Lessor of two evils

Speaking with a highly respected, informed, and very intelligent voter younger than I, a telling question was tabled.  "In the worst case of the election coming down to Trump or Clinton, who is the lesser of two evils?"  Implying, for whom would I vote?

Damn.  Could American politics really sink to the point that these two will represent the choices for our nation?

Does abject disgust with Trump's insulting arrogance, flippant attitude, and lack of specific policies overcome total abhorrence of Clinton's dishonest arrogance, untrustworthiness, and amorality?  Does Clinton's undistinguished time in the senate and as secretary of state tilt the scales over Trump's questionable time in the business world?  Is Trump's unethical use of laws such as imminent domain worse that Clinton's illegal use of a private email server that placed national secrets at risk?  How do Clinton's dubious and devious dealings connected with the Clinton Foundation compare to Trump's similar dealings as a businessman?  Do Trump's campaign statements on social issues overcome Clinton's record on them?  Does the nation want an individual worth billions accumulated questionably over an individual worth hundreds of millions accumulated questionably?

Such comparisons and contrasts can be listed ad nauseam.  One area, however, of greater importance was noted.

Who has by examples of character and temperament shown the qualifications necessary in the commander-in-chief?  The aforementioned voter raised this specter in the context of who would be most likely to enter the nation into (another) unnecessary war?  

The immediate and obvious answer is that neither are suited for the all important role of president as commander-in-chief.  Acknowledging this point nevertheless leads to the dilemma.  

If Clinton and Trump are the two choices, who is the lessor of two evils?

Would it come down to voting against one, rather than voting for the other?  Would it come down to a single issue, national security and the actions as commander-in-chief?

It will be no surprise to readers of this blog that I could never vote for Clinton.  But could I vote for Trump?