The 2016 US Presidential Election - A Strange Election

(Baonghean) - With less than two weeks remaining until Americans vote to elect a new occupant of the Oval Office, Baonghean Newspaper conducted an interview with Associate Professor, Major General Le Van Cuong - former Director of the Institute of Strategy and Science, Ministry of Public Security, to gain a deeper understanding of this important political event, not only for the US but also for the future of the world.

PV:General, what's new and different about this year's US election compared to previous ones?

Major General Le Van Cuong:Presidential elections are a "regular occurrence" every four years in the US. However, it must be said that the 2016 election was exceptionally special, attracting unprecedented attention from the world. The "unusual" nature of this election is evident in three points.

Firstly, regarding the two candidates, Hillary Clinton is the first woman in 240 years of American history to run for president. While some women have previously run for the White House, their highest achievement was running as vice president alongside other candidates.

Looking back at the 44 US presidents, most have been involved in politics, and 26 have had experience practicing law. Others, regardless of their profession, have also had political experience and achieved national renown. For example, former President Ronald Reagan, despite his background as a Hollywood actor, had served as governor, senator, federal minister, and Supreme Court justice, among other roles.

Donald Trump, a real estate billionaire, is a "newcomer" to American politics.

The two candidates vying for the US presidency are Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. Photo: Internet.

Another notable point is that both candidates this year have "dark spots." Hillary Clinton faced public criticism over her personal email scandal while serving as Secretary of State, her responsibility in the Benghazi attack in Libya, and her husband's infidelity, among other issues.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump's lack of political experience, coupled with his rude personality, insulting remarks about other candidates throughout the campaign, and derogatory comments about immigrants and women, were unprecedented in the history of American elections.

The video released on October 7th also revealed that 11 years ago, Trump boasted about sexually abusing women, claiming he was allowed to do so because he was a star!? Having followed politicians from many countries, perhaps no one has ever made such shocking and offensive statements.

Ultimately, after the three recent debates, over 320 million American citizens and 100 million voters were left unsatisfied because instead of debating action programs, domestic and foreign policies, the economy, security, etc., the candidates spent their time attacking and insulting each other.

It's safe to say that American voters have never been so disappointed with presidential candidates, and there remains some skepticism about how the new president will maintain the country's leading position in the world.

PV:Where do these characteristics come from, General?

Major General Le Van Cuong:Looking closely at both the American elite and the working class, it can be said that what is happening shows that the nation is experiencing a comprehensive crisis. From the Great Depression of 1929-1933 to the present, the United States has experienced seven recessions and economic crises, but the previous six crises lasted only 2-3 years before the US entered a new growth cycle.

The current crisis, which began in 2008, has only just emerged from its lowest point, leaving the economy in a precarious state. This has led to inadequate social security and a deep divide between the rich and the poor (the wealthiest 1% hold 60% of the total assets in the United States).

In this context, political crises within the parties are also becoming apparent. For example, the Republican Party's choice of Donald Trump as its nominee demonstrates the divisions within the party. The Democratic Party, although to a lesser extent, is also facing a crisis. In fact, this is becoming increasingly serious, as Americans are losing faith in the traditional political elite.

The Great Crisis of Confidence is the root cause explaining the emergence of the Donald Trump phenomenon, and also Hillary Clinton. Although there are less than two weeks until Election Day, there are still factors that could change this trend.

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

Major General Le Van Cuong:Although Americans are not entirely satisfied with either candidate, a large number of American voters will still cast their ballots on November 8th, exercising their civic rights and complying with the law. Unless something extraordinary happens, I believe the probability of Clinton and Trump winning is 60% and 40%, respectively.

However, two factors could emerge unexpectedly and change the current situation. In other words, although slim, Trump still has a chance. It could be that his statements or campaign actions are enough to attract undecided voters and turn the tide.

Furthermore, if, during the final stretch of the election, the United States were to unfortunately face an unforeseen event such as terrorism, it would certainly impact the psychology of American voters. Assuming that were the case, voters might lean more towards supporting Donald Trump, because after all, he holds hardline views and opposes Muslims and immigrants.

There are only about two weeks left until 100 million American voters go to the polls. Photo: Internet.

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

Major General Le Van Cuong:This is an internal matter for the United States, but they are a superpower in terms of politics, economics, defense, and security. If the Federal Reserve (FED) changes interest rates, it could be a move that shakes the entire global economy. The US economy remains the engine. The US has more than 200 military bases abroad, surrounding the planet and present on every continent.

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

People are interested in the US election for the same reason: the final result is not only significant within the United States, but also impacts many other areas on a global scale.

The person holding the US presidency not only leads the entire country, not only solves the problems of employment and takes care of the lives of hundreds of millions of Americans. They also influence all aspects of the rest of the world, contributing to shaping the global political, economic, and security landscape.

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

PV:Thank you very much, Major General!

Phu Binh

(Perform)