In 2016, in the hours after Hillary Clinton lost, I was partly in a fugue state, half-numb and half-enraged. Accusations flew across the political spectrum – what if Hillary had done more in the Rust Belt, what if she did this or that differently, why did she run given the “Clinton Fatigue,” why did James Comey f–k her over in the final weeks. There’s really none of that eight years later. We couldn’t have asked for a better candidate than Kamala Harris. Kamala Harris was disciplined, joyful, wonkish, fun and cool. She energized the base and she had widespread cross-party appeal. The only things “wrong” with Kamala Harris were: she’s a woman, she’s a Black woman, and she isn’t Donald Trump.
As I’m writing this, Kamala Harris lost Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Georgia. She’s on track to lose Michigan by about 200,000 votes. She’s on track to lose Wisconsin by about 100,000 votes. Joe Biden’s Rust Belt strategy in 2020 didn’t hold up when Joe Biden wasn’t on top of the ticket. The Sun Belt states are looking like losses too – Kamala is down in Nevada and Arizona, although she won New Mexico. This isn’t even because of one particular demographic – white women, men of all races, Latino voters, suburbanites, they all swung wildly against Kamala Harris.
I hope Kamala knows that she did the best she could with the hand she was dealt. The numbers don’t reflect a failure on her part, in my opinion. The numbers reflect a failure of the American electorate. Good news for the American electorate: Donald Trump promised that this would be the last votes you would ever have to cast, that he will “fix” everything so no one has to vote anymore. Congrats on making it count.
Photos courtesy of Backgrid.
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- PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – OCTOBER 27: Democratic presidential nominee and Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a campaign event at The Alan Horwitz Sixth Man Center on Sunday, October 27, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,,Image: 927270658, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: imago is entitled to issue a simple usage license at the time of provision. Personality and trademark rights as well as copyright laws regarding art-works shown must be observed. Commercial use at your own risk., Model Release: no, Credit line: IMAGO/Matt Bishop/imageSPACE /MediaPunch / Avalon
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- Washington, DC – United States Vice President Kamala Harris, the 2024 Democratic Party nominee for President of the US, speaks about recent statements from John Kelly, former President Trump’s chief of staff, that Trump would rule like a ‘fascist,’ from Harris’s residence at the Naval Observatory in Washington, DC. Polls show a tightening presidential race between her and Republican former President Donald Trump. Pictured: Harris BACKGRID USA 23 OCTOBER 2024 BYLINE MUST READ: MediaPunch / BACKGRID USA: +1 310 798 9111 / usasales@backgrid.com UK: +44 208 344 2007 / uksales@backgrid.com *UK Clients – Pictures Containing Children Please Pixelate Face Prior To Publication*
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- Philadelphia, PA – Actors Mark Ruffalo and Don Cheadle are spotted at the campaign event for Democratic presidential nominee and Vice President Kamala Harris, held at The Alan Horwitz “Sixth Man” Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Pictured: Kamala Harris BACKGRID USA 27 OCTOBER 2024 BYLINE MUST READ: MediaPunch / BACKGRID USA: +1 310 798 9111 / usasales@backgrid.com UK: +44 208 344 2007 / uksales@backgrid.com *UK Clients – Pictures Containing Children Please Pixelate Face Prior To Publication*
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- Washington, DC – United States Vice President Kamala Harris, the 2024 Democratic Party nominee for President of the US, makes her closing argument to voters from the Ellipse in Washington, DC. The Vice President made her remarks one week before Election Day. Pictured: Kamala Harris BACKGRID USA 29 OCTOBER 2024 BYLINE MUST READ: MediaPunch / BACKGRID USA: +1 310 798 9111 / usasales@backgrid.com UK: +44 208 344 2007 / uksales@backgrid.com *UK Clients – Pictures Containing Children Please Pixelate Face Prior To Publication*
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- Washington, DC – United States Vice President Kamala Harris, the 2024 Democratic Party nominee for President of the US, makes her closing argument to voters from the Ellipse in Washington, DC. The Vice President made her remarks one week before Election Day. Pictured: Kamala Harris BACKGRID USA 29 OCTOBER 2024 BYLINE MUST READ: MediaPunch / BACKGRID USA: +1 310 798 9111 / usasales@backgrid.com UK: +44 208 344 2007 / uksales@backgrid.com *UK Clients – Pictures Containing Children Please Pixelate Face Prior To Publication*
No oxygen left. I’m immobilized.
Mab’s I feel that way too. He told us weeks ago that he didn’t need our votes and I believe that something was done behind the scenes to make him win. This election was called very quickly and that’s a red flag. We had bomb threats to democratic areas only. I’m hoping that whatever plot was hatched will be revealed quickly. Joe should use his immunity and stay put till all is revealed. We need to fight till the bitter end!
I feel the same. Something happened. We were watching CNN all night and were so surprised at the sudden change in tone, that my husband asked “wait, did we miss something?” It seemed pre planned.
