Passion for Politics: Presidential Candidates in Both Parties ‘Slug it Out’

The 2016 Presidential sweepstakes is in high gear as candidates in both major parties are slugging it out.

Hilary Clinton / Photo courtesy Hilary Clinton Facebook page

Name calling amidst the now more than 100 emails with reportedly confidential information from Hillary’s server is seizing the headlines. Hillary’s campaign problems are continuing to mount as the recent Bloomberg Politics Poll suggests. Hillary has now fallen under 40 percent in Iowa to 37 percent followed by Bernie Sanders at 30 percent and Vice President Joe Biden at 14 percent.

Dr. Ben Carson / photo courtesy Ben Carson Facebook page

Also in Iowa on the Republican side of the ledger, surgeon Ben Carson has caught Donald Trump at 23 percent each. These two are running away from the field with Governor Scott Walker, Jeb Bush, Senator Marco Rubio and
others bringing up the rear.

Politico.com has reported that Hillary and Vice President Biden are now on a collision course. During Obama’s first term they became somewhat close, but now that has all changed with conflicting aspirations. Hillary looks as though she is a candidate who is desperately searching for a theme. Her recent analogy comparing Republicans to terrorists went over like a lead balloon.

Chris Christie / Photo courtesy Chris Christie Facebook page

Chris (Lou) Christie called her comments “a disgrace” as others chimed in as well with their disapproval. Socialist Bernie Sanders continued to gain on the Clinton’s in the polls this past week and now is within striking distance
in Iowa. Still hovering in the shadows is the email controversy/scandal that remains in the hands of the FBI. Predicting the outcome of this fiasco will be similar to forecasting the NFL Super Bowl winner next year — that is next to impossible.

Donald Trump / Photo courtesy Donald Trump Facebook Page

On the Republican side of the ledger, “The Donald” strengthened this week as Erica weakened. Trump’s lead nationwide has him at 28 percent compared to 12 percent to his nearest rival. The balance of the GOP field seems to be going nowhere fast except for Jeb Bush.

The former Florida Governor took a body blow this week when three top aides resigned. The Donald tweeted “Wow” when learning of the defections. Bush’s campaign never caught fire and the eight years away from the political arena have clearly showed. He seems to have lost his passion and energy and with the Donald continuously on offense, a “turtle-like assault” ain’t gonna win the SEC West, let alone achieve the nomination.

With the next Republican debate (still womanless) only 17 days away, I asked Ole Miss alum Jim Carroll what is the primary issue in his mind regarding the 2016 election. Jim responded that “Foreign Policy” was atop his list. It is easy to understand why it would be the leading issue with a great deal of us as the Iranian nuclear agreement is being debated along with all the other world tensions dominating the news coverage.

Joe Biden / Photo Courtesy Joe Biden Facebook page

Each week I will close with the projection for the two eventual nominees. As of right now I see Trump prevailing in the Republican contest and Joe Biden for the Democrats.

Here’s why. The media has underestimated the fact that Trump has a corporate brain trust at his disposal with unlimited funds. And when you factor in his charisma and reality TV appeal to the networks, it’s a hurricane with five force winds. As to Joe being the nominee, I believe Hillary’s campaign is in serious trouble. With her disapproval ratings skyrocketing, almost any reputable challenger has a clear shot at the nomination.

This campaign is so volatile, next week there might be two different names here. But today, it’s an all Nor’easter featuring Trump Tower versus the Biden Bounce!

This is my inaugural weekly column that will focus on the 2016 Presidential Election highlighting the events of the week and introducing various opinions from Ole Miss alums and students. No campaign in recent memory has attracted so much interest this far out.

I hope you enjoy the dialogue and please email me your views to sovassallo@gmail.com, as they will be used!

Steve Vassallo is a HottyToddy.com contributor. Steve writes on Ole Miss athletics, Oxford business, politics and other subjects. He is an Ole Miss grad and former radio announcer for the basketball team. Currently, Steve is a highly successful leader in the real estate business who lives in Oxford with his wife Rosie. You can contact Steve at sovassallo@gmail.com or call him at 985-852-7745.