Why did Trump Win in 2016 Flashcards
What made Donald Trump’s 2016 victory one of the biggest political upsets in U.S. history?
Few expected him to win, but factors like negative polarization, economic and cultural anxieties, media coverage, and voter turnout patterns contributed to his success.
What is negative polarization, and how did it affect Hillary Clinton?
Negative polarization occurs when voters support a candidate primarily to oppose another. Many voters disliked Clinton due to long-standing accusations of dishonesty and corruption.
How did economic anxiety contribute to Trump’s victory?
Many working-class voters felt abandoned due to job losses from globalization and automation. Trump positioned himself as an outsider fighting for the “forgotten men and women” of America.
How did cultural anxiety influence Trump’s support?
Some voters saw Trump as a return to “traditional” values after eight years of Barack Obama and were uncomfortable with demographic changes in the U.S.
How did economic struggles and cultural anxieties reinforce each other?
Economic hardships made people more likely to blame immigrants, and cultural concerns shaped how people perceived their financial situation.
How did media coverage help Trump win?
The media focused on Trump’s entertainment value and controversial statements, giving him free publicity and boosting his visibility.
How did the FBI’s email investigation affect the 2016 election?
The FBI’s last-minute reopening of Clinton’s email case created a media frenzy, reinforcing doubts about her honesty and shifting undecided voters toward Trump.
Why did voter turnout hurt Clinton’s chances?
Key Democratic groups, including young voters, progressives, and African Americans, did not turn out as strongly for Clinton as they had for Obama.
How did the assumption that Clinton would win impact the election?
Many people believed Clinton was guaranteed to win, which may have led to complacency and lower voter turnout among her supporters.
What was a key factor in Trump’s ability to win key swing states?
His appeal to white, working-class voters who felt ignored by traditional politicians helped him secure crucial electoral votes.
