Deception Perception & Politics

We all agree that this election is unlike any other. The most qualified woman possible, who’s overshadowed by her constant stigma of dishonesty and poor health, is running against an impulsive businessman, who speaks his mind and redefines political etiquette. The two share virtually nothing in common, except for old age (Clinton, 68 and Trump, 70). So what is it about this election that has so many voters stuck in the middle, unsure who to support. In my opinion the answer is simple, emotion.

More than ever before, perception is reality. What I mean is that certain issues and statements can be repeatedly engrained into voters’ heads through social media and other news outlets regardless of the importance or accuracy. For example, a select committee has been created solely to investigate Clinton’s alleged emails to Benghazi. This committee has spent 873 days investigating (longer than the investigations of Pearl Harbor, the Kennedy assassination, Iran Contra and Hurricane Katrina) and approximately $8,089,705.56 (and counting) U.S. taxpayer dollars and according to askedandanswered-democrats.gov, they have found zero evidence to support the accusations. However, Trump and his campaign continue to portray Clinton as untrustworthy and people willingly believe it. In this situation, for instance, Clinton’s innocence or guilt doesn’t matter. What matters is that people will continue to question her loyalty, regardless.

Although some may disagree, Trump is a genius when it comes to perception and/or deception. His rallies are known for being violent because he simply triggers people’s emotions over controversial topics with his sadistic humor, bottomless promises, and loud and aggressive rhetoric. He’s taken over social media in ways that no other candidate has ever done before. It may not seem that important, but it shows that his campaign knows how to reach their publics efficiently and so far, it has drastically affected this election. If you watched the first presidential debate last night, you got a glimpse of Trump’s work. He repeatedly tried to display dominance over Clinton by interrupting and speaking over her. He gave few specifics of solutions or plans for our country, but what he did do was state his general opinions and continuously mentioned Clinton’s past mistakes and failed plans. This was a tactic that once again, played to voters’ emotions.

It’s become a matter of fear. It’s troubling and frightening to think the driving force that's bringing voters to the polls in the 2016 election is a matter of whom we fear more, but it couldn’t be truer. You either support Trump and his deceptions have left you terrified of Hilary Clinton. Or, you realize that what's truly terrifying is someone who can so easily manipulate a large majority of the American public.