The questions we must ask about America’s future

By Frank Sesno
Updated 3:26 PM EST, Wed November 9, 2016
President-elect Donald Trump delivers <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2016/11/09/politics/donald-trump-acceptance-speech/" target="_blank">his acceptance speech</a> in the early morning hours of Wednesday, November 9, as his running mate, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, applauds in New York. The 2016 presidential campaign was one of the most dramatic and unpredictable races in U.S. history. How did we get to this point? Here's a look at how the campaign unfolded.
President-elect Donald Trump delivers his acceptance speech in the early morning hours of Wednesday, November 9, as his running mate, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, applauds in New York. The 2016 presidential campaign was one of the most dramatic and unpredictable races in U.S. history. How did we get to this point? Here's a look at how the campaign unfolded.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, a conservative firebrand from Texas, stands on stage with his family March 25, 2015, after becoming <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/03/23/politics/ted-cruz-2016-announcement/" target="_blank">the first Republican to announce a presidential run.</a> Cruz, who made headlines with his staunch opposition to Obamacare and his willingness to shut down the federal government, presented a direct challenge to the expected bids of establishment Republicans such as Jeb Bush -- candidates Cruz coyly referred to as the "mushy middle."
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, a conservative firebrand from Texas, stands on stage with his family March 25, 2015, after becoming the first Republican to announce a presidential run. Cruz, who made headlines with his staunch opposition to Obamacare and his willingness to shut down the federal government, presented a direct challenge to the expected bids of establishment Republicans such as Jeb Bush -- candidates Cruz coyly referred to as the "mushy middle."
Andrew Harnik/AP
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker is reflected by glass before speaking at a leadership summit in Nashua, New Hampshire, on April 18, 2015. Walker, who rose to national fame by taking on unions in one of the most blue-collar states, <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/07/13/politics/scott-walker-2016-presidential-announcement/" target="_blank">officially became a presidential candidate three months later.</a>
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker is reflected by glass before speaking at a leadership summit in Nashua, New Hampshire, on April 18, 2015. Walker, who rose to national fame by taking on unions in one of the most blue-collar states, officially became a presidential candidate three months later.
Ron Haviv/VII
U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/04/07/politics/rand-paul-president-2016/" target="_blank">a Republican presidential candidate</a> from Kentucky, looks down as New Hampshire Sen. Andy Sanborn, standing on a chair, makes opening remarks at the opening of Paul's campaign office in Manchester, New Hampshire, on June 5, 2015. Paul, the son of former U.S. Rep. Ron Paul, has carefully built a brand of mainstream libertarianism since riding the tea party wave into the Senate in 2010.
U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, a Republican presidential candidate from Kentucky, looks down as New Hampshire Sen. Andy Sanborn, standing on a chair, makes opening remarks at the opening of Paul's campaign office in Manchester, New Hampshire, on June 5, 2015. Paul, the son of former U.S. Rep. Ron Paul, has carefully built a brand of mainstream libertarianism since riding the tea party wave into the Senate in 2010.
Cheryl Senter/AP
U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, speaks to the media at a campaign stop in Waterloo, Iowa, on June 5, 2015. Graham, one of the Senate's leading foreign-policy hawks, <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/06/01/politics/lindsey-graham-presidential-announcement-election-2016/" target="_blank">announced earlier in the week</a> that he would be running for President.
U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, speaks to the media at a campaign stop in Waterloo, Iowa, on June 5, 2015. Graham, one of the Senate's leading foreign-policy hawks, announced earlier in the week that he would be running for President.
Daniel Acker/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton, a former first lady and secretary of state, delivers a speech at a New York City park on June 13, 2015. Clinton used <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/06/13/politics/hillary-clinton-roosevelt-island-rally/" target="_blank">the first major rally of her campaign</a> to make a populist case, declaring that the goal of her presidency would be to tip the nation's economic scales back toward the middle class' favor.
Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton, a former first lady and secretary of state, delivers a speech at a New York City park on June 13, 2015. Clinton used the first major rally of her campaign to make a populist case, declaring that the goal of her presidency would be to tip the nation's economic scales back toward the middle class' favor.
LUCAS JACKSON/reuters/Newscom
Democratic candidate Martin O'Malley, left, plays with a borrowed guitar during a meet-and-greet in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, on June 13, 2015. A couple weeks earlier, the former Maryland governor <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/05/30/politics/martin-omalley-2016-presidential-announcement/" target="_blank">launched his campaign</a> with an appeal to the party's progressive base, hoping to upend the conventional wisdom that Clinton was destined to clinch the Democratic nomination.
Democratic candidate Martin O'Malley, left, plays with a borrowed guitar during a meet-and-greet in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, on June 13, 2015. A couple weeks earlier, the former Maryland governor launched his campaign with an appeal to the party's progressive base, hoping to upend the conventional wisdom that Clinton was destined to clinch the Democratic nomination.
Cheryl Senter/AP
Campaign volunteers with the Jeb Bush campaign inflate thunderstick noisemakers before he <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/06/15/politics/jeb-bush-2016-presidential-announcement/" target="_blank">formally announced his candidacy</a> in Miami on June 15, 2015. Bush, a scion of the most recognizable family in Republican politics, fashioned an image as a sober-minded conservative truth-teller while governor of Florida.
Campaign volunteers with the Jeb Bush campaign inflate thunderstick noisemakers before he formally announced his candidacy in Miami on June 15, 2015. Bush, a scion of the most recognizable family in Republican politics, fashioned an image as a sober-minded conservative truth-teller while governor of Florida.
Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Donald Trump, a real estate mogul and TV reality star, <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/06/16/politics/donald-trump-2016-announcement-elections/" target="_blank">announces himself as a Republican candidate</a> during a news conference in New York on June 16, 2015. "Sadly the American dream is dead," Trump said at the end of his speech at the Trump Tower. "But if I get elected President I will bring it back bigger and better and stronger than ever before."
Donald Trump, a real estate mogul and TV reality star, announces himself as a Republican candidate during a news conference in New York on June 16, 2015. "Sadly the American dream is dead," Trump said at the end of his speech at the Trump Tower. "But if I get elected President I will bring it back bigger and better and stronger than ever before."
Anthony Behar/Sipa USA
People in Madison, Wisconsin, cheer at a campaign rally for U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders on July 1, 2015. The Vermont independent, seeking the Democratic Party's presidential nomination, <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/07/01/politics/bernie-sanders-crowds-wisconsin-2016/" target="_blank">drew nearly 10,000 supporters in Madison.</a>
People in Madison, Wisconsin, cheer at a campaign rally for U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders on July 1, 2015. The Vermont independent, seeking the Democratic Party's presidential nomination, drew nearly 10,000 supporters in Madison.
Michael P. King/Wisconsin State Journal via AP
Louisa Hill, 3, walks onto a stage in Hanover, New Hampshire, as Clinton speaks on July 3, 2015.
Louisa Hill, 3, walks onto a stage in Hanover, New Hampshire, as Clinton speaks on July 3, 2015.
Elise Amendola/AP
A baby looks at Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan at a diner in Annapolis, Maryland, on July 15, 2015. Hogan was there to endorse Republican presidential candidate Chris Christie, at left in the blue tie. Christie <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/06/30/politics/chris-christie-2016-presidential-campaign/" target="_blank">joined the race</a> with strong national name recognition and a record in public office that spans more than a decade, having served as New Jersey's governor since 2010 and a U.S. Attorney from 2002-2010.
A baby looks at Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan at a diner in Annapolis, Maryland, on July 15, 2015. Hogan was there to endorse Republican presidential candidate Chris Christie, at left in the blue tie. Christie joined the race with strong national name recognition and a record in public office that spans more than a decade, having served as New Jersey's governor since 2010 and a U.S. Attorney from 2002-2010.
