yet too many political journalists either ignore it or miss it.
The issue is not whether you trust or believe a candidate on a personal level.
It is whether or not you believe they can do the job.
It is whether the lack of trust on an individual level prevents someone from being willing to support a candidate whom they view as far more competent.
Here is why this election does not fit the traditional analysis.
Start with the fact that both candidates are upside down on trust. Most voters understand that their choice right now is between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump.
The question of trust then gets changed — do you trust this person with the powers of the Presidency?
For many people, if a candidate is seen as not prepared to assume the powers of the office, whether by temperament or background, at some point that candidate can no longer persuade them for their vote.
It is my humble opinion that Trump has a further problem, that is starting to take hold, and it is one that undercuts his rationale in persuading people. It is his record in business, and especially when he says he is going to bring jobs back, hammering home how his Trump labeled merchandise is made in other countries — including in both China and Mexico — when there are American companies that could do the work, undermines his rationale.
If the polls at the end of the Olympics are similar to what we are seeing now, I see NO path for Trump to get elected.
And I note that, recognizing that this is a different election, and remembering how her husband totally destroyed Bob Dole in 1996, may explain why Clinton will, at least in advertising, stay on the offensive against Trump during the Olympics.
Not making a call now. But as of right now I see a greater chance of Clinton hitting 400 electoral votes than Trump hitting 270.