Conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt addressed this year's presidential election in the context of American history, and said it is based on "resentment and revenge."
"Throughout American history some elections have been driven by resentment and revenge — 2016 seems to me to be one of those, ranking with the 1968 vote after a year of tears, misery and war, as well as the 'Bloody Shirt' elections following the Civil War," Hewitt wrote in a Washington Examiner piece.
By comparison, Hewitt said the 1980 election, won by Ronald Reagan, was fueled by fear. Reagan's re-election and President Barack Obama's first victory were based on gratitude and hope.
Hewitt said President George H.W. Bush's election and President Bill Clinton's second term were "simply safe bets."
Hewitt said voters do not appear motivated by the stories of Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton or Republican candidate Donald Trump.
"Only a relatively few voters are marching door to door this year inspired by Hillary Clinton's or Donald Trump's personal stories of triumph over long odds or their promises of a new morning in America," Hewitt said.
Hewitt said the anger has reached historic levels.
"Quite a few are campaigning because they are very, very ticked off at one thing or another — or many things. Whatever the source of the resentments, the degree of vitriol all around has reached levels not seen since Nixon's era."
Hewitt said top "old pros" from both parties such as Republican Rep. Mitch McConnell and Democratic Rep. Nancy Pelosi appear to be staying out of it, and they will be able to work on "deep-seated problems" because of that stance.
Hewitt said addressing the anger might be helpful in the long run.
"If this election only accomplishes a much needed venting, well, that's not so bad, either, if after all the shouting, biting and kicking, the pressing problems are tackled."
Hewitt said whomever wins must prepare for difficult tasks.
"Neither of the presidential candidates is going to arrive at 1600 with a mandate," Hewitt said, referring to the address of the White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
Hewitt said, "Either is going to have a hell of a headache and not much if any honeymoon. Hangovers after binges are like that."
Early in August, Hewitt in a series of tweets urged Trump supporters and opponents to focus on Hillary Clinton, not each other, according to The Week. Hewitt joked Ivanka, Trump's daughter, might be a more popular nominee.
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