Next week, a man who is getting a hearing for the rape of a child in December could become the president of the United States. Him, or a former Secretary of State and First Lady, who used a private email server to do things like ask for help for a Yemeni girl.

The choice seems clear, but the American public and the media don’t seem to think so. In fact, almost no one is talking about the fact that Donald Trump may be going on trial for the alleged rape of a 13-year-old girl in 1994.

You know what they are talking about, though? Those damn emails.

The timing seems convenient, with the story being thrust back into the headlines the week before the election. It also seems convenient they were released just as Hillary Clinton seemed to be gaining a steady lead in the wake of “grab her by the pussypocolypse.” It is evident the media thrives on drama like this, but why isn’t the story of a presidential candidate being possibly tried for rape making headlines like Clinton’s emails?

For starters, the representation of Clinton as untrustworthy is something we’ve seen perpetuated over and over again. Benghazi, the emails, all things Republicans and those who oppose her are quick to point out. But it is not only those who dislike Clinton, the media rarely shies away from highlighting what makes her untrustworthy.

The Washington Post recently reported the higher Clinton’s numbers went in the polls, the more mentions of her emails appeared in the media. This correlation goes against everything Trump and Republicans tout about the “media rigging the election” in favor of Clinton and being generally left-leaning.  

Now, don’t accuse me of pulling the woman card, but there seems to be a bit of a double standard here. The media won’t stop talking about Clinton’s emails, something minor in comparison to rape, but barely highlight Trump’s scandals.

Also, how about Trump’s refusal to release his tax returns and the fact that he is going to trial yet again for his Trump University scam?

Clinton is being demonized and called a criminal for using a private email server, something the FBI originally said was completely legal. She is a bossy, strong contender to become the first female president, and that scares people, so they latch onto her emails.

Her depiction as an untrustworthy liar seems to stem from the fact that she is a woman who knows what she wants and is experienced in the political field. Trump supporters don’t call him untrustworthy because he won’t release his tax returns; they call him “real”. He is polled being viewed as more honest than Clinton even though he constantly spouts lies and continues to defend them even after being called out, but Clinton used a private server, so she’s the real liar here.

Not to mention, Clinton is not the first politician to do what she did. Colin Powell used a private server while Secretary of State, including using it to talk to foreign leaders. Jeb Bush used one as governor of Florida. Bush’s private server was not a hot button topic when he was running for president, but he is also not a woman who wants to challenge the patriarchy and traditional roles of power.

Basically, in the wise words of Bernie “the one who got away” Sanders, I’m tired of hearing about the damn emails. Especially, when an alleged rapist, admitted sexual predator, KKK-endorsed man, has the support of half the country.

Oh, and one more thing: #TrumpForPrison.

Featured Photo Credit: Courtesy of Gage Skidmore’s Flickr account.

Kira Sansone is a sophomore journalism major and can be reached at ksansone@terpmail.umd.edu.