A Change Election for Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump

This is a change election, but not the kind of change election political commentators usually cite.  Change elections usually refer to elections in which the primary consideration in voting for a significant percentage of voters is removing a current office holder or administration from office.  This election, however, is going to be an election in which the winner is very likely going to be the candidate who is most able to change their persona. 

Donald Trump has proven himself to be racist, vindictive, erratic, self-indulgent, narcissistic, and a pathological liar.  He has garnered the support of a significant portion of voters who either agree with Trump or, at least, don’t mind his character flaws.   Nonetheless, he has not captured enough supporters who applaud or accept his flaws to win the election.  As a result, he has tried to downplay his flaws. 

Hillary Clinton also suffers from some flaws: withdrawn, secretive, defensive, risk-averse, and seemingly a part of the establishment forever.  The winner of this election may well be the candidate who is most able to change their persona. 
On first glance, it may seem that Trump, the reality performer, is the one most capable of change.  However, Trump’s personality may make it less possible for him to change than Hillary.  Consider Trump's admission that President Obama was born in the U.S., made at the behest of his campaign staff. His admission seemed reluctant and unenthusiastic.  He may have been better off not making it if it could not have been more heartfelt. 

Hillary, on the other hand, has a very smart campaign staff and seems able to take their advice.  She obviously does not like interacting with the press but has managed to incorporate meetings with the press into her daily routine.  Above all, Hillary’s flaws seem to be the result of experience rather than personality.
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Hillary admits that she is not good on a stage; we all agree that Trump delivers to his audience.  But after January 2016, Americans may want a President, not an act.  We have to hope that voters will consider the role of President. Voters may, in fact, want changes to be cautious and controlled.