In case you haven't noticed, things in the political arena haven't been quiet lately. It's fair to say that this election has evoked strong responses from voters everywhere on the spectrum. In an attempt to understand these differing perspectives, I reached out to a well-known, red-sweater-wearing guy – none other than Ken Bone himself (yes,that Ken Bone!).
Angela Yang (AY): Prior to the election, you went from an undecided voter to an overnight internet sensation. From the second presidential debate to Election Day, what, if any, specific factors helped you make a final decision on whom to vote for?
Ken Bone (KB): In the end, for me, it came down to balancing social issues and economics. Neither candidate was really in line with my own views on both of these topics. Secretary Clinton was far closer to my views on social issues, and President-Elect Trump had an economic plan that I put more faith in. From there I had to decide which was more important to me.
AY: If you were watching the live coverage of the election, what were your thoughts as things progressed through the night?
KB: I was as surprised as anyone. The fact that all the polls predicted an easy Clinton win had me convinced. I did have a great deal of fun switching between networks to see the spin in play. Fox News had basically crowned Trump by 10 p.m., and CNN was still looking for a Clinton path to victory well into the night.
AY: I think we can all agree that this election has been unlike any other in recent history — it’s brought out the good, the bad and the ugly. What advice do you have for people in the aftermath of the election?
KB: Protesting is fine. Peacefully assemble and voice your dissatisfaction with the results. Turn away from the violence and hatred we’ve seen the first few days after the election. We used to be able to disagree in this country without hating each other. The protesters are not all just “sore losers” or “crybabies.” There are many legitimate concerns. Trump supporters are not all racist, sexist monsters. There are key economic factors in many of their votes.
AY: What specific things in the political arena do you hope to see continued or changed over the next four years?
KB: We have to get back to finding bi-partisan solutions to the big problems. Compromise is not a dirty word, it’s how you get things done in a nation of over 300 million. We are never going to agree on every issue. We have to find common ground where we can and expand from there.
AY: Do you have any other remarks, advice or conclusions that you would like to share now that the election is over?
KB: Never forget that no matter who the president is, we are the real power. The government represents us and our interests, but cannot and will not do so unless we make our voices heard. Keep disagreements and discussions civil and peaceful. We will see the change we all hope for if we work together to get it.
