The protest march may be the largest in the history of the United States. Leaving many to ask, “how did we get in this situation?” I pondered that very thought since the night of November 8th. I believe we have to look at ourselves. The actions and opinions that covered this Presidential election were mixed for many people. That uncertainty truly was echoed in the election results.
I recently read an article about Vice President Joe Biden’s perspective as he prepared to leave office. He mentioned that he regretted not running for President, although he was grieving over the death of his beloved son, Beau. He made a comment that struck me, he stated that we should have focused on Clinton's capabilities rather than Trump’s faults. It is a simple statement, but as I read it, my mind flashed with images. Images of the news screens with Trump scandals, the trending page on Facebook, and all the articles I read during the election season. As a whole, the nation focused on why he was not fit to be President. Yet, we rarely took the time to highlight the qualities that made Clinton fit to be President.
Furthermore, the divide amongst the Democrats was at fault. The primary season was flooded with the phrase ‘contested convention’, but for the Republican Party. As the primary season went on, it became clear that Trump would be the nominee. While, Clinton held a significant lead, but Bernie Sanders kept gaining delegates. The tight race between the two candidates did not show a clear winner. The divide also went deeper, the divide between young democrats and older democrats. Those who lean more moderate and have known the Clinton name for decades assumed that she was the only option. The young democrats who were voting for the first time gravitated towards Bernie Sanders.
This pull towards the self-proclaimed socialist was not as shocking as many believe. He was a candidate that was new in the political sphere, despite years holding public office. He delivered fiery and passionate speeches that spoke to the young college students. When Clinton was announced as the nominee, she did not attract such excitement. Many Bernie supporters did not initially accept her nomination, or simply lost interest. Those who did decide to sway their support to Clinton did not do so with the same passion, rightfully so. Yet, that was not the case for Trump supporters, who were primarily older.
Trump evoked the rage, frustration, and spark in his loyal supporters, who did not falter despite the scandals. While Clinton saw her supporters become less vocal after the wall to wall coverage on emails and Clinton foundation. The variation in support was crucial in the election, where she did win the majority vote. Yet, Trump was able to win the votes of the rust belt and in states that eventually led him to win the electoral college.
We need to take this defeat and learn from it. The republicans after their defeat in 2012, they spent four years growing support in counties across the nation. They laid the groundwork for a Republican President in 2016, which they accomplished. We need to do the same, take these four years not in defeat, but preparation. Focus on issues that are imperative across the nation. The Democrats need to figure out what is needed to unite not only the party but the American people.
