When it first became known that both the Democratic and Republican party’s candidates were set in stone, hashtags such as #ripamerica and offhand remarks about moving to Canada spread like wildfire. Being forced to choose between an explosive, hot-tempered man equipped with zero experience in politics and a woman with questionable judgment insistent on keeping certain things in the dark will give any U.S. citizen a major headache.

Third party candidate, anyone?

Unfortunately, not many people are willing to exercise their right to vote. According to the Bipartisan Policy Center, only 57.5% of eligible voters actually cast their ballots in the year of 2012. Consequently, we are now face-to-face with the most brutal election season yet.

But whether or not we are fully prepared to accept Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton as our only options, time is running out. There is nowhere for us to look but straight ahead towards a new presidency. A choice has to be made. It all comes down to whether or not we believe that one candidate is more beneficial than the other in terms of serving our country.

It is a understatement to say that Donald Trump is notorious for making backhand remarks targeting certain groups of people. Many have openly expressed their frustration for this outspoken candidate, while on the other spectrum, his supporters argue that his blatant honesty showcases genuinity and concern for the country.

Recently, First Lady Michelle Obama gave a speech as a response to Trump’s behavior towards women. She declares that such actions are demeaning, and that no one deserves to be treated in such a degrading manner.¨This is not how adults behave,¨ she says. ¨This is not how decent human beings behave, and this is certainly not how someone who wants to be president of the United States behaves.¨

This alone shows that the billionaire businessman is in no way shape or form fit to become Commander-in-Chief of our country. With self-control on par of that of an adolescent´s, Donald Trump’s words alone would turn the U.S. into a battleground.

But Secretary Clinton is not without flaws either. The many articles that talk about her use of a private email server shows that there is another side to her that the public needs to be aware of. Maybe there is another intent hidden inside those smiles, and maybe she might not keep her promises of allowing more citizens to find secure jobs if she is elected as president. Who knows?

Right now, we can only cross our fingers and wish for the best. Even though the outlook is bleak as of now.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Central Times.