imag1680
Political experts believe they’ll have plenty to study after this year’s presidential election, which they say has bucked many typical trends.
Dr. Randy Renstrom at Central College focuses on political psychology, and says he’s fascinated by the number of undecided or third-party voters popping up in many national polls, given the name recognition of both major parties’ candidates.
“We have two of the most well-known candidates ever,” he says. “Clinton has been around for 30 or so years on the public stage. Trump hasn’t been a politician, but he’s been in the cultural consciousness for many decades now, certainly in New York City.
So these are known candidates, they’re known quantities, and yet you have 10 to 20 percent of the electorate saying I don’t know who I’m going to vote for.”
Renstrom has also been watching a “see-saw” between the two in public opinion, depending on how a candidate is performing or the type of news coverage they’ve been receiving. Political Science Professor Dr. Andrew Green says the contrast in how the Clinton and Trump campaigns have been run are in stark contrast with one another, and could set a blueprint for modern politicking.
Central College will host debate watch parties on October 4th, 9th, and 19th.