to put the past behind her, there are still many people concerned about how she will handle problems if she is in the White House. Only Mrs. Clinton can answer those questions, but at this point in time it appears that the Democrat nomination for president may be hers to win.
The year 2016 will also be known for a record-breaking time for political donations. Even though campaign finance reform is often talked about, money will flow from Super PACs into political campaigns. How this money will influence the political landscape is yet to be determined, but make no mistake money will have an influence on who becomes president of the United States. Big money may have an influence, but the voting public cannot become complacent about the elective process. We can and do make a difference in elections, never forget that.
How the 2016 presidential election will turn out is still anybody’s guess, but the process to get there has certainly been entertaining to say the least. While the presidential campaigns may create moments of laughter and anger at times, make no mistake that our next president will have difficult days along the way. Our founding fathers gave us a nation to care for, and selecting a president is a serious task for all of us. This process of selection has been the mantle piece of our free nation. Please make your voice and your vote heard throughout this great land.
George F. Aul is a resident of Belle Vernon.