Is Hillary Clinton Trustworthy Enough to Vote For?

From the moment Hillary Clinton announced her campaign, she has faced controversy and lack of trust from various segments of the electorate. This article explores the reasons why one might still consider voting for her despite her trust issues, and evaluates the reliability of both major political candidates.

Understanding Trust in Political Figures

Trust is often cited as a reason not to vote for someone, but it's not the only criterion when making a choice. Trust is a fundamental aspect, but it's not the be-all and end-all. When it comes to politics, it can be challenging to find a candidate who is entirely truthful and transparent. Even our own politicians can sometimes seem to have ulterior motives and agendas.

Leaking and Political Transparency

The revelation of political secrets through leaks, such as those involving Wikileaks, has furthered the notion that politicians may not always be as sincere as they claim. The documents and testimonies provided by sources like Deep Throat and Watergate have shown that behind closed doors, politicians often say things contrary to what they publicly declare.

Reasons to Vote for Hillary Clinton

Despite her trust issues, there are still compelling reasons why people might choose to vote for Hillary Clinton:

First Female President: Many feel it's important to achieve historical milestones and would support her candidacy for this reason alone. Experience: Clinton’s vast experience in public office and her numerous positions, including Senator and Secretary of State, provide a wealth of political and diplomatic knowledge. Abatement of a Visible Threat: For some, voting for Clinton may be a way to ensure the defeat of a more controversial and less experienced presidential candidate, like Donald Trump.

Evaluating Political Candidates

When comparing Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, a critical aspect to consider is trust and reliability. While trust is a factor, it is certainly not the only one. Here's a thought experiment to illustrate this:

Consider the presidency of the 20th century. Many would argue that Dwight D. Eisenhower was one of the best, but what if Richard Nixon had not resigned over Watergate? The Nixon presidency, with its many achievements, might have been hailed as one of the greatest in history.

Similarly, Lyndon B. Johnson, known for his ruthless and contentious political style, is often celebrated as a great leader. He is associated with significant legislative achievements, including the Civil Rights Act and the War on Poverty. Is it possible that someone like Clinton, with her political experience and strategic approach, might be the ideal candidate in a different political climate?

Choosing Trustworthiness

In today's environment, trustworthiness is a crucial element but not the sole deciding factor. If a candidate is widely regarded as less trustworthy than others (such as Donald Trump versus Hillary Clinton), it can impact one's decision. For some, it might be more important to vote for a candidate they don’t fully trust if that candidate represents a significant improvement over the alternative.

While Carter, Ford, and GHW Bush are often remembered as noble but ineffective presidents, the same could be said for many other presidents. Trustworthiness, along with experience and the ability to lead, should be key factors when making a choice between political candidates.

Conclusion

While trust is an important consideration, it is not the only one. Hillary Clinton might not be the most trusted candidate, but she has other compelling reasons to vote for her. Ultimately, each voter must weigh the pros and cons and make a decision that aligns with their values and priorities.