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Political Science

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Dec 6, 2023

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docx

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Analysis of the 2016 United States Election Based on an Understanding of Insurgent vs. Clarifying Candidates Student Name Institution Name Course Code: Course Name Professor Name September 6, 2023

Analysis of the 2016 United States Election Based on an Understanding of Insurgent vs. Clarifying Candidates The 2016 presidential election between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton was a defining moment in American politics. According to Vavreck's (2009) theory, Trump was the insurgent candidate, while Clinton was the clarifying candidate. This theory suggests that the insurgent candidate is the one who is disadvantaged by the economic conditions but can overcome this disadvantage by running the right campaign. In contrast, the clarifying candidate is the one who is favored by the economic conditions and focuses on emphasizing those conditions during the campaign (Vavreck, 2009). During the election, the U.S. economy was still recovering from the 2008 financial crisis, and many voters were feeling the effects of economic stagnation and job losses. Trump capitalized on this dissatisfaction by running a campaign focused on economic nationalism, promising to bring back jobs and revitalize the economy (Kurtzleben, 2016). Clinton, on the other hand, emphasized her experience and the continuation of the economic policies of the Obama administration, which were slowly improving the economy (Kurtzleben, 2016). Ultimately, Trump's insurgent campaign successfully resonated with voters who were dissatisfied with the economic conditions, leading to his victory in the 2016 presidential election. Against this backdrop, this essay will explore the economic factors that contributed to Trump's victory and the implications of his presidency on the U.S. economy. Campaign Analysis Campaign Rhetoric and Messaging Donald Trump's campaign was characterized by a populist and unconventional rhetoric that resonated with many disaffected voters. His messages were often delivered in a

straightforward and provocative manner. He positioned himself as an outsider, railing against the "establishment" and promising to “Make America Great Again” (Petitt, 2019). Trump's speeches and ads were filled with memorable catchphrases, such as “Build the Wall"” and “America First”, each of which tapped into the anxieties and frustrations of a significant portion of the electorate (Petitt, 2019). In his speeches and campaign events, Trump frequently discussed issues related to immigration, national security, and the decline of American manufacturing. He used fiery language to address these concerns, promising to crack down on illegal immigration and renegotiate trade deals to protect American jobs (Miao, 2020). Social media played a pivotal role in Trump's campaign, allowing him to communicate directly with his supporters and disseminate his unfiltered messages, often in a more confrontational and untraditional manner (Petitt, 2019). In contrast, Hillary Clinton's campaign was more conventional and measured in its rhetoric. She emphasized her extensive political experience, often presenting herself as the steady and knowledgeable choice for the presidency (Gunawan, 2017). Clinton's messaging revolved around themes of unity, inclusivity, and progress. Her slogan, "Stronger Together," underscored her commitment to bringing Americans together to address the country's challenges (Gunawan, 2017). Throughout her campaign, Hillary Clinton addressed a wide range of issues, including healthcare, climate change, and gun control. She advocated for comprehensive immigration reform and stressed the importance of diversity and tolerance. Clinton also used social media to connect with her supporters, although her approach was generally more policy-oriented and less combative compared to Trump (Petitt, 2019). Key Issues

One of the central themes in Donald Trump's campaign was immigration, particularly illegal immigration. He argued that it posed a threat to national security and the American economy (Miao, 2020). Trump's promise to "Build the Wall" along the U.S.-Mexico border became a symbol of his commitment to border security. He also called for a temporary ban on Muslim immigration to the United States, citing concerns about terrorism (Miao, 2020). Economic issues were also prominent in Trump's campaign. He highlighted the decline of American manufacturing jobs and the negative impact of international trade agreements on the U.S. economy. Trump's commitment to renegotiating trade deals, such as NAFTA and the Trans- Pacific Partnership (TPP), resonated with voters in regions that had experienced economic downturns (Kurtzleben, 2016). Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton's campaign placed a strong emphasis on healthcare reform. She advocated for building upon the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and expanding access to healthcare for all Americans (Carroll, 2016). Clinton's approach was rooted in the belief that access to affordable healthcare was a fundamental right and a cornerstone of a just society. Climate change was another major issue in Clinton's campaign. She stressed the importance of addressing environmental challenges and investing in clean energy (Carroll, 2016). Clinton's position on climate change aligned with the scientific consensus, and she framed it as a global issue that required international cooperation (Carroll, 2016). Treatment of the Economy Donald Trump's economic perspective during the 2016 campaign was characterized by a pro-business and deregulatory stance. He argued that excessive government regulations were stifling economic growth and promised to roll back regulations in various sectors, including finance and energy (Flitter, 2015). Trump also proposed tax cuts for both individuals and

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