LETTER: Is change coming to our political system?

Just a brief analysis: The “Grand Old Party” is anything but grand these days. Their candidate for president has definitely tapped into Americans being fed up with “establishment” politics. Bernie Sanders has tapped into this, too, but not with the drama and fiery rhetoric which attracts people and excites our media with its frenzy of coverage.

Now that the election process has moved from the dramatic phase, which sorted out the Republican candidates, into the serious content phase, the GOP is totally divided on just how to deal with the people’s choice for the office of president. They ask: What about Trump’s character, background and lack of specifics on policies? What about his ability to lead with wise persuasion and compromise rather than a dictatorial manner? How will he take advice he does not like? Will he be able to make the shift from being CEO of his own business empire to being president of the United States who is beholden to everyone and saddled with a House and Senate which has as much or more power than he has? These are unknowns at this point and are causing extreme consternation with GOP leadership.

Hillary Clinton, on the other hand, is part of the “establishment” and cannot avoid that label. She’s been in it too long. Any person who has been such an active part of all this for over 30 years cannot help but carry some baggage that can be highlighted and made an issue with great media attention. This triggers all manner of questions and doubts in people’s minds depending on their political persuasions. This is real and significant.

So, it will be an interesting six months to see which camp wins the White House. Will it be the safe establishment person so well known or it will be taking a chance on the relatively unknown person billed as representing change and “making America great again”?

A lot of questions and few answers at this point, for sure.

—Bob McClellan, Polson