As a family that strives to remain politically neutral, my partner and I often discuss the merits and drawbacks of our two-party system with our children. We emphasize that it’s possible to agree with both Democrats and Republicans on various issues, highlighting our independent stance. However, this election cycle has shifted focus from party ideologies to the personalities leading them. We’re navigating a landscape cluttered with media bias, exaggerated narratives, and outright misinformation, making it challenging to sift through the noise for the actual facts. It’s frustrating.
My kids are paying attention to the political environment and often wonder why we only have two major candidates. I explain that alternative parties have struggled to build a strong legislative foundation, making third-party presidential runs difficult in our current setup. They’re curious about how Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump emerged as the nominees, and I clarify that many voters lean toward party loyalty irrespective of the individual candidate. They also ask about the sources of information and how biases influence people’s perceptions of truth. I stress the importance of looking for reliable, neutral, and verifiable information when researching candidates.
In my quest for truth, I tend to dismiss highly biased outlets like MSNBC and Fox News, while approaching slightly less biased sources with caution. I often seek original materials, scrutinizing quotes and context before forming opinions. I also cross-check claims with resources such as Politifact and Factcheck.org, which strive for neutrality and fact-based reporting.
Through this investigative process, I find it easier to explain Hillary to my children. I detail her extensive experience—eight years as First Lady, eight as a U.S. Senator, and four as Secretary of State—highlighting that, while I may not always agree with her, her political experience is substantial. They question the intense dislike some hold for her, and I point to partisanship and societal views on women in leadership roles as contributing factors. After researching allegations against her, I conclude that many accusations are exaggerated or baseless.
I explain the events surrounding Benghazi and how multiple investigations have failed to uncover any wrongdoing on her part. I clarify that claims she misled victims’ families lack solid evidence and that her famous remark, “What difference does it make?” has been taken out of context. When they ask why so many investigations occurred without new findings, I acknowledge it’s a valid question.
I also discuss the email server controversy and how it raises questions about her judgment without proving any intentional misconduct, given that keeping email secure can be incredibly challenging. I reassure them that there’s no direct evidence of a breach of her private server, especially when the State Department’s server was hacked.
I explain the accusations regarding the Clinton Foundation, noting that while speculation is common in politics, these claims often lack proof. The Foundation is highly rated by Charity Watch, contrary to claims that only a small percentage of funds are used for charitable work; independent analyses show it’s actually much higher than the industry standard.
While I acknowledge that politicians often stretch the truth or avoid accountability, I emphasize that in our justice system, one is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Despite numerous accusations against Hillary Clinton, none have been substantiated, which raises the question: Is she a master manipulator, or the target of a prolonged smear campaign?
Despite my skepticism towards politicians in general, I find it even harder to explain Donald Trump to my kids. My experience in the medical field has taught me to be cautious of individuals from the business world, and I believe that governing requires a different skill set entirely. Trump has no governmental experience whatsoever, and his assertion that he will hire the best people is troubling, considering his past hires have faced significant controversies.
I can’t fathom how someone who has faced legal action for discrimination and has made inflammatory comments about various groups can claim to represent a nation as diverse as ours. His remarks during speeches, such as threatening physical violence against critics, leave my children bewildered. My daughter even asked, “Why do people like him?” I was at a loss for an answer.
I struggle to explain how a reality TV star with a simplistic communication style is on the verge of leading the free world. I can articulate the mechanics of demagoguery and fear-mongering, but I can’t comprehend why such tactics resonate with many Americans. While I can rationalize the accusations against Hillary, I find it perplexing that many ignore Trump’s numerous and often severe untruths.
In essence, I can provide a well-researched and factual account of Hillary Clinton, but when it comes to Donald Trump, I have nothing but confusion and questions.
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In summary, while I can elucidate the complexities surrounding Hillary Clinton and her political journey, the same clarity eludes me when I attempt to explain Donald Trump’s rise in politics. The stark contrast in how each candidate is perceived, alongside the media narratives surrounding them, complicates the discussion further.