Americans prefer a criminal to a woman. I’m in shock.
I came here to say the same thing. I don’t believe America is ready to vote for a woman candidate, no matter how qualified she is.
In what other democratic nation on this planet would a man who has committed, and has been convicted for, so many criminal acts (one of them being inciting a violent insurrection), be elected as President? I am numb.
Same.
I am in complete despair. I keep getting up to go… nowhere… circle around… sit back down. I don’t want to watch any news or interact other than a few limited places on the internet. I just do not understand what happened. There was so much energy and excitement and now suddenly there was low turnout? How did we go from him babbling to nearly empty stands while people turned out in DROVES for Kamala to this? Now he’s going to pardon every criminal who ever crimed for him, plus himself, and destroy everything we hold dear. Goodbye healthcare. Goodbye climate. Goobye equal rights. Goodbye public lands. Goodbye Ukraine and Palestine.
Watching this from Canada, and I’m horrified.
Horror truly is the word right now.
Another Canadian neighbour- I’m in tears.
Me too. I cannot believe what I am reading this morning; my heart mourns for the women of the United States.
Canadian friends, same.
Same. This is so disheartening and horrible 🙁
Another Canadian here, and I’m so sad. I had a bad feeling that he would win again but man, I really wanted to be wrong. 🙁
Another Canadian friend, in B.C. which just had it’s own squeaker of a Provincial election (still being recounted). The right wing swath through my Province hit me like the harbinger of doom for terrible things to come.
What is this world we live in, seriously, I feel like I’ve stepped through an alternative timeline. I mourn with my US friends today.
I am not an American but as an outsider, wow, I cannot believe that people voted for a convicted felon and for someone who spewed the most despicable, hate filled rhetoric and someone who is clearly declining physically and mentally. It just shows what the majority of people think and believe in, so congratulations and brace yourselves for the chaos that is coming because hey, he said he’ll lower the prices and whatever bollocks he said. 😒🙄🤷🏻♀️
I’m just stunned.
Yeah, he’ll lower prices while increasing tariffs on imported items. I don’t think those two things go hand-in-hand.
A young coworker of mine (25f) proudly declared that she (mail-in) voted for Harris and was promptly berated by another coworker (65m) that she only voted for Kamala “because she’s a woman” and how stupid that was. The shy young woman backed away mumbling “I only vote for nice people.”
And that pretty much sums this election up for me.
@whatever and what’s so ironic is your 65m coworker didn’t vote for her is because she’s a woman (and black).
If you feel comfortable, please tell your 25f coworker that she has support from countless other women just like her.
Never trust men with women’s equal rights.
Some don’t care and most actively hate it.
Some are good guys and do care, but they’re a minority.
We need a social network that is not X and not controlled by anyone like musk.
The problem is that too many people are there, so you have to be there to make a difference.
Large groups of people have migrated before from one social network to another. We need to do it again and make it so attractive that everyone wants to be there, but without musk’s influence.
My father said people who like Harris are stupid. I informed him that I I think she’s great and that surprised him because he doesn’t think of me as stupid. As we talked more, it became clear to me that he dislikes her because of his sexism, misogyny, and racism. I’m not sure when I’ll speak to him again, if ever.
I will never underestimate how much men hate women or how much white men hate everyone ever again.
Same.
Same. I’m sick about this.
When Harris took over the campaign I said to my partner that Americans hate women and while she was so very qualified, it wouldn’t matter. I hate that I was right. I’m Canadian but that hatred is here too, it’s just a little quieter. When someone shows you who they are, believe them.
You are right, sadly. Misogyny trumps all. After Hillary AND Kamala there is no doubt.
We’re reminded of this every year when we approach Dec 6 and red pill bros start talking about gun rights and how the Polytechnique massacre was not really a hate crime…
Don’t forget how much women hate other women, too.
Exactly this! This to me had a been reminder if a hatred that men have for women, especially white men.
I’m devastated. This is going to be so bad for the world not just the US 😭😭
Same. I am so deeply sad.
Same reaction here. I’m devastated.
I’m already starting to see a lot of clips on twitter and the like about how did the polls miss this, what do Dems need to do to reach out to R voters, how are Dems messing up their message – and to me, the answer to all of those is – what Dems messed up was underestimating how much this country hates women, and how much it hates women of color.
You can’t fix that. You can’t “reach” those people. And its a lot of them. The racism and sexism in this country both run very very deep.
Hard agree, @Becks1. This is the usual Democratic self-flagellation after losing: “If only we had done XYZ, if only we had said ABC, if only we had been better/different /tried harder”… Note how much of this recrimination sounds like an abused woman? Just saying.
None of it matters. People of every color, every gender, every class, every faith wanted Trump more than they wanted Harris. That is the US right now, and Dems would do themselves a favour if they stop blaming themselves and figure out a way forward for the rest of us.
Meanwhile I’m looking forward to leopards eating faces EVERYWHERE….
