The hubris of the 2016 candidates. (2016)

“The rivals are like Shakespearean protagonists falling prey to hubris, the excessive pride that can make politicians believe the rules that govern normal mortals do not apply to them.”

Stephen Collinson, CNN Politics senior enterprise reporter
CNN Politics, 30 October 2016

“Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump are …. not just the most unpopular presidential nominees in recent memory: In the epic drama of the 2016 election, they’re also tarnished heroes who are perpetually humbled by their own self-defeating flaws.

“The rivals, playing out their tragicomic duel on the grandest electoral stage, are like two Shakespearean protagonists falling prey to hubris, the excessive pride that can make a politician believe the rules that govern normal mortals do not apply to them.

“Clinton’s penchant for secrecy and distaste for disclosure have been the common theme in the deepest morasses of her long political career. Trump’s overwhelming ego and self-obsession are at the root of the most damaging controversies that have raged around his wild presidential campaign.

“…only one can survive. Within 10 days, the loser will see their hopes destroyed and partly have themselves to blame. The winner will go on to a presidency that at least in part will entail a battle against their fatal flaws.

“….. While each candidate seems unable to prevent their own deficiencies from defining their campaigns, they’ve been uncannily good at exploiting their rival’s flaws….”

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