Pathway To The Presidency | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Pathway To The Presidency

What each candidate needs to do in order to win this November.

16
Pathway To The Presidency
CNN

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.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

189739
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

14612
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

457608
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26496
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments