The 2016 presidential election process has been absolutely historic. In more ways than one, future generations will look upon this election as completely rare and unique. We have two of the most unpopular and mistrusted candidates running for president in many years. In current polls, only about 36% of Americans find both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump trustworthy. But, I think we all know what is really setting this election apart from all the others is notorious billionaire and reality TV star Donald Trump's campaign strategies.
Donald Trump has definitely been unique to say the least in terms of how he has handled his campaign. He has only been in politics for a little over a year now, but there's no question that he has turned the conventional politician's style upside-down. We are used to seeing our politicians buttoned-up and well spoken. We expect them to be extremely polished and politically correct. Donald Trump is completely the opposite, he's blunt, he says whatever is on his mind and he is certainly not afraid to go on the attack to defend himself and what he believes in.
A lot of those qualities are what appeal to millions of Americans. There is no question that over the past three presidential terms, George W Bush's last term from 2004-2008 and Barack Obama's last eight years at the helm have been bleak for many. The American people are sick of being lied to, sick of sugar-coating and beating around the bush and they want our country's problems to be dealt with in a strong way. Donald Trump running as the "anti-politician" has certainly made people believe that their vision for America can become reality. But, I will argue that Donald Trump's inability to be a politician will cost him the Oval Office.
The fact of the matter is that right now Donald Trump is drowning in the polls and only 70% of Republican voters are behind him. He is losing momentum on a daily basis and is struggling to recover. Only a fool would question Donald Trump's intelligence, but his inability to filter has become his biggest vice. Donald Trump's defensive nature has caused him to put his foot in his mouth too many times, he was more focused on attacking the Khan Family and everyone else he felt slighted by rather than Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. In order to win this election, he needs to start letting things roll off his back and focus on substance in strategy. Being bold and brash won Donald Trump the primaries by a landslide, but the general election is a different ballgame. It's time for him to button-up, stay on message, and be more political, otherwise, he will lose badly.