‘VOTE For The One You Dislike Least’ laments the headline of the New York Post. This popular tabloid pretty much sums up the mood of the nation in the United States. The election campaign has been bitter, nasty and personal. People on the streets aren’t excited about voting.
Donald Trump’s mass appeal has been to the largely white, disenfranchised population who have been hardest hit from the global economic collapse in 2008. Many of these Americans have not been a part of the economic recovery. They want jobs and stability most of all. But Trump’s colourful language has alienated many key voting groups — many Muslims, Mexican-Americans, and women who have found themselves offended about his portrayal of them.
However, Hillary Clinton represents more of the same and many Americans are sick of the status quo. Her message of ‘Stronger Together’ has appeal and has seen a surge of Latino voters backing her, but the email scandal, FBI investigation and accusations of corruption by Trump have painted her as a woman out for her own gains. That has left many voters unwilling to trust her.
This election campaign comes as a stark contrast to the national optimism that seemed infectious during President Barack Obama’s campaigns when he sailed into office on the promise of hope and change. Then it was an outward looking, excited America but now the country seems more reflective, nervous and inward focused.
No matter who wins the election he or she must lead a deeply divided nation that seems split down the middle. The toxic campaign rhetoric has entrenched political positions and it’s difficult to see how the next American President can unite the country once more.
PREDICTION
As Americans queue up to elect their next President, a famed fish ‘Chanakya’ in India predicted Republican candidate Donald Trump will be elected to the top post.
‘Chanakya’, a floran variety fish swimming in a large fish tank, hit a floating picture of Trump in its only attempt.
