Why Did Democrats Lose in 2016?
The biggest theory is that voters wanted change. Hillary Clinton was very familiar and an extension of President Obama, while Trump was different, saying many things to please many people. Many of the things he said were contradictory and often untrue, but that did not seem to matter to 60 million or so voters. So on one level, almost half the voters wanted some kind of change—that is not debatable. But why? Why were they willing to bet the ranch on a candidate with some of the most blatant flaws and inappropriate behavior of any presidential candidate in our lifetime?
Hillary was a poor candidate. Although she is experienced, intelligent and operates from a set of principles that I respect, she has a low likability ranking. People find it easy not to trust her even when compared to Donald Trump who is a proven con artist.
Hillary should have overwhelmingly taken a clear majority of women’s votes, Hispanic votes, African American votes, LGBT, and Muslims.
There was nothing unanticipated in this first disturbing week of the Trump administration. It will not get better. Americans should therefore steel themselves, and hold their representatives to account. Those in a position to take a stand should do so, and those who are not should lay the groundwork for a better day. There is nothing great about the America that Trump thinks he is going to make; but in the end, it is the greatness of America that will stop him.
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