Bill O'Leary/The Washington Post via Getty Images
Supporters reach out to Trump as he leaves a stop in Laredo, Texas, on July 23, 2015. During <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/07/23/politics/donald-trump-border-visit-texas/" target="_blank">a four-hour visit,</a> Trump met with local officials and toured the border between the United States and Mexico. His visit was the culmination of more than a month of attention centered on Trump's branding of undocumented Mexican immigrants as killers and rapists -- remarks that drew condemnation from the Republican establishment but also helped rocket him to the top of the polls.
Supporters reach out to Trump as he leaves a stop in Laredo, Texas, on July 23, 2015. During a four-hour visit, Trump met with local officials and toured the border between the United States and Mexico. His visit was the culmination of more than a month of attention centered on Trump's branding of undocumented Mexican immigrants as killers and rapists -- remarks that drew condemnation from the Republican establishment but also helped rocket him to the top of the polls.
LM Otero/AP
Trump raises his hand during <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/08/07/politics/gallery/republican-debate-2-gop-presidential-2016/index.html" target="_blank">the first Republican debates</a> of the campaign, which took place in Cleveland on August 6, 2015. Trump kicked off the event by refusing to rule out a third-party run and pledge his support to whoever becomes the Republican nominee. He was joined on stage by nine other candidates -- seven of the lower-polling candidates <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/08/06/politics/gallery/republican-debate-1-gop-presidential-2016/index.html" target="_blank">had a separate debate</a> before the main event.
Trump raises his hand during the first Republican debates of the campaign, which took place in Cleveland on August 6, 2015. Trump kicked off the event by refusing to rule out a third-party run and pledge his support to whoever becomes the Republican nominee. He was joined on stage by nine other candidates -- seven of the lower-polling candidates had a separate debate before the main event.
John Minchillo/AP
Seconds after Sanders took the stage for a rally in Seattle, a dozen protesters from the city's Black Lives Matter chapter <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/08/08/politics/bernie-sanders-black-lives-matter-protesters/" target="_blank">jumped barricades and grabbed the microphone</a> on August 8, 2015. Holding a banner that said "Smash Racism," two of the protesters -- Marissa Johnson, left, and Mara Jacqueline Willaford -- addressed the crowd. Sanders stood just feet away off stage, chatting with his wife and the three aides that came to Seattle with him. His aides said the senator had no plans of leaving during the protests, but once Johnson did not appear willing to give up the mic after a moment of silence, organizers effectively shut down the event. Sanders never addressed the crowd, but he did make his way through it to shake hands and take pictures.
Seconds after Sanders took the stage for a rally in Seattle, a dozen protesters from the city's Black Lives Matter chapter jumped barricades and grabbed the microphone on August 8, 2015. Holding a banner that said "Smash Racism," two of the protesters -- Marissa Johnson, left, and Mara Jacqueline Willaford -- addressed the crowd. Sanders stood just feet away off stage, chatting with his wife and the three aides that came to Seattle with him. His aides said the senator had no plans of leaving during the protests, but once Johnson did not appear willing to give up the mic after a moment of silence, organizers effectively shut down the event. Sanders never addressed the crowd, but he did make his way through it to shake hands and take pictures.
Elaine Thompson/AP
People at <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/08/15/politics/gallery/iowa-state-fair-postcards/index.html" target="_blank">the Iowa State Fair</a> use corn kernels to show support for their favorite presidential candidates on August 13, 2015. Many candidates attended the fair, mingling with voters in the first-in-the-nation caucus state.
People at the Iowa State Fair use corn kernels to show support for their favorite presidential candidates on August 13, 2015. Many candidates attended the fair, mingling with voters in the first-in-the-nation caucus state.
Landon Nordeman for CNN
Brian Bolton, from Creston, Iowa, participates in a mounted shooting competition at the Iowa State Fair on August 14, 2015. Photographer Landon Nordeman <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/08/15/politics/gallery/iowa-state-fair-postcards/index.html" target="_blank">visited the fair</a> in search of presidential candidates and interesting people.
Brian Bolton, from Creston, Iowa, participates in a mounted shooting competition at the Iowa State Fair on August 14, 2015. Photographer Landon Nordeman visited the fair in search of presidential candidates and interesting people.
