Political Season Continues to Befuddle
Ted Kanavas, President, Michael Best Strategies
T. 608.283.2243
[email protected]
In a political year where the unexpected has become expected and entertainment value seems
more important than policy decisions, perhaps we should replace a crystal ball with a Magic 8
Ball. You remember the Magic 8 Ball, the children's toy where questions could be answered
after you shook the ball up and waited for a response to appear.
So, let's pose some questions to the Magic 8 Ball and see if we can gain some clarity.
Magic 8 Ball, will Hillary Clinton gain momentum from the debates and run away with the
election?
The Magic 8 Ball response, "Don't count on it." Secretary Clinton has not demonstrated the
ability to close out elections. She seems to treat the process more as a coronation than a
competition and in a year where the electorate is decidedly anti-establishment, she is the poster
child for the establishment. The Magic 8 Ball is right, this will be a close election
Will Donald Trump be able to piece together 270 electoral votes to capture the
presidency?
The Magic 8 ball says, “Ask again later." This campaign has been very slow to form. Many
pundits believe that it began in earnest with the first debate, an affair that arguably went to
Clinton on points. Over the course of the next 40 days, people in swing states like Wisconsin,
Ohio, and Florida will need to settle this for the country. One thing is certain, if Trump loses
Florida, he cannot win this election.
My children have been very engaged in this election and not always in a positive way. There is
a deep concern that both candidates have serious flaws.
Magic 8 Ball, are millennials going to get out and vote in November?
And the Magic 8 Ball says, “Outlook not very good." One of President Obama's strengths was
his ability to animate younger voters. We all witnessed the huge rallies at the end of the last two
elections that drove enormous vote totals that helped put him over the top. I can't imagine
anything approximating that this cycle given the bleak opinion of college aged voters about both
candidates.
And finally, would "none of the above" win if it were a ballot choice?
And the Magic 8 ball says, “As I see it, yes." There is no denying that voter interest is high due
to the enormous stakes of this election. But for both candidates, their traditional bases have
lacked energy. People seem to enjoy the back and forth, but it has produced more heat than
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light. My prediction is a close election with the winner's party winning the majority in the U.S.
Senate.
Maybe next time out, we can put away the Magic 8 Ball and choose a more meaningful path for
the country.
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