The Election of 2016. A history U.S. Presidential Election. Welcome to another edition of our Presidential Election series. Today, we’ll be discussing the 2016 election—a historic and intense showdown between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. Clinton, a seasoned politician, faced off against Trump, a businessman and reality TV star, in what became one of the most divisive elections in recent memory.
The End of the Obama Era
In his final years, President Barack Obama focused on domestic and foreign policies that would define his legacy. Domestically, he championed LGBTQ rights, becoming the first sitting president to endorse same-sex marriage and supporting landmark Supreme Court cases. He also prioritized criminal justice reform, issuing pardons for non-violent drug offenders, and passed an executive order limiting immigration for individuals convicted of major crimes. Additionally, he took strong stances on environmental issues, including blocking offshore drilling in the Arctic and halting the controversial Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines.
In foreign policy, Obama brokered a nuclear agreement with Iran that cut the country’s uranium reserves by 98% and restored diplomatic relations with Cuba, easing decades-long tensions and fostering new business opportunities. However, his second term also saw challenges. Trade deals like the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) continued to fuel debates about job outsourcing, while the NSA’s surveillance practices drew criticism. The Obama administration’s drone strikes in the Middle East and Somalia also sparked controversy over civilian casualties, and his actions in Syria, Libya, and Iraq faced scrutiny for their long-term consequences.
The Democratic Primary: Hillary Clinton vs. Bernie Sanders
With Vice President Joe Biden choosing not to run after the death of his son Beau, Hillary Clinton, the former Secretary of State, became the Democratic frontrunner. However, she faced an unexpected challenge from Senator Bernie Sanders, whose progressive policies and strong grassroots support posed a serious threat to Clinton’s campaign.
Leaked reports from WikiLeaks revealed that some Democratic insiders favored Clinton, and former interim DNC Chair Donna Brazile later acknowledged that the Clinton campaign had significant control over DNC operations. Despite these revelations, Clinton won the nomination, making history as the first woman nominated for president by a major U.S. party. She chose Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia as her running mate.
The Republican Primary: Trump’s Rise
In the Republican race, Donald Trump’s bid for the presidency surprised many. With the slogan “Make America Great Again,” Trump captured the attention of conservative voters, bolstered by his status as a businessman and celebrity. His brash style in debates—including nicknaming his opponents—made him a media sensation and eventually helped him clinch the Republican nomination. Trump selected Governor Mike Pence of Indiana as his running mate, strengthening his appeal among evangelical voters.
Third-Party Candidates
Dissatisfaction with both Clinton and Trump led some voters to consider third-party options. Libertarian Gary Johnson, Green Party candidate Jill Stein, and independent Evan McMullin each ran to offer alternatives. However, media coverage and debates largely excluded them, which made it challenging for any third-party candidate to gain significant traction.
Campaign Strategies and Debates
Trump’s campaign embraced populist rhetoric, pledging to “Drain the Swamp” and challenging Washington insiders. He proposed stricter immigration policies and criticized trade deals like NAFTA and TPP, which he argued hurt American workers. Clinton, meanwhile, ran a more moderate campaign, focusing on uniting women, progressives, and young voters. Both candidates exchanged heated criticisms, with Trump labeling Clinton “Crooked Hillary” and Clinton calling some of Trump’s followers “a basket of deplorables.”
During the presidential debates, Trump attacked Clinton’s political record, while Clinton highlighted Trump’s business practices. Polls indicated that viewers believed Clinton won all three debates, though these wins did not significantly shift public opinion.
October Surprises
Two major scandals rocked the final weeks of the campaign. First, a leaked Access Hollywood tape surfaced in which Trump was recorded making lewd comments about women, sparking widespread outrage. Meanwhile, Clinton’s campaign was damaged by an investigation into her use of a private email server as Secretary of State. Although FBI Director James Comey cleared her of criminal intent, he later reopened the investigation just days before the election, which many believe impacted her poll numbers.
The Results
On November 8, 2016, Donald Trump won the election, securing 304 electoral votes to Clinton’s 227, despite Clinton winning the popular vote by nearly three million votes. His victory marked only the fifth time in U.S. history that a candidate won the electoral vote while losing the popular vote. Third-party candidates did not win any electoral votes, but Gary Johnson finished third in the popular vote, followed by Jill Stein and Evan McMullin.
In a surprising turn of events, Trump’s victory was clouded by allegations of Russian interference, with several recount efforts launched in states that had shifted from Democrat to Republican.
A Historic Outcome
Donald Trump’s election as the 45th U.S. president represented a significant shift in American politics. At age 70, Trump became the oldest first-term president and the first to enter the role without prior military or political experience. The 2016 election underscored a polarized America, with each side deeply divided over the future direction of the country.
