2016/16: Should Donald Trump have been confirmed as President of the United States??





Introduction to the media issue

Video clip at right:
On November 9, 2016, MSNBC presented a report on the popular protests that erupted immediately after Donald Trump won the presidency. If you cannot see this clip, it will be because video is blocked by your network. To view the clip, access from home or from a public library, or from another network which allows viewing of video clips.


What they said...
'Donald Trump's ideas aren't just different - they are dangerously incoherent- just a series of bizarre rants, personal feuds, and outright lies'
Democrat presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton

'I'm a really nice guy, believe me, I pride myself on being a nice guy but I'm also passionate and determined to make our country great again'
Donald Trump's self-description in his most recent book 'Crippled America'

The issue at a glance
On November 8, 2016, Republican Donald Trump was potentially elected 45th president of the United States after gaining 306 probable Electoral College votes to Democrat candidate Hillary Clinton's 232.
Voters cast ballots for candidates, but it is electors from each state who actually elect the President. The total number of electors is 538, with each state being assigned electors based on population. To become president of the United States a candidate has to secure a minimum of 270 Electoral College votes. These Electoral College votes are not cast until 41 days after the popular ballot. Thus Donald Trump was not officially elected President until December 19, 2016. He will be officially inaugurated as President on January 20, 2017.
Both during the campaign and in the period between November 8 and December 19, Donald Trump's suitability to be President was hotly disputed. Critics maintained that his lack of experience, supposed character flaws and the inflammatory nature of the campaign he conducted all disqualified him from being President. Electoral College electors were called on not to elect him to the position.
Now that Donald Trump has been formally elected, critics are considering the circumstances under which it might be necessary to impeach him. Given that the Republicans have a majority in both houses of Congress such a development seems unlikely. However, debate about Donald Trump's suitability for office continues.