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Trump v. Clinton: the pitfalls of polarized politics

by Mike Williams Views: 29

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by Vi Burgess, Drew Howerton & Josh Weimer

editor-in-chief, section editor & online editor

According to a schoolwide poll of over 900 students conducted by the Roar, 89% were unsatisfied with the presidential candidates for this election cycle. This dissatisfaction is a direct symptom of the current polarization in American politics.consol-election

“[If Clinton wins], I’m gonna feel really upset, but I think I’ll feel proud that Trump ran,” sophomore Rachel Swartz said. “[Trump] kind of says it how it is, but [Clinton] kind of has to sugarcoat everything and say it’s alright. It’s not alright.”

Like Swartz, many believe one or both of the two major candidates are unfit to be in office.

“Of course, there’s strong support for both candidates, but they both have their flaws, have their vices, so I do believe in the lesser of two evils,” senior Emily Caldwell said.  “I do think that it plays a role, especially in a lot of moderate voters.”

Senior Rachel Lamb believes this ‘lesser of two evils’ mentality to be harmful to the already low voter turnout in America.

“I think that it’s really bad to say that they’re both bad so I just won’t vote. That’s a stupid viewpoint to take and I think it’s not a helpful one,” Lamb said.  “If you think one [candidate] is better than the other, then vote for that one.”

Lamb believes this even during a unique election where both candidates have been widely attacked for their personalities and policies alike.

“I don’t like that concept [of not voting] because I think there is a choice of lesser of two evils; there’s an obvious choice,” Lamb said. “People are like, ‘it’s the lesser of two evils’ but then obviously vote for the lesser of two evils.”

Caldwell will be voting for Hillary Clinton this November despite her moderate views.

“I still believe they can do good if they are the lesser of two evils,” Caldwell said. “Whichever one we consider less detrimental to the future will win.”

drewRegardless, not all students have faith in the other candidate to lead America to prosperity.

“I felt proud to be an American at that point because he was kind of like telling about all of the problems that are occurring in America,” Swartz said. “When I saw Hillary bashing him, it just kind of fell apart for her, because when I hear her speak, I don’t feel proud to be a woman or an American. She just           doesn’t speak for me.”

 

Hear English II/English II Pre-AP teacher Daniel Posey give his thoughts on political discussion in the workplace:

Hear Consol’s students’ voices here:

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