What can I say? My post-election thoughts are a jumble. I’d like to say that I’m shocked by the results, but I knew this outcome was a strong possibility. I wanted to be wrong about that. It would have been nice to have more people reject a turn toward autocracy led by a convicted felon. But, that’s not how half of our country saw this election. The people who voted for him don’t believe that democracy is in danger. They don’t believe that people’s lives are in danger. Many of them, by their own admission, don’t understand the policies at stake. But they have their reasons for supporting him.
We will see what happens in the next few years. Time will show if Project 2025 is part of the future plans, despite his disavowal of its creators. We will learn what happens to the price of groceries and other goods if the promised tariffs are delivered. Sadly, we will likely navigate more hate and violence as his supporters feel validated in their claims of superiority.
After casting my ballot during early voting, I didn’t feel hopeful. Instead, a strange sense of sadness washed over me. I fully supported Kamala Harris and Tim Walz. I recognize the enormous progress Biden has made to get our economy back on track after the pandemic, rebuild our infrastructure, provide opportunities for the middle class, and address the massive income and wealth inequality that plagues our country. We were on the verge of seeing real progress after 40 years of trickle-down policies that only benefit our richest citizens. It was too good to be true.
The propaganda won. When people are polled on descriptions of the issues, without any indication of party support, they overwhelming choose the more liberal, democratic positions. But that’s not how they vote when they see a name or party on a ballot.
Now we will see where that choice leads. I’m deeply worried, but in this chaotic swirl of post-election thoughts, I know that I can not change the results. All I can do is find ways to hold space for others and add kindness to the world. Here’s hoping we can find our way to build community and take care of each other as we continue to educate those around us and hope for better outcomes in future elections.
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