A common adage surrounding the American presidential election is to make a choice between the “lesser of two evils.” That notion has become so ingrained in American society that it should be no shock to understand why US politics have become increasingly bitter over the past few years and especially now in 2016.
Brace yourself, but Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump are not perfect beings. Both have made mistakes and continue to do so now. As is the same with every presidential election in recent history, both candidates have made it a significant goal to point out and exploit the other’s perceived weaknesses to show why they are more fit to lead the country over their rival. Clinton has been at the brunt end of her own email scandal while Trump has been under fire following numerous scandals revolving around certain comments he’s made in recent months.
It's only human to feel angry, disgusted, or even amused by Clinton’s and Trump’s follies. I’ve certainly felt all of those during the 2016 election year. But there’s something that’s worried me about my own reactions and the backlash online and in the society. The idea that choosing the next holder of the most powerful office in the country, and quite possibly the world, is a choice between the lesser of two evils is inherently deadly to the relationship between the government and the American people. Two evils? If that is the case, then a devil is always holding his/her finger on the nuclear launch button, speaking on the state of the nation, and representing the US to the rest of the world. I don’t agree with that idea.
Surrendering to the idea that your vote is a vote between two evils belittles the status of the presidency. No matter who is holding the office, mistrust and apprehension will always be hanging over their perception in the public eye. No wonder so many people are fed up with the government. Too many Americans want their president to be a perfect match for them and their needs, but that is obviously impossible. Unfortunately, instead of finding compromise and common ground in this election has not been the priority, and the American people have been presented with two radically different choices. The most important thing to note is that neither Clinton or Trump are evil. Sure, you may not agree with them and may find some of their policies or actions different than what you want, but that does not make them evil. Adolf Hitler was evil. Kim Il-Sung was evil. Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton are not evil. They are flawed. Aren’t we all?
Instead of looking at the election as a choice between two evils, consider looking at it as a choice between who will do more to benefit the United States. Doesn’t that simply sound better? Progress should always be the focus of the electorate and voters should weigh their candidates on who will do more for their country.
Looking at the 2016 presidential election through a lens of progress rather than an impossible choice also lend to an understanding on both sides. Instead of falling into a pitfall of polarization on both sides, whether wholeheartedly against Trump or staunchly opposed to Clinton, voters are able to identify the individual positions they like best. Some might find more commonalities with Trump’s platform, while others may be more in line with Clinton.
Voting strictly based on party line is counterproductive to American democracy. This country was created as a place to foster freedom and debate, not to serve as a petri dish for increasingly opposing forces. You may agree with some things Clinton has to say but are drawn to more that Trump has to say. That is ultimately what should decide a vote, in my opinion.
I don’t support Trump because what I’ve seen draws me to conclude he will not be a successful leader of this country. His stances, mainly on foreign relations, appear to me to be counterproductive and dangerous to American standing on the world stage. That position is mine personally, and everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I don't support him because I don't find myself in line with what he has been saying about how he will run the country. I don't support him because of his temperament and apparent lack of judgment and experience. Clinton has both experience and judgment necessary for the office. Those who are willing to overlook Trump's failures should be able to look past Clinton's. They both have dark spots in their history but focusing on those instead of how they will be able to better our country is vastly more important.