Landon Nordeman for CNN
Bush is seen on a camera at the Iowa State Fair on August 14, 2015.
Bush is seen on a camera at the Iowa State Fair on August 14, 2015.
Charles Ommanney/The Washington Post via Getty Images
Trump poses for a picture with a woman and child at <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/08/15/politics/gallery/iowa-state-fair-postcards/index.html" target="_blank">the Iowa State Fair</a> on August 15, 2015.
Trump poses for a picture with a woman and child at the Iowa State Fair on August 15, 2015.
Landon Nordeman for CNN
Trump supporters take photos of Trump as he leaves a rally in Mobile, Alabama, on August 21, 2015. The rally <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/08/22/politics/gallery/trump-rally-alabama/index.html" target="_blank">was held in a football stadium</a> to accommodate 30,000 supporters.
Trump supporters take photos of Trump as he leaves a rally in Mobile, Alabama, on August 21, 2015. The rally was held in a football stadium to accommodate 30,000 supporters.
Melissa Golden for CNN
Univision anchor Jorge Ramos, left, asks Trump a question about his immigration plan during a news conference in Dubuque, Iowa, on August 25, 2015. Ramos squabbled with Trump twice during the event, and at one point a security officer <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/08/25/politics/donald-trump-megyn-kelly-iowa-rally/index.html" target="_blank">ejected Ramos</a> before he was allowed back in.
Univision anchor Jorge Ramos, left, asks Trump a question about his immigration plan during a news conference in Dubuque, Iowa, on August 25, 2015. Ramos squabbled with Trump twice during the event, and at one point a security officer ejected Ramos before he was allowed back in.
Charlie Neibergall/AP
Keith Schiller, Trump's director of security and longtime bodyguard, holds back demonstrator Efrain Galicia at Trump Tower in New York on September 3, 2015. Galicia was among five protesters who later <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/09/09/politics/donald-trump-protesters-lawsuit/index.html" target="_blank">filed a lawsuit</a> against Schiller, Trump, Trump's campaign and his company. The plaintiffs allege that Trump security officials, namely Schiller, assaulted them as they protested outside of a campaign event. A campaign spokesperson <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/trump-security-detail-makes-headlines-just-like-the-candidate/2015/09/04/1b2333ce-5335-11e5-933e-7d06c647a395_story.html" target="_blank" target="_blank">told The Washington Post</a> that the protesters "were harassing people on the street" and that a Trump security guard was "jumped from behind."
Keith Schiller, Trump's director of security and longtime bodyguard, holds back demonstrator Efrain Galicia at Trump Tower in New York on September 3, 2015. Galicia was among five protesters who later filed a lawsuit against Schiller, Trump, Trump's campaign and his company. The plaintiffs allege that Trump security officials, namely Schiller, assaulted them as they protested outside of a campaign event. A campaign spokesperson told The Washington Post that the protesters "were harassing people on the street" and that a Trump security guard was "jumped from behind."
Erik Pendzich/Rex Features via AP Images
Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee, left, holds hands with Kim Davis in front of a detention center in Grayson, Kentucky, on September 8, 2015. Davis, a Rowan County clerk of courts, <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/09/08/politics/kim-davis-kentucky-clerk-2016-candidates-chris-christie/index.html" target="_blank">spent several days in jail</a> for refusing to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Huckabee latched onto Davis as a symbol of the fight against what he said is government overreach.
Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee, left, holds hands with Kim Davis in front of a detention center in Grayson, Kentucky, on September 8, 2015. Davis, a Rowan County clerk of courts, spent several days in jail for refusing to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Huckabee latched onto Davis as a symbol of the fight against what he said is government overreach.
Ty Wright/Getty Images
Cruz and Trump joined forces in Washington during a tea party rally against the Iran nuclear deal on September 9, 2015. "It is a bit of a romance," <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/09/09/politics/donald-trump-ted-cruz-2016-iran/index.html" target="_blank">Trump told CNN at the time.</a> "I like him, he likes me. He's backed me 100% about illegal immigration. He was the one person that really -- and there were a couple of others -- but Ted Cruz was out there and he backed me very strongly."
