Election Rhetoric: Where We Are Heading

Throughout the course of the presidential election, many of us know that the overall rhetoric of what we would consider conventional politics is changing. More often than not, we have seen differing degrees of this speech, whether it be inflammatory or merely grassroots, but this in turn begs the question, are the people finally speaking their minds on issues? Or are politicians merely manipulating the minds of those that feel disenfranchised? In terms of Donald Trump, I think it is the latter. Trump says that he "speaks for the people", but rather I believe he is simply saying the same babble that many Republicans have been thinking, but not willing to admit. This is synonymous to fear mongering, and shows us how the fulcrum has shifted in terms of electoral rhetoric, for many are supporting a man that believes in nothing genuine at all. However, in terms of Bernie Sanders, I do on some level admire his grassroots initiatives to continually raise money through voluntary donations, a tactic which I believe edges out any Super PAC funding, or shoveling your own money into a campaign because you sit on a golden toilet within Trump Towers. However, Bernie himself has his own flare that speaks to the socio-economically disadvantaged, and more and more you see people on both sides of the political aisle becoming angry with the "system". This election even marks a period where the candidates are grouped into "establishment" vs. "non-establishment". What does this mean for the parties? I think it means an ultimate split of ideals within the two major parties, and perhaps a large amount of people switching to smaller third parties within the United States. If this is the case, the campaign rhetoric we see today, could mean a greater range of ideals for the future...