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Trump and Clinton: SCU Looks Ahead

Now that the 2016 presidential election is virtually certain to be between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, we asked professors and others at Santa Clara University what they will be watching for in the next six months leading up the November election, and why. 

Donald Trump and Hillary ClintonPhoto credit available at flickr

Adina Ardelean

Adina Ardelean

I will be listening for educated views on whether trade with China or Mexico is good for the U.S., and whether steep tariffs like the 45% Donald Trump proposes for Chinese imports are the answer. Read More

James Bennett

James Bennett

It's interesting that the religious affiliation of the candidates seems not to matter to voters now. The most important thing I think voters should be watching is how do the candidates treat various religious groups, particularly non-Christians and especially Muslims?   Read More

Aldo Billingslea

Aldo Billingslea

During a campaign, lots of people are looking for the runner to stumble. At this point, I’m looking for authenticity on four fronts. Read More

Hana Callaghan

Hana Callaghan

I will be analyzing campaign communications to determine if they are truthful, fair, and relevant.  I will be on the lookout for deceptive practices. Read more

Pratheepan Gulasekaram

Pratheepan Gulasekaram

First and foremost, the next president is likely going to be able to appoint one or two Supreme Court justices, along with several other federal judges. Read More

Kirk O.  Hanson

Kirk O. Hanson

I will be watching to see if the candidates can focus more on the common good, one of America's most powerful, enduring and empowering ethical concepts. Read More

Matthew Harrigan

Matthew Harrigan

One of the four things I'll be watching is what happens in the next six months --economic shifts, national security crises, candidate revelations and gaffes -- that might affect election outcomes, especially if the election is reliant on small groups of voters. Read more

Raymond Plaza

Raymond Plaza

Will the candidates build coalitions and bring communities together, with more civil dialogue and discourse? Read more

Irina Raicu

Irina Raicu

How will the campaigns be using personal data about voters?  Read more.

Ann Skeet

Ann Skeet

 I can’t help but wait for the other political shoe to drop in this race. Read More

Farid Senzai

Farid Senzai

Will Donald Trump shift his language on immigration, foreign policy or terrorism? Will Hillary Clinton move back toward the center? Read more.

Nancy Unger

Nancy Unger

 I’ll be watching the role of gender in both parties’ campaigns. Also, with the Republican party at a crossroads, I’ll be watching Republicans who are currently anti-Trump with great interest. Read more