By Sophia Chen ’20, Staff Writer

With all of the negative campaign messages seen throughout the general election, people are voting based on who they believe is the lesser of two evils rather than voting for the candidate who will best lead this country. The 2016 Presidential Election is currently a stain on this great country.

The negative banter between Trump and Clinton during the political debates overshadows the important political issues that need to be addressed. Our country is a machine powered by new ideas and beliefs. However, Trump and Clinton’s negative campaigning blocks opportunities to introduce any new ideas and focus on important issues. During the debates, Trump raises the issues of Clinton’s private email server while Secretary of State, and Clinton questions Trump’s refusal to release his tax returns.

Although it is easier to lead a campaign solely focused on the negatives of one’s opponent, it is so harmful for the country’s voters. As a result of Trump and Clinton’s negative talk, voters have to navigate through murky and unclear language in order to grasp a complete idea of each candidate’s policies. Ruitao Chen ’20 says, “The candidates are focused on attacking each other, not our country. Trump and Clinton should focus on positive issues for growth rather than attacking each other.”

One important issue that needs to be addressed is health care. Clinton proposes expanding the Affordable Care Act while Trump offers to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act with Health Savings Accounts. During the brief discussion about the potential face of the Affordable Care Act, Donald Trump criticizes Obama as opposed to providing his own solution: “Obama care is a disaster. You know it. We all know it. It’s going up at numbers that nobody’s ever seen worldwide. Nobody’s ever seen numbers like this for health care.” Donald Trump’s goal in his messages is to build the fear of the voter community. Although it may communicate his ideas, it’s ineffective and does not benefit the voter community. Trump and Clinton should focus on how to further our country rather than emphasizing negative points.

Reiterating the flaws of a negative campaign, Sophia Emanuel ’20 says, “Trump and Clinton are promoting bad behaviors. Young children learn from their environment and Trump and Clinton are being bad role models for our nation’s children.” Younger people watching the debate could develop the perception that Trump and Clinton’s behavior and language is acceptable and then repeat this objectionable behavior in school and at home. 

The President of the United States is supposed to be a role model. Yet the presidential candidates bicker and point fingers like children. Like a stubborn kid, Trump is desperate for a reason to explain why he’s losing, and so he claims that the election is rigged. He neglects to accept any possibility that it could be his fault. This is dangerous.

It is crucial that we try to understand the policy issues that are being addressed in these campaigns. Navigating the heated exchange between Trump and Clinton is difficult but can and must be accomplished through a good education on political issues. As students, we need to maintain an active role in the presidential election by educating ourselves, focusing on the candidates’ platforms and looking beyond the negative messages.