Cruz and Trump joined forces in Washington during a tea party rally against the Iran nuclear deal on September 9, 2015. "It is a bit of a romance," Trump told CNN at the time. "I like him, he likes me. He's backed me 100% about illegal immigration. He was the one person that really -- and there were a couple of others -- but Ted Cruz was out there and he backed me very strongly."
Pete Marovich/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Liberty University students pray before a Sanders speech in Lynchburg, Virginia, on September 14, 2015. Sanders, who <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2016/09/28/politics/hillary-clinton-bernie-sanders-millenial-election-2016/" target="_blank">was popular with many young voters</a> during the Democratic primaries, <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/09/14/politics/bernie-sanders-liberty-university-speech/" target="_blank">staunchly defended abortion rights and same-sex marriage</a> during his visit to the largest Christian college in the world.
Liberty University students pray before a Sanders speech in Lynchburg, Virginia, on September 14, 2015. Sanders, who was popular with many young voters during the Democratic primaries, staunchly defended abortion rights and same-sex marriage during his visit to the largest Christian college in the world.
Steve Helber/AP
A man helps himself to a fried chicken buffet near an anti-abortion display at the Iowa Faith & Freedom Coalition's<a href="http://www.cnn.com/interactive/2015/10/politics/fear-voting-christian-right/" target="_blank"> Fall Family Dinner</a> in September 2015. Defunding Planned Parenthood was a popular topic during the forum.
A man helps himself to a fried chicken buffet near an anti-abortion display at the Iowa Faith & Freedom Coalition's Fall Family Dinner in September 2015. Defunding Planned Parenthood was a popular topic during the forum.
Taylor Glascock for CNN
Cruz speaks during the annual banquet of the Iowa Faith & Freedom Coalition on September 19, 2015.
Cruz speaks during the annual banquet of the Iowa Faith & Freedom Coalition on September 19, 2015.
Taylor Glascock for CNN
Republican presidential candidate Carly Fiorina, right, visits a pregnancy center in Spartanburg, South Carolina, on September 24, 2015. Fiorina <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/09/24/politics/carly-fiorina-planned-parenthood-pregnancy-center/" target="_blank">continued her attacks against Planned Parenthood, </a>which was under fire because of a series of secretly taped, edited videos accusing it of breaking federal laws by profiting off the sale of organs and tissues of aborted fetuses. Planned Parenthood denied it had broken any laws.
Republican presidential candidate Carly Fiorina, right, visits a pregnancy center in Spartanburg, South Carolina, on September 24, 2015. Fiorina continued her attacks against Planned Parenthood, which was under fire because of a series of secretly taped, edited videos accusing it of breaking federal laws by profiting off the sale of organs and tissues of aborted fetuses. Planned Parenthood denied it had broken any laws.
Charles Ommanney/The Washington Post via Getty Images
Clinton, right, appears on an episode of "Saturday Night Live" opposite Kate McKinnon, who has been playing Clinton during the campaign, on October 3, 2015.
Clinton, right, appears on an episode of "Saturday Night Live" opposite Kate McKinnon, who has been playing Clinton during the campaign, on October 3, 2015.
Dana Edelson/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images
Trump poses with a woman he brought up on stage during a rally in Las Vegas on October 8, 2015. The woman <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/10/08/politics/latino-woman-las-vegas-trump-adoring-fan/" target="_blank">kissed Trump</a> as she clutched a copy of his People magazine cover. "I'm Hispanic and I vote for Mr. Trump! She said. "We vote for Mr. Trump! Yes! Mr. Trump! We love you! We love you, all the way to the White House!" Trump, who had come under fire for his comments about Hispanics, seemed to understand how it might be perceived. "I swear to you -- I think she's totally beautiful and great -- I've never met her before, I swear," he said.
