The Presidential Election of 2016
The United States presidential election of 2016 was one of the most contentious and divisive in American history. The race pitted Republican nominee Donald Trump against Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton in a battle for the White House. Trump emerged as the victor, shocking many political analysts and pundits who had predicted a Clinton victory.
The Electoral Map
One of the most talked-about aspects of the 2016 election was the electoral map. The United States uses an electoral college system to elect its presidents, which means that the candidate who wins the most electoral votes (as opposed to the popular vote) becomes president. The map of the United States is divided into 50 states, each of which has a certain number of electoral votes based on its population. In the 2016 election, Donald Trump won 306 electoral votes, while Hillary Clinton won 227.
The Swing States
Throughout the campaign, the focus was on a handful of states that were considered “swing” states. These were states that could go either way in the election, and were seen as critical to the outcome. Some of the most hotly-contested swing states in the 2016 election included Florida, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. Trump ultimately won all three of these states, helping to secure his victory.
The Results
On election night, as the results started to come in, it quickly became clear that Trump was performing better than expected. He won a number of key states early on, and by the end of the night, it was clear that he had secured enough electoral votes to become the next president of the United States. Many people were surprised by the results, as most polls had predicted a Clinton victory. In the end, Trump won the election with 304 electoral votes to Clinton’s 227.
What Were the Key Issues?
There were a number of key issues that dominated the 2016 election. These included:
The Economy
Both candidates talked extensively about the economy, with Trump promising to bring back jobs to America and Clinton emphasizing her plans for economic growth and job creation.
Immigration
Immigration was also a major issue in the election, with Trump calling for stricter immigration policies and a wall along the Mexican border, and Clinton advocating for comprehensive immigration reform.
Healthcare
Healthcare was another key issue, with Clinton supporting the Affordable Care Act (also known as Obamacare) and Trump promising to repeal and replace it.
What Did People Think?
The 2016 election was incredibly divisive, with both candidates inspiring strong feelings in their supporters and detractors. Many people were surprised and upset by the results, while others were thrilled.
What Did Trump Supporters Think?
Trump supporters were thrilled with the results of the election, seeing it as a victory for change and a repudiation of the political establishment. They praised Trump for his promises to bring back jobs and shake up Washington.
What Did Clinton Supporters Think?
Clinton supporters were devastated by the loss, and many were angry at what they saw as a flawed electoral system. They criticized Trump for his divisive rhetoric and his lack of experience, and worried about what his presidency would mean for the country.
What Happened Next?
The election of 2016 had major implications for American politics and society. Trump’s presidency has been marked by controversy, with many people criticizing his policies and his behavior. The 2020 election saw Trump running for re-election, but he ultimately lost to Democratic nominee Joe Biden. The election was once again hotly contested, with Biden winning a number of key swing states to secure his victory. The 2016 election will go down in history as one of the most dramatic and divisive in American history, and its legacy will be felt for years to come.