GREENWOOD — No matter who wins the presidential election in November, chances are the next president will have one of the shortest honeymoons on record.
That’s because there is going to be a large portion of the country, regardless of the outcome, that will be appalled by the result.
A public opinion poll released last week underscores just how unpopular both Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald Trump are, even among those who say they will vote for one or the other.
According to the nationwide survey by USA Today and Suffolk University, less than a third of each candidate’s supporters say they will be “excited” if their preference wins. That’s because many of those leaning toward voting for either candidate say they are making their choice based on whom they perceive to be the lesser of two evils.
Nearly three in 10 Clinton supporters, according to the poll, say they are mostly voting against Trump, not for Clinton. For Trump supporters, the number is even higher, with almost four in 10 saying they are voting against Clinton, not for Trump.
This year’s election has been unusual in that both parties nominated candidates with sky-high negative ratings. That antipathy or distrust is unlikely to dissipate once the campaign ends.
As a result, it’s going to be a huge challenge for either one to forge consensus once in the White House.
Kalich is editor and publisher of The Greenwood Commonwealth.
