Stephen Collinson, CNN: The hubris of the 2016 candidates
Washington (CNN)Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump are better at beating themselves than each other.
They're not just the most unpopular presidential nominees in recent memory: In the epic drama of the 2016 election, they're also tarnished heroes who are perpetually humbled by their own self-defeating flaws.
The rivals, playing out their tragicomic duel on the grandest electoral stage, are like two Shakespearean protagonists falling prey to hubris, the excessive pride that can make a politician believe the rules that govern normal mortals do not apply to them.
Clinton's penchant for secrecy and distaste for disclosure have been the common theme in the deepest morasses of her long political career. Trump's overwhelming ego and self-obsession are at the root of the most damaging controversies that have raged around his wild presidential campaign.
And only one can survive. Within 10 days, the loser will see their hopes destroyed and partly have themselves to blame. The winner will go on to a presidency that at least in part will entail a battle against their fatal flaws.
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WNU Editor: I am surprised by this CNN post. It is a balanced critique, and Stephen Collinson's explanation on why their personalities are so divisive is a must read. As to what is my prediction for the election .... I mentioned more than once that this is an election for Hillary Clinton to lose. As of tonight .... she is on the defensive, and I have trouble seeing her getting the same numbers that President Obama was able to get out to vote for him when he ran in 2012. Bottom line .... if she is going to win it will be because many Republicans decided to stay home .... which may happen if a new scandal/allegation/or past Trump remark surfaces from now to election day. But if not .... and Republicans do go to the polls in the same numbers as they did in 2012 .... coupled with the lack of enthusiasm that some Democrats have for Hillary Clinton .... this election is up for grabs.
There are very few political signs along the roadways this year. Of those, I have only seen one for Hillary (albeit this is a heavily republican area). The sense I'm picking up talking to folks of all sides is that there is no real enthusiasm for either candidate. But what enthusiasm there is is for Trump and that from the working class people. Tis an odd year and America is so screwed no matter which candidate (including any of the third parties) wins.
ReplyDeleteAmerica is so screwed because of the candidate who was chosen eight years ago.
ReplyDelete