Why is it that Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump seem to be the leading presidential candidates when it seems that public opinion of both is very low?
First, this is how it always is this early in campaign season. Anyone with a little bit of name recognition immediately is at the forefront, regardless of their quality as a candidate or likelihood to do well long term. But more to the point, it's because we don't cast negative votes.
The Short Answer
First, this is how it always is this early in campaign season. Anyone with a little bit of name recognition immediately is at the forefront, regardless of their quality as a candidate or likelihood to do well long term. But more to the point, it's because we don't cast negative votes. If 20% of the people love you, but 80% hate you, you don't get a score of -60. You get a score of +20. Those 80% who hate you are going to be divided up among a bunch of other candidates, or will just be left undecided. +20 is enough to be the frontrunner early on in primary season. Note that general elections are different. A negative opinion often converts into a vote for the other guy. So now, those 80% who hate you vote for the one leading opponent and you easily lose.
Analysis
Key Concepts: Hate, early, season
This explanation focuses on hate, early, season and spans 139 words across 10 sentences. At 93% above the average Society explanation (72 words), this is one of the more thorough answers in this category, reflecting the complexity of the underlying question.
What This Answer Covers
The explanation opens with: “First, this is how it always is this early in campaign season.” It then elaborates by presenting a contrasting perspective, ultimately building toward a complete picture across 10 connected points.
How This Compares in Society
Ranked #52 of 500 Society questions by answer depth (top 11%). This places it in the comprehensive tier — the top quarter of most thoroughly answered questions. Questions at this depth typically involve multi-faceted topics requiring nuanced explanation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a simple explanation for why it that hillary clinton and donald trump seem to be the leading presidential candidates when it seems that public opinion of both is very low?
First, this is how it always is this early in campaign season. Anyone with a little bit of name recognition immediately is at the forefront, regardless of their quality as a candidate or likelihood to do well long term. But more to the point, it's…
How detailed is this explanation compared to similar Society questions?
This is one of the most thorough answer at 139 words, ranked #52 of 500 Society questions by depth. The key concepts covered are hate, early, season.
What approach does this answer take to explain it that hillary clinton and donald trump seem to be the lead?
The explanation uses root cause analysis and contrasting perspectives across 139 words. It is categorized under Society and addresses the question through 2 analytical lenses.