All Illinoisians can do is sit and watch

So the two major political parties with the aid and abetting of primary voters have selected two candidates, one of whom will occupy the White House for the next four years.

The Democrats have chosen their most experienced candidate, Hillary Clinton, an habitual liar constantly mired in scandal. The Republicans selected their most inexperienced candidate, political neophyte Donald Trump, a slick talking, snake oil-selling businessman whose claim to fame includes building buildings and hosting a reality TV show.

Crooked Hillary parses her words like the lawyer and political animal she is. Narcissistic Trump has an off the cuff speaking style and fascination with Twitter. Everything he says or twits comes with an expiration date. He has been known to reverse himself in a matter of hours or days.

People like the idea of the first female president like they liked the idea of the first black president. But look where that's gotten us. People are also so angry with the system they may want to blow it up and vote for the apocalyptic candidacy of a Trump.

The respective campaigns should be interesting to watch with each side trying to demonize the other. Hillary will attempt to paint her rival with a menacing clown face, while Trump attempts to portray Hillary in an orange jump suit. This election cycle will set a new standard for how low a political campaign can go.

Fortunately, voters of Illinois do not have to worry about who our state's electoral votes will go to. Illinois has voted for the Democrat in the past six presidential elections. On Election Night, Illinois' projected winner will be announced shortly after the polls close. Like millions of other Americans. we will be watching the returns from the swing states that truly decide the election of the 45th president.

Tom L. Jones

Pingree Grove