Story By: Taylor Onderko
America’s newest reality TV series is catching everyone’s attention.
It’s called the 2016 presidential election.
It seems that the current presidential race is different than most, closely resembling something you would watch on channels such as E! or Lifetime.
From the Clinton email scandal and Sanders’ social media presence, to Trump mocking almost everyone he meets and Carson possibly lying about parts of his past; this presidential race is full of drama.
Every day there are headlines that quote ridiculous things from candidates. You can witness the candidates spouting off these offensive comments at their own rallies, debates, or in interviews.
So, why is this presidential race so much more dramatic than most?
First of all, there are so many candidates!
Currently, there are 14 Republican candidates and 3 Democratic candidates in the running, making it difficult during the Republican debates to allow every candidate have the floor for equal amounts of time. So, what seems to be occurring is those with a louder voice tend to dominate the debate, giving it the reality TV feel.
They also just say the darndest things!
It’s safe to say that Donald Trump has gotten the most media coverage out of the Republican candidates still in the race.
This could be due to his celebrity status, or because of his lack of filter.
Recently, during a rally in South Carolina, Trump mocked New York Times reporter Serge Kovaleski who has a congenital joint condition.
Carly Fiorina, another Republican candidate, quickly denounced Trump’s behavior in an interview with Fox News.
“(He) only feels big when he’s trying to make everyone else look small,” said Fiorina.
A Republican candidate that has tried to tone down the drama, especially in response to Trump is Governor Kasich.
Kasich recently came out in an interview on ABC saying that Trump is insulting, and he doesn’t think he will end up becoming the Republican nominee.
“Somebody who divides this country here in the 21st century, who's calling names of women and Muslims and Hispanics and mocking reporters, then says I didn't do it but he did do it, it's just not going to happen,” said Kasich in his interview with ABC.
Lastly, the moderators.
The candidates aren’t the only ones getting negative feedback. The moderators are also being criticized for having non-substantive questions and for not controlling the debate well enough. Particularly in the October debate with CNBC moderators.
Throughout the debate with the CNBC moderators, candidates were scrambling for airtime by yelling over each other and interrupting the moderators.
Yet again, framing the presidential race as a reality TV show.
There is hope, though. It isn’t even 2016 yet. Hopefully, this commotion will be toned down as we approach the new year.
