MYNORTHWEST NEWS

The questions lingering after Tuesday’s shocking election

Nov 9, 2016, 6:31 AM

Donald Trump...

There are still many lingering questions after Donald Trump's stunning presidential win. (AP)

(AP)

Throughout his candidacy, Donald Trump has vowed to investigate and put his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton in jail over her ongoing email fiasco. With Trump becoming the president-elect, that leaves Clinton’s future in question.

“Does Barack Obama issue a pardon?” KIRO Radio’s Dave Ross wondered Tuesday night.

KTTH’s Michael Medved thinks it’s a possibility.

Related: Jay Inslee wins in early election results for Washington governor

“Since it appears she will not be coming in as president, would President Obama – in his last day in office — issue a preemptive pardon the same way Gerald Ford did for Richard Nixon?” Medved said. “I think it’s possible. It would be wildly unpopular.”

“Wouldn’t it be a better thing for the country, and for him, if Donald Trump simply made that unnecessary?” Medved asked.

But that is among many questions that are left after Tuesday’s election. Despite polling, and despite the predictions of many – even within his own party – Donald Trump hit the necessary 270 Electoral College votes during the Nov. 8 election.

Donald Trump supporters

Ross was left scratching his head, asking if Trump supporters can possibly remain as “bloodthirsty” as they have been in the past – calling for the Republican candidate to “string her up” at rallies, in reference to Clinton.

“Here’s another question, if (a Donald Trump) presidency becomes as disastrous as many people feel it will be, do you hold your neighbors accountable who voted for him?” Dave asked.

“Neighbors?!” KIRO Radio’s Zak Burns asked. “Parents!”

“I avoid bringing up the name Donald Trump when speaking with my dad,” Burns said. “He voted for Trump for the same reason that millions of people did – they are frustrated with the way things have been going. You try to get specifics – he doesn’t have any. He’s just angry.”

The economy

Medved was concerned about the economy, which seemed to be taking a dive the higher Trump rose in the election. The DOW futures plunged by 750 points on Election Night. The U.S. dollar slumped as well. The AP reported early Wednesday that Trump’s conciliatory speech helps soothe some market concerns.

“The possibly of going into a serious economic downturn is greatly enhanced tonight,” Medved said.

“If that happens, then the very people who thought he would bring back jobs are going to get the exact opposite result if we go into a recession,” Ross noted. “Would that bring buyer’s remorse? And if it does, that should be where the separation of powers that are supposed to protect us against a tyrannical president kicks in – and we are protected from the nation getting worse off.”

MyNorthwest News

sea airport pipeline alaska airlines alaska accelerate...

MyNorthwest Staff

Alaska Airlines launching Premium Reserve cabin, new lounges as part of Alaska Accelerate

Alaska Airlines is rolling out upgrades for travelers who want more comfort in the air as part of its Alaska Accelerate initiative.

25 minutes ago

US 101 ramp I-5 boat crash...

MyNorthwest Staff

US 101 ramp to northbound I-5 reopened after vehicle towing a boat crashes Near Olympia

The US 101 ramp to northbound I-5 was blocked for several hours due to a collision involving a vehicle towing a boat.

1 hour ago

police staffing budget katie wilson seattle...

Frank Sumrall

Seattle Councilmember Kettle warns Katie Wilson’s budget caps police staffing at 15-year low

Seattle City Councilmember Bob Kettle warned that Mayor Katie Wilson’s proposed budget could put Seattle’s recent public safety progress at risk.

2 hours ago

bite attack online harassment...

Nia Bliss, KIRO 7 News

‘People could be really cruel’: Woman who survives bite attack speaks out about online harassment

A woman who survived having a chunk of her forehead bitten off by a stranger said she is now being attacked by strangers online.

2 hours ago

US 2 monroe gold bar wsdot...

Chris Sullivan

15 months of construction about to start on US 2 between Monroe and Gold Bar

WSDOT has a laundry list of improvements for the corridor, including new sidewalks, adding new pedestrian crossings, adding new signs, rumble strips, and a new roundabout in Sultan.

2 hours ago

copper wire theft king county...

Ranji Sinha, KIRO 7 News

King County Prosecutors renew push for legislation to deal with copper wire theft

Loyal Heights Playfield in Seattle has been left without lighting after thieves apparently opened electrical junction boxes and cut copper wires inside.

12 hours ago

The questions lingering after Tuesday’s shocking election