I can't say that I'm surprised.
This week, I purposely took some time to take in the moment, the time in history, and even those around me - strangers and known individuals - to understand it all. The hours and days after I awoke from going to bed purposefully (I was under the weather) to awake to an alert on my phone - DONALD TRUMP ELECTED 47th PRESIDENT - not once did I feel shocked. In fact, I'm not sure that I felt anything at all.
I said to my wife heading into election day, I very much don't blame anyone for voting for him in this election. I'm not a big Trump guy. I gave him a chance in 2016, and well, I'll do so again in 2025. I have no choice.
However, after watching Kamala's run toward the election, granted, it was short and abbreviated (somewhat forced), it was hard to understand. The celebrities. The counter-rallys. For a party that said the right lost themselves, how could it be, that the party of the working class was trying to persuade my vote on the cost of daycare with Megan Thee Stallion?
2024 was the rematch that no one wanted (in Biden vs. Trump), and we ultimately got the bait and switch that likely was a step up from no one wanted, to what are we doing?
I've felt numb to this entire process after a group chat with some friends when chatting about politics. The following was a quote from a friend that altered any political motivation or possible angst and fire I might have stirred heading into November:
I love my country. Although people will tell me differently by how I show that love, or how its supposed to be shown. Whether it's Harris or Trump, I don't think the majority of America's problems will be solved. I don't control humanity. I refuse to allow my happiness to be tied to who's in the White House.
His words I don't think were meant to disregard any issue at stake. I merely understood it as regardless of who won, there will be issues that will be worth fighting for.
Ultimately, America voiced her opinion through this wonderful thing called democracy. And a choice was made. Let's move forward.
Other quick thoughts on this election:
- It is still amazing to me that a convicted felon was elected President. I know that has been used as a pejorative campaign strategy over the last couple of months. But, no, I'm literally saying a factual thing! A convicted felon was elected President. America didn't care. It very much blows my mind.
- Over the last few months, I've said to my wife, "This country has gone wayyyyyyyy too left, at some point, something has to give". It's interesting to know that others felt the same way.
- I too despise the term "uneducated" in the voting categories. Sure, a college-educated stance is better suited and likely more accurate, but again, it's more pandering and making others feel like their problems aren't real that alienates Dems from feeling like they live in the same world.
- Speaking of demos - white women continue strong for Trump. Huh? Who knew?!
- And the change of Latino men to Trump is likely more of the same - people tired of not being heard.
- Julie Roginsky I thought really cleared up what an independent like myself, and likely so many others felt headed into election day. "We are not the party of common sense," she said about her party. I found myself shaking my head in agreement with so much of this:
- I too expect many to feel emboldened to be, well, disgusting (again). That's what comes with this victory, and likely
redemptionrevenge for many deep Trump supporters. We've seen some of this already. It's like what was stated above, I can't control humanity. But it's unfortunate. - I do feel for women - and continue to do so. There are a lot of untold stories that are coming out this week via long faces and tears of women. Believe it. Believe them. It's more than politics.
- I'm still not a fan of Trump. But, I'm here hoping he wins me over. That only means the country is doing well. He's got a legit second chance.
- I still hate the "Make America Great Again" slogan. It's so cringe.
- Debates don't mean anything anymore other than probably ratings, entertainment, and for nerds like me.
- Can this country finally unite? You think? Maybe??????
- As exhausted as I was from politics heading into this election, I'm not ready for a Trump Presidency if it mirrors the first one. I guess that's my hot take?
- I haven't seen it raised yet, but does Kamala re-run in 2028?
- God Bless, America.