Trump poses with a woman he brought up on stage during a rally in Las Vegas on October 8, 2015. The woman kissed Trump as she clutched a copy of his People magazine cover. "I'm Hispanic and I vote for Mr. Trump! She said. "We vote for Mr. Trump! Yes! Mr. Trump! We love you! We love you, all the way to the White House!" Trump, who had come under fire for his comments about Hispanics, seemed to understand how it might be perceived. "I swear to you -- I think she's totally beautiful and great -- I've never met her before, I swear," he said.
John Locher/AP
During a <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/10/13/politics/gallery/democratic-debate-las-vegas/index.html" target="_blank">Democratic debate</a> on October 13, 2015, Sanders and Clinton shared a lighthearted moment following Sanders' take on <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/09/03/politics/hillary-clinton-email-controversy-explained-2016/" target="_blank">the Clinton email scandal.</a> "The American people are sick and tired of hearing about your damn emails," Sanders said. "Enough of the emails. Let's talk about the real issues facing the United States of America." Clinton said, "Thank you, me too," and then later shook his hand to the applause of the audience.
During a Democratic debate on October 13, 2015, Sanders and Clinton shared a lighthearted moment following Sanders' take on the Clinton email scandal. "The American people are sick and tired of hearing about your damn emails," Sanders said. "Enough of the emails. Let's talk about the real issues facing the United States of America." Clinton said, "Thank you, me too," and then later shook his hand to the applause of the audience.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
U.S. Vice President Joe Biden turns to his wife, Jill, after announcing October 21, 2015, that <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/10/21/politics/joe-biden-not-running-2016-election/" target="_blank">he would not be running for President.</a> The announcement took place at the White House Rose Garden with President Barack Obama.
U.S. Vice President Joe Biden turns to his wife, Jill, after announcing October 21, 2015, that he would not be running for President. The announcement took place at the White House Rose Garden with President Barack Obama.
Jacquelyn Martin/AP
Clinton testifies before the House Benghazi Committee on October 22, 2015. Clinton <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/10/22/politics/hillary-clinton-benghazi-hearing-updates/" target="_blank">mounted a passionate defense of her response to the attack,</a> which claimed the lives of four Americans in 2012. But she came under repeated criticism from Republicans who tried to prove she ignored pleas from U.S. diplomats for better security.
Clinton testifies before the House Benghazi Committee on October 22, 2015. Clinton mounted a passionate defense of her response to the attack, which claimed the lives of four Americans in 2012. But she came under repeated criticism from Republicans who tried to prove she ignored pleas from U.S. diplomats for better security.
Melina Mara/The Washington Post via Getty Images
Trump is flanked by impersonators Taran Killam, left, and Darrell Hammond during his "Saturday Night Live" monologue on November 7, 2015.
Trump is flanked by impersonators Taran Killam, left, and Darrell Hammond during his "Saturday Night Live" monologue on November 7, 2015.
Dana Edelson/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images
Trump supporters boo the media after a heckler was removed from a campaign stop in Birmingham, Alabama, on November 21, 2015. Trump <a href="http://money.cnn.com/2016/08/14/media/donald-trump-media-bias-first-amendment/" target="_blank">has been critical of the press</a> throughout the campaign, saying it is biased against him, and he has denied press credentials to several prominent news outlets, including The Washington Post, Politico and The Daily Beast.
Trump supporters boo the media after a heckler was removed from a campaign stop in Birmingham, Alabama, on November 21, 2015. Trump has been critical of the press throughout the campaign, saying it is biased against him, and he has denied press credentials to several prominent news outlets, including The Washington Post, Politico and The Daily Beast.
Eric Schultz/AP
Sanders sits in an Atlanta cafe with rapper Killer Mike on November 23, 2015. The rapper introduced Sanders at a campaign event later that day.
Sanders sits in an Atlanta cafe with rapper Killer Mike on November 23, 2015. The rapper introduced Sanders at a campaign event later that day.
David Goldman/AP
Hidayah Martinez Jaka wears an American flag hijab as Democratic presidential candidate Martin O'Malley speaks at a mosque in Sterling, Virginia, on December 11, 2015.
