There is no doubt that this political race has been more awkward and uncomfortable then a bad first date. With what may go down in history as the biggest joke of an election since the founding of America, we all wait anxiously to discover our fate as a country. Being that this is the first time that I will vote in a presidential election, I have been doing a fair amount of research trying to determine which candidate will best represent my interests. Unfortunately, watching debates between Clinton and Trump was more like watching a rap battle, as the two opponents spent much of their time trying to drop the biggest burn on the other. So I took to the web in hopes of finding better information, only to be bombarded by information about Hillary's email scandal and how Donald is going to build a wall high enough that even his ego might not be able to get over it. Sure these traits are pretty distasteful, but I couldn't help but think there had to be something, even just one thing about these two that made me feel confident in their ability to lead this great country. So after a great deal of evaluation here are four traits that I have found that make me feel a little better about the upcoming election.
Donald Trump
1. Confidence
Yes, I know he may be the most arrogant man to ever walk in front of a television camera, but when tasked with leading the most powerful nation in the world you can't help but appreciate the confidence which he presents. When he talks about his proposals he makes you want to believe him. Sure building a wall is an awful idea but its nice to know he is willing to stand up for what he believes in.
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2. Non-conforming
It was fun being able to see someone come into the seemingly closed political world and shake things up a bit. He didn't let special interest groups or even the republican party itself change the ideas he has for this country.
3. No political background
This is both a good and a bad thing. I think a mind like his can bring fresh ideas to the table. We have already seen that Trump is anything but a traditional politician and I think it could be a nice change of pace to the political establishment.
4. Anything-is-possible attitude
Donald has been in business for a very long time. He has had some great successes and some tragic failures. Though it all, I think it has strengthened him to be able to handle the challenges presented in the white house. Not only that, but with business ventures throughout the world I think he has had some great experience in working with other countries with different regulations and policies.
Hillary Clinton
1. Resilient
Between multiple setbacks involving the Benghazi scandal and her illegal email server, I can't help but be amazed at her ability to get back into the fight. With insults raining down on her from Donald I have to give her credit for always coming back for more.
2. Experience
Boasting of having over 35 years of experience in political office, I would like to think she has taken a thing or two away from it. Sometimes leaning from your mistakes is the best way to enhance your ability to lead effectively and overcome future challenges. Being in the political game for so long, I have a level of respect for the knowledge she has gained.
3. She knows what she wants
Hillary's campaign seems to have stayed true to its message for the duration on this election. Unlike Trump, she tends to be very straight forward with what her goals and agenda are so I know what I'm getting when I vote, which is definitely a plus.
4. She knows where to draw the line
Making people hate you is not the best strategy when you are trying to win the presidency. Unfortunately, Trump has been caught making fun of a large number of people. Anywhere from the disabled, to Mexicans, and a number of women, Trump does not seem to know where to draw the line and just keep his mouth shut. I think Hillary is a more likable candidate for the majority of voters because she knows how to connect to a wide audience, not just a select few.
Through my research I have gotten closer to finding the candidate that I will be voting for on Tuesday. It has been a tough decision and one in which I wish was more clear cut. I was pleased to see that in my eyes, both Clinton and Trump have a few redeeming qualities. Will these qualities be enough to allow me to see past the mess this election has been? I think only time will tell.
