The Whitehouse team has put together an insights and analysis briefing document which outlines the background to, policies of and odds in favour of each presidential candidate for the US 2016 elections.
It is often suggested that American politics provides voters little by way of choice, with the Republicans and Democrats largely indistinguishable on many major issues. That is certainly not the case in this election, with Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump offering fundamental differences in terms of style and substance on foreign and domestic policy.
While most commentators predict a comfortable win for Clinton, the prospect of a Trump victory is not impossible and must be taken seriously.
Looking at the state level polls, it is difficult to see how Trump can accumulate enough electoral college votes to reach the 270 needed to secure victory. Indeed, Clinton is pulling ahead of her rival even in states like Virginia that have historically favoured Republicans. Such is Trump’s toxicity that some GOP insiders fear he could harm the party’s concurrent Senate and House races.
However, the business tycoon’s tenacity should not be discounted. A few polls have shown him narrowing the gap – although we should remember that a candidate can come close in the national vote share while going to a crushing defeat in the electoral college. Recent weeks have seen his team undergo a number of personnel changes and his tone has seemingly softened. If he can project a more statesmanlike appearance during the presidential debates and demonstrate that he has the temperament to become commander in chief, he may start to look competitive again.
Click here to read the full analysis on both candidates including an overview of states to watch.
