The 2016 Presidential Election and political fever dream is hurtling closer every single day. The twitter wars, conspiracy theories, and volatile rhetoric are all coming to a crescendo as November looms over our calendars. This election has been one unhinged carousel ride from Hell and I'm certain there's still much, much more in store for the United States in these last few weeks. In light of recent polls showing former Secretary of State, Senator, and First Lady Hillary Clinton somehow tied with humanized Annoying Orange and comic book villain Donald Trump in key battleground states, I have decided to produce a list of the top 10 reasons I will not be voting for Donald Trump in November. (Or in any other month, for that matter. I mean, honestly.)
This list took a lot of time and soul searching to complete. Mr. Trump has certainly provided no shortage of material for me to sift through. His comments range from the vulgar to the incoherent while his actions paint him as being not only unapologetic, but unaware of the potential damage his willful ignorance causes. This is a personal opinion. I'm sure that everyone has their own ranking of Trump's worst Greatest Hits, and I would love to know what you all think are the most disqualifying things he has done are!
Without further ado, I present the top 10 reasons I won't be "Making America Great Again" this November!
10. Sir, that's not how you talk about your daughters.
"I've said if Ivanka weren't my daughter, perhaps I'd be dating her." quipped the 2016 Republican nominee in an interview on The View way back in 2006. He was answering a question about Ivanka, his eldest daughter, and whether she'd pose in a magazine.
And what, you may ask, of his younger daughter, Tiffany? Oh don't worry, there's plenty cringe to go around. As it turns out, he managed to creep on his younger girl when she was still a toddler. That's right! The real estate tycoon took an innocent question about the similarities between his year old daughter and her parents and used it to comment on the girl's legs and possible breasts.
9. Local misogynist mansplains why his sexist commentary wasn't misogynistic to a woman he said was upset because she was on her period.
During one of the Republican Presidential Debates, Fox News correspondent and Syracuse University educated journalist, Megyn Kelly asked Trump if he had the temperament necessary to be the most powerful man in the free world, citing the candidate's own quotes calling women he disliked various horrible things. Following the debate, Trump told CNN via phone interview "she had blood coming out of her...wherever." Not-so subtly alluding to Ms. Kelly being on her period. He later tweeted, clarifying he meant blood was coming out of her nose. Because he's a grown man and periods are obviously too icky for him to allude to! Of course, you can watch the debate unfold, where there was no blood to be seen.
8. Punishment for abortions? Yes, this was said in 2016.
Earlier this year, Donald Trump, pro-choice (as of 1999) pro-life champion, was asked his stance on abortion. He eventually fuddled his way through the interview to say that yes, there has to be "some form of punishment" for women who have abortions. No exceptions for birth defect, life of the mother, or financial/mental capacity to care for a child were even mentioned. Mr. Trump, business man and secret OBGYN, obviously knows what's best for women's reproductive rights and is ready to make sure he uses his power as president to make sure silly women know what the correct way to deal with unplanned, dangerous, or unwanted pregnancies is! Thank heavens!
7. Birther of the "Birther" movement
In 2011, Donald Trump actively demanded in a not at all racist way that President of the United States, Barack Obama, release his birth certificate. He even went so far as to hire private investigators to go to Hawai'i and attempt to prove the president was a foreigner hellbent on destroying our country. The president, in all his class and patience, released the long form of his certificate to end the ridiculous speculations. Trump then congratulated himself, presumably for being incorrect. and also a racist
6. Maybe he's born with it, maybe it's Mexico's fault.
Where to even begin with this one. Donald Trump has had a very long and interesting history with his policy on Mexico and illegal immigrants. Most notably, his plan to build a wall that Mexico is totally going to pay for, and his comment that Mexico is sending us drugs and rapists. While he is correct illegal immigration hurts the American job market, he seems to forget his own past of employing illegal workers and models.
5. For someone who likes to use his freedom 4.of speech, he certainly doesn't like it when other people do the same.
If you were to ask a Trump fan what they liked about the candidate, they would likely mention his candid nature, his constant drive to "say it like it is" and speak his mind. However, when your opinions regularly disrespect the existence of minorities, women, and anyone who thinks you're unfit to lead much of anything, you should be prepared for criticism. Of course, the Donald doesn't handle that well at all. He even stated he will "open up the libel laws" so that reporters and bloggers who question and print negative commentary on him can be sued and he can "win lots of money". I mentioned this in my last article but it remains true, and overtly terrifying.
4. He could shoot someone in the middle of 5th avenue... and we'd all be surprised the gun fit in his tiny hand.
It should go without saying that a president shouldn't be joking about murdering some innocent bystander just to make a point about the radical devotion of his fan club. Not only that, but he's mentioned punching protesters (who are acting within their constitutional rights), and even stealing their jackets and throwing them out in the cold. This shouldn't be a revolutionary concept. Murder, assault, battery, and theft are all just as illegal no matter how many fabulously profitable buildings your name defaces.
3. He likes people who didn't get caught. They're on his BFF list right next to the poorly educated and David Duke.
Now we're getting to some of the most disgusting and inhumane things that should bar this man from ever stepping foot near the Oval Office. Earlier this year, Trump commented that POW and U.S. Senator, John McCain was somehow less of a hero because he was captured while serving in Vietnam. This was, of course, during the same war Trump was drafted to join 5 timesand still managed to avoid. This one really hits home for me, a proud Army Brat born to two dedicated United States soldiers. This man, who is now claiming he's the healthiest person to run for president, dodged the draft but still holds that his boarding school was practically equal to military training. He expressed that he does not regret his comments undermining McCain's service and sacrifice.
2. He's worried about Mexico bringing rapists but...
Back when this supporter of traditional marriage was married to his first wife, Ivana, there was a possible accusation of rape. Ivana later walked back her statements against Trump, including one where she admitted he made her feel violated during sex and that he raped her. Trump's lawyer also somehow forgot that "rape" is a part of the phrase "marital rape" and decided it wasn't illegal to force yourself on your spouse. Which is untrue. It's very illegal and if you do it, you should be in prison.
Not horrible enough? How about the current allegation against Trump, claiming that he raped a 13 year-old girl in 1994. The case has been brought before federal court and a trial is set for this October. Though the case has been largely ignored in news media, it still exists and the victim has finally come forward to see justice served.
There is nothing more horrendous than a crime like this. But why isn't it number one on my list?
Well, because there is one inarguable truth that should disqualify Mr. Trump from the presidency. Regardless of personal opinion, the fact remains that Donald J. Trump does not have the governmental experience necessary for the highest office of the most powerful nation in the world. The man lacks any real or deep understanding of the inner workings of the United States government. He likely would not even know the limits of his own executive power. He has already possibly leaked information on his classified security briefings. Trump's own arrogance has blinded him to his own shortcomings. He has provided no detailed policy nor has be proposed any form of compromise or attempt to reach his goal of bettering America through bipartisan efforts. This man is dangerous, if not for his character, then for his ignorance of his own ignorance. That is why I will never be convinced that this man has any capacity to be the President of the United States.