Your cart is currently empty!
I Can Explain Hillary Clinton to My Kids — But Not Donald Trump
My partner and I consider ourselves pretty neutral when it comes to politics. We engage our kids in discussions about the benefits and drawbacks of the two-party system but steer clear of disparaging either side. I share that I find merit in both Democratic and Republican viewpoints, and we embrace our status as Independents.
However, this presidential election has shifted from a focus on political ideologies to an obsession with the two candidates themselves. It’s a confusing time, especially with the internet flooded with biased news, sensational headlines, and outright propaganda. Sifting through this chaos to find reliable facts can feel like a Herculean task. My kids are picking up on this turmoil, asking why we’re limited to just two candidates and how Hillary and Donald became the nominees.
I explain that alternative parties haven’t established a strong enough legislative base to mount a credible third-party campaign. I tell them that many people vote strictly along party lines and that information sources can heavily shape public perception. I emphasize the importance of seeking unbiased, reliable information while being cautious of sources that seem to reinforce pre-existing beliefs.
To help them navigate the noise, I’ve distanced myself from clearly biased outlets. I explain that I prefer to consult neutral sites like Politifact and Factcheck.org to verify claims, as they strive for factual accuracy.
When it comes to Hillary, I can articulate her background: eight years as First Lady, eight as a Senator, and four as Secretary of State. While her career in politics isn’t my favorite, her experience is undeniable. My kids want to know why she’s so polarizing, and I mention how partisanship and outdated views on women in politics play a significant role.
I delve into the Benghazi incident and how extensive investigations have failed to prove any wrongdoing on her part. We talk about the email server controversy, where I clarify that while there are legitimate questions about her judgment, there’s no solid evidence of an intentional breach. I explain the accusations surrounding the Clinton Foundation and how the numbers show a higher percentage of donations going to charity than critics claim.
I emphasize that conjecture isn’t proof and that many allegations against her fall apart under scrutiny. I ask my kids to consider the possibility that either Hillary is an evil mastermind or the target of an unprecedented smear campaign.
Yet, despite my reservations about politicians in general, I find myself utterly baffled when it comes to understanding why anyone would choose Donald Trump as an alternative.
Having worked in the business realm, I’m cautious about trusting businessmen, and government operates under a different set of rules than the corporate world. Trump has no political experience, and he’s made some questionable hiring choices that raise red flags.
I struggle to explain how someone who has faced discrimination lawsuits, advocated for a ban on Muslims, and mocked disabled individuals could claim to represent such a diverse nation. My kids are equally puzzled, asking why people would support someone who behaves like a petulant child, making ridiculous threats about “hitting” opponents.
I can discuss Hillary’s perceived dishonesty, but I can’t fathom how people overlook Trump’s frequent fabrications. While I can provide a fact-based understanding of Hillary’s complexities, Trump remains a mystery to me.
In conclusion, I find it much easier to explain Hillary with research and facts than to make sense of Donald Trump’s rise in politics.
For more insights into home insemination, check out this post on intracervical insemination. If you’re interested in learning more about the process, Make a Mom is a great resource. You can also explore Wikipedia’s entry on artificial insemination for in-depth information.
Summary
The author reflects on the challenges of explaining the political landscape to their children, particularly the complexities surrounding Hillary Clinton and the perplexities of Donald Trump. While they find it relatively straightforward to discuss Hillary’s experience and controversies, they struggle to make sense of Trump’s behavior and lack of government experience.