2016 US Presidential Election - a strange election

(Baonghean) - In less than 2 weeks, the American people will go to the polls to choose the new owner of the Oval Office. To have a deeper insight into this important political event not only for the US but also for the future of the world, Nghe An Newspaper interviewed Associate Professor, PhD, Major General Le Van Cuong - Former Director of the Institute of Strategy and Science, Ministry of Public Security.

PV:Dear Major General, what is new and different about this year's US election compared to previous elections?

Major General Le Van Cuong:Presidential elections are a “normal” event that takes place every four years in the United States. However, it must be affirmed that the 2016 election is extremely special, attracting unprecedented attention from the world public. The “strangeness” of this election is reflected in three points.

First, about the two candidates, Mrs. Hillary Clinton is the first woman in 240 years of American history to run for the presidency. There have been a number of women who have run for the White House before, but the highest position was as Vice President with other candidates.

Looking back at the 44 US presidents, most of them participated in politics, 26 of them had experience practicing law. The others, no matter what their profession, had political experience and had a national reputation. For example, former President Ronald Reagan, although he was a Hollywood actor, had time as a state governor, then a congressman, federal minister, federal supreme court judge, etc.

Donald Trump - a billionaire in the real estate sector but a "newcomer" in American politics.

Two candidates running for US President Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. Photo: Internet.

Another special point is that both candidates this year have “black spots”. Hillary Clinton has faced public criticism for her personal email scandal while serving as Secretary of State, her responsibility in the attack in Benghazi, Libya, her husband’s extramarital affairs, etc.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump's lack of political experience, his rudeness, his insulting statements towards other candidates during his campaign, and his disparaging comments towards immigrants, women, etc. are also "unprecedented" in the history of US elections.

The tape released on October 7 also revealed that 11 years ago, Trump bragged about sexually abusing women, claiming that he was allowed to do so because he was a star!? If you follow many politicians from many countries, if you compare, perhaps no one has ever made such shocking and offensive statements.

Finally, through the last 3 live debates, more than 320 million people and 100 million American voters were not satisfied when instead of debating action programs, domestic and foreign policies, economics, security, etc., the candidates spent time attacking and insulting each other.

It can be said that American voters have never been so disappointed with presidential candidates, and somewhere there are still skeptical opinions about the direction of maintaining the world's leading position under the new President.

PV:Why are there the above characteristics, Major General?

Major General Le Van Cuong:Looking deeply into the elite as well as the common class of America, it can be said that what is happening shows that this country is going through a comprehensive crisis. Since the Great Depression of 1929 - 1933, America has experienced 7 recessions and economic crises, but the previous 6 crises only lasted 2-3 years before America entered a new development cycle.

The current crisis started in 2008, but has only just emerged from the bottom of the crisis, the economy is unstable. This has led to an uncertain social security, a deep divide between rich and poor (1% of the rich hold 60% of the total assets of the US).

In such a context, the political crisis within the parties is also evident, for example, the Republican Party's choice of Donald Trump as its candidate also shows the division within this party. The Democratic Party, although at a lesser level, is also in crisis. This is even becoming more serious, as Americans increasingly lose faith in the traditional political elite.

The Great Crisis of Confidence is the source of the emergence of the “phenomenon” Donald Trump, and Hillary Clinton. Although there are less than 2 weeks to go until the election, there are factors that can change this trend.

PV:Public opinion is currently leaning towards predicting that Mrs. Hillary Clinton will win the election. What is your opinion on this possibility?

Major General Le Van Cuong:Although the American people are not really satisfied with the two candidates, on November 8, exercising their citizenship rights and obeying the law, the majority of American voters will still go to the polls. If there are no special events, I think the probability of Clinton and Trump winning is 60% and 40% respectively.

However, it is not impossible that two factors could suddenly appear and change the current situation. In other words, although fragile, there is still a chance for Trump. It could be that Mr. Trump's statements and campaign actions are enough to attract hesitant voters and turn the tide.

In addition, if in the final stage, the US unfortunately encounters an unexpected incident such as terrorism, it will certainly affect the psychology of American voters. With that assumption, voters may be more inclined to support Donald Trump, because after all, he is a person with a hardline stance, opposing Muslims and immigrants.

In less than 2 weeks, 100 million American voters will go to the polls. Photo: Internet.

PV:Major General, why is the world so interested in the US election?

Major General Le Van Cuong:This is an internal issue of the United States, but they are a superpower in terms of politics, economy, defense - security, etc. If the Federal Reserve (FED) changes interest rates, it could be a move that shakes the entire global economy. The US economy is still the locomotive. The US has more than 200 military bases abroad, surrounding the planet, present on all continents.

Because of its decisive and guiding role in the general development of the world, it is understandable that major events in this country are closely followed by public opinion in other countries.

People are interested in the US election for the same reason, the final result is not only meaningful within the US, but also affects many other areas on a global scale.

The person holding the US President's seat not only leads the entire US, not only solves jobs, takes care of the lives of hundreds of millions of Americans. They also influence all activities of the rest of the world, contributing to shaping the political, economic and security situation of the world.

Therefore, when looking back at 2016, the US election will certainly be one of the most notable keywords, the focus of the international media and public opinion.

PV:Thank you very much, Major General!

Phu Binh

(Perform)