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by allengeorge 3505 days ago
While I'm sure that sexism and racism does play a role for some voters, I believe (anecdotally, without data-based evidence) that its influence is overstated. Commentators who simply point to those factors are demonizing the "other" and perversely, are making it even harder to achieve consensus on issues. After all, how can you respect your opponent if they're sexist or racist?

That aside, broadly, Hillary lost because she:

- Represented the establishment

- Was uninspiring

- Was followed by the aura of 'scandal' (Benghazi and the email server are the two I've heard the most)

I think people were simply tired of establishment politicians who they felt never listened to them and never worked for their interests anyways - and just wanted someone radically different. It also helped that Trump's message "Make America Great Again" is trivially inspiring and broadly resonates. People feel that there's something wrong - that the social contract is gone, and they want to be part of a future where that greatness and their part in it exists again.

3 comments

I am from India and I have seen middle class people talking about sexism, racism as major points while discussing candidates.

But when people are worried about leading a respectful life and make the future of their children safer, you cannot expect them to vote on sexism and racism as major topics in an election. You need to sell them a future.

And Trump sold them a future with "Make America Great Again". And Bernie was also selling people a future where corporations don't decide ur life. Hillary was basically telling America is great already. Think of people who are anxious economically hearing that.

About half of Trump's supporters were women; which sex are sexist against?