Elections of all types are held throughout the world every year, some big, some small. During middle school and high school annual elections are held for class president and his or her cabinet. School elections contain no real speech and debate politics, but entail schoolboy politics where the race often comes down to a popularity contest. Hopeful candidates pay for gimmicks such as stickers, baked goods, magnets, and signs to sway votes in his or her direction. Behind the scenes nasty rumors are spread regarding fellow candidates and scandals often arise. All of this for a figurehead position of no power. The race for the presidency of the United States possesses startling similarities to that of a popularity contest in middle school. This is most evident in one presidential candidate: Donald Trump.

Donald Trump was born in 1946, in Queens Island, New York, the child of Frederick and Mary Trump. He attended New York Military Academy and later attended Fordham University, before transferring to the University of Pennsylvania. After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in economics, he entered into the real-estate market. He quickly became engrossed in everything related to real-estate, thanks to the wealth of his family. The old money he inherited allowed him to pursue financial ventures without fear of substantial losses. After gaining a stable financial perch, Trump became the owner of Miss Universe, a joint partner in N.B.C., and even started “The Celebrity Apprentice.” After years of fielding the thought of running for the Oval Office, candidate Donald Trump added his name to an already crowded ballot on June 16, 2015.

Joining him on the Republican nomination ballot: Jeb Bush, Ben Carson, Chris Christie, Ted Cruz, Carly Fiorina, Jim Gilmore, Lindsey Graham, Mike Huckabee, Bobby Jindal, John Kasich, George Pataki, Rand Paul, Marco Rubio, Rick Santorum, Rick Perry, and Scott Walker, with Scott Walker and Rick Perry recently dropping out of the race. The latest poll showed Donald Trump (26%) leading followed by Ben Carson (18%) and Carly Fiorina (9%). The trio accounts for more than half of the GOP voter’s support. The above poll, released by Fox News, was completed shortly after the latest Republican Debate. The general consensus was that Carly Fiorina was the winner of the debate, held on September 16 at the Reagan Library. The debate featured many hot button issues, quick jabs, and face saving gestures from the candidates.

Among those saving face was Donald Trump after his remark about former candidate Carly Fiorina’s appearance. He was quoted saying, “Can you imagine that, the face of our next president? I mean, she’s a woman, and I’m not supposed to say bad things, but really, folks, come on. Are we serious?” Carly responded nearly a week later, at the debate, saying “I think women all over this country heard very clearly what Mr. Trump said…” Her remark was met with cheers from the audience. Other topics handled at the debate were the Iran Deal, immigration, abortion, and vaccinations. Donald Trump argued with Ben Carson, who is a neurosurgeon, that vaccinations can cause autism. Carson promptly rebuked from a medical point of view. Also discussed was the topic of illegal immigrants from Mexico. Donald Trump has repeatedly said he is going to build a wall stretching the entire border with Mexico, and that Mexico will pay for such wall. After this is completed he will gather up the eleven or so million immigrants and deport them, only allowing those he deems “good citizens” to come back and become naturalized. Former candidate Scott Walker also wanted to build a wall, but not with Mexico. He wanted to build an even longer and more expensive wall between the border of Canada and the US.

The race thus far has been filled with a slip-upd from many candidates. Ben Carson was quoted in saying, “I would not advocate that we put a Muslim in charge of this nation. I absolutely would not agree with that.” Surprisingly, the comment did not hurt Ben as much as individuals thought it would. He actually received an influx in campaign donations, to the tune of over a million dollars. On the topic of religion, the candidates have repeatedly questioned Barack Obama’s Christianity, with some voters even thinking that he may be a Muslim. However, the Republicans are not the only ones with slips of the tongue and scandals.

Hilary Clinton is the front runner of the Democratic candidates, running against Lincoln Chafee, Lawrence Lessig, Martin O’Malley, Bernie Sanders, and Jim Webb. In the latest poll conducted by Bloomberg Politics, Hilary Clinton has 33% support followed by Bernie Sanders who has 24%. Joe Biden, current Vice President, has 25% support if he were to run. The Democratic Party has not yet held a national debate, but the first one is slated for October 13 on CNN. Even though the party has not received national television time, scandals have arisen. News broke in March that Hilary Clinton had used a private email server, while serving as secretary of state, to send government emails. She claims that nothing she sent was classified at the time the emails were sent. The F.B.I. has launched a formal investigation into the matter. The outcome will immensely affect the democratic candidate’s chance at the oval office. But some argue that the damage has already been done and Clinton can no longer be trusted in the eyes of voters.

Overall, the race for the Oval Office has been entertaining and filled with controversy. Both parties have prominent figures from all walks of life, career politicians, a neurosurgeon, and business professionals, each of whom has their own view on how to make America great again. What is in store for America in the next election cycle? Who knows, maybe Celebrity Apprentice White House Edition.