Hidayah Martinez Jaka wears an American flag hijab as Democratic presidential candidate Martin O'Malley speaks at a mosque in Sterling, Virginia, on December 11, 2015.
Samuel Corum/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
Nine of the highest-polling Republican candidates take part in a debate in Las Vegas on December 15, 2015. Vincent Laforet, a Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer and director, <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/12/16/politics/gallery/cnn-debate-vegas-vincent-laforet/index.html" target="_blank">set up seven still cameras at the debate,</a> which was held at a theater inside the Venetian hotel and casino.
Nine of the highest-polling Republican candidates take part in a debate in Las Vegas on December 15, 2015. Vincent Laforet, a Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer and director, set up seven still cameras at the debate, which was held at a theater inside the Venetian hotel and casino.
Vincent Laforet for CNN
Trump shares a laugh with fellow candidate Ben Carson during <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/12/15/politics/gallery/gop-debates-las-vegas/index.html" target="_blank">the Las Vegas debate.</a>
Trump shares a laugh with fellow candidate Ben Carson during the Las Vegas debate.
John Locher/AP
A supporter reacts as Trump signs her poster during a campaign rally in Lowell, Massachusetts, on January 4, 2016.
A supporter reacts as Trump signs her poster during a campaign rally in Lowell, Massachusetts, on January 4, 2016.
Keith Bedford/The Boston Globe via Getty Images
A protester is removed by security personnel during a Trump campaign event in Rock Hill, South Carolina, on January 8, 2016.
A protester is removed by security personnel during a Trump campaign event in Rock Hill, South Carolina, on January 8, 2016.
CHRIS KEANE/REUTERS/Newscom
While visiting the Civil Rights Institute in Birmingham, Alabama, on January 18, 2016, Sanders touches the actual jail bars that the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. was behind when he wrote his "Letter from Birmingham Jail" in 1963.
While visiting the Civil Rights Institute in Birmingham, Alabama, on January 18, 2016, Sanders touches the actual jail bars that the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. was behind when he wrote his "Letter from Birmingham Jail" in 1963.
Brynn Anderson/AP
Trump shakes the hand of former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin after <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2016/01/19/politics/donald-trump-endorsement-sarah-palin/index.html" target="_blank">she endorsed him</a> in Ames, Iowa, on January 19, 2016. Palin was the GOP's vice presidential candidate in 2008.
Trump shakes the hand of former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin after she endorsed him in Ames, Iowa, on January 19, 2016. Palin was the GOP's vice presidential candidate in 2008.
Mary Altaffer/AP
A giant Trump poster is illuminated outside a home in Des Moines, Iowa, on January 28, 2016.
A giant Trump poster is illuminated outside a home in Des Moines, Iowa, on January 28, 2016.
Christopher Furlong/Getty Images
Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum, second from right, drinks a beer at a pub in Waukee, Iowa, on January 28, 2016. The former U.S. senator from Pennsylvania also ran in 2012.
Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum, second from right, drinks a beer at a pub in Waukee, Iowa, on January 28, 2016. The former U.S. senator from Pennsylvania also ran in 2012.
Brendan Hoffman/Getty Images
A woman in a Princess Leia costume makes a "Star Wars"-themed plea for Sanders during a campaign rally in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on January 30, 2016.
A woman in a Princess Leia costume makes a "Star Wars"-themed plea for Sanders during a campaign rally in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on January 30, 2016.
Evan Vucci/AP
Former U.S. President Bill Clinton and his daughter, Chelsea, listen to Hillary Clinton speak in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on January 30, 2016. Clinton <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2016/02/01/politics/iowa-caucuses-2016-highlights/" target="_blank">went on to win the Iowa caucuses</a> by a razor-thin margin, edging Sanders by a few percentage points. Cruz won on the GOP side.
Former U.S. President Bill Clinton and his daughter, Chelsea, listen to Hillary Clinton speak in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on January 30, 2016. Clinton went on to win the Iowa caucuses by a razor-thin margin, edging Sanders by a few percentage points. Cruz won on the GOP side.
