It Was Not Russia

By: Ernest Makulilo

Narrated by: Bill Franchuk

Dear listener,

Let me put the records straight: I am not affiliated to any political party. I am neither Democratic nor Republican. I registered as independent in the 2016 presidential election. As a voter, I always vote for a candidate’s issues and not political party he/she belongs. This book, therefore, does not provide political parties’ interests. More importantly, it should be noted that, this book only is my personal opinion, observations, and analysis as the voter and political scientist. As graduate of political science for my bachelors and peace studies and conflict resolution for masters, I feel compelled to provide my views on 2016 presidential election. Each person has different opinion on what happened in the election. Therefore, this book contains personal observations and analysis of the election.

There are so many questions to ask ourselves about the past election:

a) How comes a career politician like Hillary Clinton lost election to Donald Trump, a person who has never held any political position before or served in our military?

b) How 16 other Republican Party Candidates failed to “stop” Donald Trump?

c) Most importantly: How Donald Trump outsmarted everyone in politics and managed to rewrite the new political playbook in American history.

d) What should Democratic Party do for the 2020? Does the party really want to win against the incumbent President Donald Trump?

One last thing: This book is not about who would make a better leader, or rather who had better policies. It is all about winning and losing. What one candidate did to win and what another did to lose election is the central part of the analysis of the book. This is what Niccolo Machiavelli expresses as “The ends justify the means”. I know politics has become the most controversial topic everywhere. Some people even fight; beat each other because of politics and politicians. What do you benefit by insulting and attacking a fellow human being because he is supporting and/or voting for another candidate?

I’ve one important message for you: No matter who becomes the president, politics benefits from voters, the divide among voters is embraced by politicians and gain political support base. So, discuss issues in politics and not individuals as the solution to our problems. Always strong constitution and institutions are the corner-stone of any country, and not politicians.

©2018 Ernest Makulilo (P)2019 Ernest Makulilo