Was Trump's Victory a Reflection of Democratic Repudiation or Simmering Discontent with the Political System?

An Overview of the 2016 US Presidential Election

In the 2016 US Presidential Election, the reasons behind individual voting decisions were multifaceted. Some voters backed Donald Trump due to his policies and campaign promises, while others embraced his outsider status and anti-establishment rhetoric. However, a significant number of individuals voted for Trump in response to their opposition to Hillary Clinton, whether it was due to her political beliefs, personal history, or perceived dishonesty.

Critique of Voting Patterns

One notable voter, expressing their disillusionment, stated, 'I literally voted against both of them. I did not vote for Gary Johnson because I liked him. My primary reason for voting for him was to avoid voting for a candidate who says one thing to gain my support and another to gain support from someone who disagrees with me. I also could not support a candidate with no political experience and a history of lying, cheating, or benefiting from everyone they meet.' This critique highlights the complex nature of individual voting decisions and the sentiment of apathy or opposition towards both major candidates.

The Hillary Effect: Democratic Turnout Suppression

Some argue that the Hillary Clinton effect was critical in suppressing Democratic turnout. Clinton was not just disliked but was exceptionally disliked, making it unlikely for many normally Democratic voters to turn out to support her. The perception was that even Trump could have been steered into something sane by the enormity of the presidential office. However, this sentiment might change as Republicans consider the potential reelection of Trump, especially given the growing anti-Trump base.

Economic and Political Backlash Against the Clinton Family

Going beyond mere dislike, the Clinton family's economic success and alleged involvement in unethical practices have also fueled voter sentiment. Mark Poulson, a voter from Idaho, stated, 'The Clintons, worth millions from book sales and speeches, are beyond Republican dirty tricks. Trump, however, had to borrow from Russian oligarchs; he needed money to keep his head above water despite his potential to obtain funds in the White House. Trump also managed to raise 250 million dollars to fund election deniers for offices where they could ensure Trump’s win in the next election. This economic and political context adds another layer to the 2016 election outcome.'

Moreover, the Clinton campaign's strategies, particularly the use of Russian operatives, social media campaigns, and the controversial debate spectacle, have added complexity to the debate. Russian operatives posted 50 million negative messages against Hillary Clinton on American social media, which likely swayed the public opinion, as it’s easy for American men to find faults with any female, as Trump himself seemed to tacitly acknowledge.

Fraud Allegations and Electoral College Disputes

The aftermath of the election brought further controversy. Fake Electoral College ballots surfaced, listing Trump as the winner in states that Joe Biden actually won. This has raised suspicions about potential fraud and the integrity of the electoral process. These allegations highlight the underlying distrust and concerns about the electorship process and widen the divide within American society. While no solid evidence has been provided to confirm these allegations, they have fueled the debate and reinforced the notion of a rigged system.