BRIAN SNYDER/REUTERS/Newscom
Sanders speaks during a campaign event in Des Moines, Iowa, on January 31, 2016.
Sanders speaks during a campaign event in Des Moines, Iowa, on January 31, 2016.
Alex Wong/Getty Images
Former first lady Barbara Bush jokes with her son Jeb while <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2016/02/04/politics/barbara-bush-jeb-2016-election/" target="_blank">introducing him at a town-hall meeting</a> in Derry, New Hampshire, on February 4, 2016.
Former first lady Barbara Bush jokes with her son Jeb while introducing him at a town-hall meeting in Derry, New Hampshire, on February 4, 2016.
Jacquelyn Martin/AP
A campaign worker brushes snow off Sanders signs in Manchester, New Hampshire, on February 5, 2016. Sanders <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2016/02/09/politics/new-hampshire-primary-highlights/" target="_blank">won the New Hampshire primary</a> a few days later.
A campaign worker brushes snow off Sanders signs in Manchester, New Hampshire, on February 5, 2016. Sanders won the New Hampshire primary a few days later.
CARLO ALLEGRI/REUTERS/Newscom
Trump and Christie talk to each other during a commercial break at the Republican debate in Manchester, New Hampshire, on February 6, 2016. At left is U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio. Trump <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2016/02/09/politics/new-hampshire-primary-highlights/" target="_blank">won the New Hampshire primary</a> on February 9 -- his first victory on the way to the nomination.
Trump and Christie talk to each other during a commercial break at the Republican debate in Manchester, New Hampshire, on February 6, 2016. At left is U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio. Trump won the New Hampshire primary on February 9 -- his first victory on the way to the nomination.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Sanders, left, appears in a "Saturday Night Live" skit with comedian Larry David on February 6, 2016. David <a href="http://money.cnn.com/2016/02/07/media/bernie-sanders-larry-david-saturday-night-lvie/" target="_blank">has been playing Sanders</a> during the campaign.
Sanders, left, appears in a "Saturday Night Live" skit with comedian Larry David on February 6, 2016. David has been playing Sanders during the campaign.
Dana Edelson/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images
Timothy Kierstead, a married gay man from Manchester, New Hampshire, <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/politics/first-draft/2016/02/08/gay-voter-to-marco-rubio-why-do-you-want-to-put-me-back-in-the-closet/" target="_blank" target="_blank">confronts Rubio</a> about his position on same-sex marriage. "Why do you want to put me back in the closet?" Kierstead asked Rubio on February 8, 2016. Rubio said he didn't. "I just believe marriage is between one man and one woman," the Florida senator said.
Timothy Kierstead, a married gay man from Manchester, New Hampshire, confronts Rubio about his position on same-sex marriage. "Why do you want to put me back in the closet?" Kierstead asked Rubio on February 8, 2016. Rubio said he didn't. "I just believe marriage is between one man and one woman," the Florida senator said.
CARLO ALLEGRI/REUTERS/Newscom
A performance artist named Vermin Supreme -- <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2016/01/21/politics/new-hampshire-primary-lesser-known-candidate-debate/" target="_blank">who officially registered as a presidential candidate</a> -- talks to a motorist as he campaigns in Manchester, New Hampshire, on February 6, 2016.
A performance artist named Vermin Supreme -- who officially registered as a presidential candidate -- talks to a motorist as he campaigns in Manchester, New Hampshire, on February 6, 2016.
MIKE SEGAR/REUTERS/Newscom
Clinton plays goalie during a campaign stop at an indoor-soccer center in Las Vegas on February 13, 2016. After her loss in New Hampshire, Clinton rebounded to win the Nevada primary on February 20.
Clinton plays goalie during a campaign stop at an indoor-soccer center in Las Vegas on February 13, 2016. After her loss in New Hampshire, Clinton rebounded to win the Nevada primary on February 20.
DAVID BECKER/REUTERS/Newscom