Chronicle Editorial

And then there were two
    Hillary Clinton finally clinched the Democratic nomination this week after six months of gritty campaigning and strong pushback from Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders. Her victory set up a November showdown with Donald Trump, whose candidacy defied the odds to win the Republican nomination against a stiff field of competition.
    This election has been bizarre to say the least. Trump was one of 17 GOP candidates to throw a hat into the ring, and his campaign style has been anything but conventional. He’s been bulletproof and survived countless blunders that would have sank any other candidate. From racially-charged rhetoric to flip-flopped stances, the business mogul has come through unscathed. Whether or not that luck will carry over to the general election remains to be seen, but nothing is really shocking at this point.
    Though Clinton hasn’t provided the incredible sound bytes and bombast like Trump, she too has overcome several hurdles during the campaign. From her email scandal to ongoing controversy over Benghazi, Clinton comes with plenty of baggage. Nonetheless, she outlasted everything and finally delivered the deathblow to Sanders’ campaign this week despite his pledge to continue fighting until the party convention.
    On paper, it seems Americans will have two very sketchy candidates to pick from come November. Both Trump and Clinton are far from perfect, but that could be said for any candidate in every election. However, it’s clear we’re at a crossroads in American politics right now. Two populist candidates – Trump and Sanders – garnered significant support this year while more traditional contenders like Jeb Bush fell flat on their faces. That momentum could trickle down later this year and beyond, which would be an unlikely political shift not seen since the early 20th Century.
    Who knows what twists and turns await us as we march towards November. This election cycle has been unpredictable and unprecedented, as evidenced by Trump’s rise to prominence. If he can outpace Clinton’s treasure-trove of campaign resources and funding, it will mark one of the most shocking presidential victories in the history of American politics.
    Oh, what a long, strange trip it’s been.
 
Summer is here – get out and enjoy Franklin County!
    With Memorial Day weekend behind us, we can now shift our sights to the unofficial start of the summer season. Things are green again, farmers are finishing up in the fields, and temperatures are starting to stay consistently warm. Early summertime in Iowa certainly isn’t a bad place to be.
    Franklin County has a lot to offer over the next three months. From music to town festivals to the county fair, there’s sure to be something going on no matter the week.
    One of the more symbolic events marking the start to the season is Tuesday on the Town in downtown Hampton. The local staple boasts music, food and other events in beautiful Band Shell Park every Tuesday evening throughout June. Of course, that’s just the beginning. The Franklin County Fair provides a mid-summer break for area residents with its music, shows and other attractions. Good food and animals are all added bonuses, as are the many rides and historic exhibits.
    If that’s not enough, various town celebrations fill weekend schedules throughout the summer. Each one offers its own unique opportunities for fun no matter the size or city. It’s always great to catch a parade and admire all the interesting floats and cool cars, and it’s equally fun watching the youngsters dart about for candy.
    Those are just a few of the many events planned here in Franklin County this summer. Get out and enjoy the weather while you can – before we know it, we’ll be griping about how hot and muggy it is.
    Have a great summer!