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

2 Chelan Hills Fire reward...

Tim Hohl, KIRO Newsradio

WA closing in on 1 million acres burned as drought fuels one of state’s worst wildfire seasons

Washington’s drought is making an already busy wildfire season worse, and the outlook into fall is not encouraging.

21 minutes ago

monroe fire crisis...

Jason Sutich

Man fires 20-30 rounds inside Monroe home, sets it on fire during mental health crisis

A 63-year-old man believed to be having a behavioral health crisis shot between 20 and 30 rounds inside his home and set it on fire last week in Monroe.

24 minutes ago

military vehicle I-5 tacoma...

MyNorthwest Staff

Amber Alert canceled as 1-year-old from Wenatchee located

An Amber Alert was canceled after a 1-year-old with significant medical needs was located.

1 hour ago

olympia encampment fire i-5...

Jason Sutich

Encampment fire burns for hours along I-5 in Olympia before crews extinguish it

A fire broke out overnight in an encampment off northbound I-5 in Olympia and burned for roughly two hours before it was extinguished.

3 hours ago

seattle center - panda fest...

Tyrah Majors, KIRO 7 News

Panda Fest adds enhanced security measures as thousands expected at Seattle Center

Panda Fest is returning to Seattle Center, bringing thousands of people together to celebrate Asian food, culture, and entertainment.

3 hours ago

gas prices record high iran ukraine conflict...

Manda Factor

Gas prices hit record highs for August as Ukraine, Iran conflicts drive costs up

The national average price of gasoline stood at $4.05 a gallon Monday, the highest ever recorded this late in the calendar year.

5 hours ago

The questions lingering after Tuesday’s shocking election