Image credit: Penn State

Michael Berkman, political science professor and director of the Penn State McCourtney Institute for Democracy, was quoted recently in a CBS Pittsburgh Q&A article about the possible presidential election outcomes. Here’s an excerpt:

“How do you think the American public will respond in the case of each candidate winning?

Michael Berkman

“Berkman: I think an interesting question is whether or not Trump will be shown the respect and deference usually shown a president (although in many cases not Obama). Given the tone of the campaign and his insulting comments I could imagine many simply not accepting him. If HRC wins a significant portion of Trump’s supporters may well see her as illegitimate because they have been told repeatedly the election is rigged. …

“What do you foresee being the political climate of 2017? As cold as this year or finally warming up?

“Berkman: The American public is angry and lacking hope. The Congress is advertising an unwillingness to work with the Democratic nominee. So if HRC wins, it won’t be pleasant. If Trump wins and has a united Congress I think we’ll see the most conservative policies ever, developed by the Congress and approved by a largely hands-off president. Of greatest concern is how far Trump goes on his more authoritarian instincts: restrictions on the press, harsh deportation, torturing suspects, cracking down on protests, etc.”

Read more at pittsburgh.cbslocal.com.