Common Ground: Presidential Candidate Trust

This post is the beginning of an effort to provide information on key issues. Our goal is to present all sides clearly, unbiasedly, and concisely.

The problem we see in the world is that we do not listen to the other side. We are divided and we all suffer from it. We need to come together as a community to reach our potential. You can make an impact with the ones you care most about by being courageous and having the right tools.

Our hope is for you to start real life conversations from this common ground of information with those you care about. In those conversations, move past these and other facts and focus on understanding, solutions, and compromises.

Likely you will not agree with some points here. These will be points other humans do agree with. We invite you to be open and receptive. This will lead to conversations beyond defending “what I believe is right”.

What it will take from you is a sacrifice of short-term winning and being right. Make space for a new part of your identity to grow. Together we will create long term dialogue, resolution, and progress.

Statistical / Incidents

Overall trust

45% see Trump as honest and trustworthy.

36% see Clinton as honest and trustworthy.

46% “very concerned” about Clinton’s personal email account.

47% “very concerned” about Clinton Foundation receiving donations from foreign government.

26% of Clinton statements rated as false.

70% of Trump statements rated as false.

Clinton Foundation

Algeria donated $0.5 million to Haiti relief. This was NOT for removal from “terror list”, because they were never on it. The Clinton Foundation did fail to report the donation to the State Department.

Russia purchased a US uranium mine tied with donations of up to $145 million to the Foundation. Hillary was not involved in the decision for her department. 8 other government agencies signed off on it. Only up to $5.6 million came during or after the deal.

Clinton Emails

Clinton on emails, “everything was permitted” — which is false.

Many politicians have used a personal email.

Colin Powell did use personal email, but not a private server.

113 contained classified information, out of about 30,000 emails turned over.

About 32,000 emails not turned over or deleted. This number varies. Clinton claims emails are not work-related. Clinton has the right to delete personal emails.

FBI found “several thousand” work-related emails that were not turned over. They concluded this was not done “in an effort to conceal them”.

Trump Finances

Since 1980, first nominee who has not produced a tax returns. A 1995 return did surface.

Trump lied that he cannot produce tax report while under audit.

Trump foundation last gift, in tax records, was in 2008.

Trump used foundation funds to donate to Florida Attorney General. Around the time he was being considered for investigation.

Trump borrowed at least $14 million from his father. Including $3.5 million loan in casino chips.

Trump Business-Political conflicts

Trump is planning to put his children in charge of his business, instead of of a traditional Blind Trust.

Trump campaign has said Trump won’t be involved in the business. There will be a wall between him and his children.

Undocumented workers were sought out by Trump to build Trump Tower. Trump has stated he is against undocumented immigrants.

Trump University lawsuit around high pressure sales and deceptive claims.

General Opinions / Anecdotal

Relevant information to understanding the whole picture. People believe this and it shapes reality, even if there is no direct evidence.

Both candidates are untrustworthy, I’ll choose the lesser of two evils.

Clinton is unpatriotic.

Clinton being a powerful elite protects her from conviction of her crimes.

Clinton is not healthy enough to be president.

Clinton is part of the democratic establishment. Which is to blame for my reduced financial income for years.

Trump’s business knowledge will help my financial situation.

Trump is a straight talker.

Trump will do illegal things.