This story’s a sobering one, which is a shame because I wish I was drunk. It’s also the story of the year; in an overarching narrative type of way, this story has shaped and moulded the year and the world around it so that to tell it will involve dipping in and out of almost every other news story in the world. Which I’ll do now, and then run out of material for my year-in-review article after Christmas. I jest, there’s still gonna be plenty.
We need to talk about white people. Not just the Trump voters. Not just the
third-party voters. All white people, even the ones that think they’re not
racist. And yes, that includes me. Because we’ve all let this happen.
The fallout from this election hasn’t been typical. I don’t agree with the
protesting. I also don’t agree with the gloating or KKK victory marches (in
2016? Well, this is my point, you see).
The media has failed us this time. And they probably thought they hadn’t. But people were angry anyway. White conservatives anyway. And the further right who are *definitely* represented by Trump and therefore endorsed by Trump voters. Polls were also wrong, by a reasonable amount. People were probably ashamed to say the way they would vote. Wonder why. Journalism needs to recalibrate and figure out how to ctually get its points across and focus on the correct issues to achieve desired results. Mind, that’s a problem with media generally. Proper journalism doesn’t pay dividends. Unless you’re reporting on the stock market.
To me, there is a perception that liberals are pissed off because they’ve lost. And there is an element of truth in that. But the protesting and outrage didn’t happen a week after the vote in 2000 or 2004, so what’s the difference here? Perhaps the genuine belief he’s not stable. Falls over a lot. “I didn’t realise how much people hated women”, I read on someone’s Twitter feed, “I thought I knew, but no”. Which isn’t how the Republican voters that actually did cast votes for Trump probably see it. They probably just think ‘I agree with him more on policy’ or ‘I agree with her less’. Or that’s what they *think* they’re thinking.
The other factor that may hurt Trump (although as currently, it doesn’t look like there’s been too much of an impact) is his effect on the global markets. There is a theory that the global economy may crash when he comes to power, as trading partners freak out a little. But this has yet to eventuate. So we’ll see.
If I might suggest some theme songs for the two candidates; Trump’s would be “The Reason” by Hoobastank probably or something, and Clinton’s would be “I Fought the Law” by The Clash. Definitely. This race proves just one thing; if you ever meet an American, flip a coin. If it comes up heads, they’re probably a Clinton supporter. Tails for Trump, cos he can kiss my ass.
Additional material: