By Julie Lays
After three full days focused on state politics, policy and leadership, Mara Liasson, political correspondent with NPR and Fox News, reminded us that the “most extraordinary, mind-boggling” race for president ever continues to shock and surprise us all.
During the final general session of the Legislative Summit Thursday afternoon, in the lively, fast-talking, confident manner of the veteran expert she is on presidential politics, Liasson summarized the race and the candidates and the challenges each face.
“Citizens have the choice between the two-most unpopular candidates ever,” she said. Clinton must answer questions about her character; while Trump’s biggest liability is his temperament, she said.
She described the various Trump missteps as so unusual, so outrageous that “you couldn’t make this stuff up.” But she added that if Trump can stay on track, he could be a strong contender as the candidate of change. But for right now, with Trump still so unpredictable, Liasson quipped, “Being for Trump means always having to say you’re sorry.”
Clinton, however, is also a damaged candidate. Her extremely careless use of email, her defensiveness and her refusal to admit any wrongdoing do her no good, she said: “She’s as cautious as Trump is reckless.”
How did we get here? Extreme polarization, gridlock in Washington, an uneven economic recovery—all the usual suspects—have made voters angry on both sides, she said, but for different reasons.
That’s why they keep voting for change. Yet they don’t seem to get the change they want. Will they in November?
Julie Lays is the editor of State Legislatures magazine.
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