The Shift in Trump's Campaign Dynamics

Trump's rise in the 2016 election can be attributed to several key moments, but significant factors include Clinton's strategic missteps and the vulnerability on her campaign trail. After a strong start, Clinton's absence from the campaign during August allowed critiques to mount against her, particularly following the Gold Star families incident. Polls showed her lead dwindling leading up to the debates, where her infamous 'deplorables' comment added to her challenges. As Trump gained momentum during this period, his outsider status, while beneficial, also created fear among voters regarding his temperament and behavior, indicating that perceptions of him shifted dramatically based on Clinton's performance in the news cycle.