Apparently, what they did wrong was failure to spout hate against every demographic they could. Hate apparently trumps love. It’s amazing to me that any hispanic person or woman (or fill in the blank) would vote for him after his comments.
Hard agree. There’s no message that I as a black woman can tell someone if they fundamentally believe I’m lesser than. I’m not going to be able to ” reach” them with any pretty words. There’s no complicated post mortem needed, which I think is really hard for some people. They really want to believe that their friends, family, and neighbors and to some extent themselves are people they are not. You ran an incredibly talented white woman and he won, you ran an incredibly talented black woman and he won. It’s pretty plain to see that voting for Obama was because they could get over his race and didn’t have to get over his sex.
Exactly what you said, Becks1. There’s nothing we could do. I feel so hopeless and helpless. There’s no coming back from this.
I wish they’d look more at voting irregularities instead of beating themselves up because although I have zero faith in my fellow Americans, I also heard Trump say multiple times, “You don’t have to vote. We have the votes.” The Republicans had no ground game, no local campaign offices, and very little money and still won? Again, American voters are terrible, but I’m still extremely suspicious.
You can’t change gender bias. You can’t change race bias. We are so f**ked
100% agree. And what makes is so difficult is how much of this is subconscious hate. Some people will come right out and say it, but most don’t even realize how much it has seeped into their brain. They will say things like “there is just something I don’t like about her” and swear up and down it has nothing to do with her gender. But that thing you can’t articulate. That thing holding you back. It is bias. And if it were someone with the same qualifications, personality, etc., you would not feel that hesitation.
So how do you confront that? They will deny deny deny and they truly believe it.
Trump received the majority of votes from men (with the exception of black men) and also from white women nationally. In blue states, he gained ground and lost by a smaller margin than before. So, placing blame solely on men overlooks the broader picture. Plus, America is racist and sexist.
I am always shocked at how white women choose their race over their gender almost every time. They want the help of women of color for their fights but stab them in the back in return almost every time it matters. Even at their own peril.
This 1000 per cent
In what world do you find yourself the worst, most crumbling aged vile greedy hater and liar, who has trouble articulating anything, yet hates with a shockingly enduring racist and sexist energy, and you VOTE FOR HIM to lead your country? It’s those voters who are scarier than anything. (I’m American – I am devastated – I am so sorry for all of us)
Dems missed nothing. Kamala was the obvious way to go. Sadly, America seem to be overpopulated by people with no values or brains. That’s the only explanation for what happened. I wouldn’t vote someone like Trump for the smallest public office.
Not just white men unfortunately.
The moment a group of men thinks they won’t be descriminated against, they will generally move to the right.
And yes, that includes men that women have fought for to protect against discrimination.
Yeah.
I feel the same.
Watching from Australia. Unbelievable.
I wish I were in Australia.
I wish I were on Mars.
Agree – she ran a flawless, modern campaign. But as the saying goes, in a democracy you get the government you deserve….and we didn’t deserve her, apparently. More people wanted Trump, it’s just that simple. Today is the day democracy in the US died.
It’s all over now but the drinkin’
Yes. I read something last night or this morning that sums it up well for me: “Kamala’s candidacy and campaign were designed for the country we wished we lived in, not the country we actually live in.”
The saddest thing for me to come to terms with is that this is the USA as a country. This is who/what the USA is. There may be individuals, communities, counties, even states that are still shining a light, but that is the USA as a country. I’m scared for the world. I’m exhausted.
I feel the same. When Jan 6 happened, I kept thinking “this isn’t who we are” and it turns out I was wrong. It is who we are. We are a racist, sexist, angry, bigoted, violent nation.
Long time reader, don’t think I’ve posted before, but this community has been a light in darkness for me. I’m so devastated now that I feel numb. I want to roll back the clock to before we knew this outcome. The fact that it isn’t even close makes this so much more devastating for me. As someone else already said, This is who we are. Trump was not an anomaly or an interloper. A majority of this country thinks a monster who calls women C**** and bit**** is an appropriate president. That’s the tip of the iceberg. I don’t have words.
Agree 💯 it’s horrific
Yeah, if he had won by one state or something – but the blue wall completely crumpled last night.
Barely any words either. A very few come to mind. Numb. Sick. Horrified.
So true. The election wasn’t even close. A true majority of people wanted this. I will never never never understand.
He actually won over voters he made no effort to win by spewing hate and madness at empty rallies. No, none of this is Kamala’s fault. I will fight anyone who says it is. Or Joe Biden’s fault either. Our economy right now is the picture of health. Our moral compass is a much different matter.
I am filled with fear, we voted in a dictator and I’m sickened, saddened, and so terrified.
But, my plan for the next four years is that all of the people in my life who voted for him, will get donations made in their name to charities supporting LGBTQI populations, minority populations, or environmental causes, for every birthday, holiday, and when I damn well feel like it.
Over here in Australia, i despair. I haven’t been able to bring myself to read even one news article since I saw a headline notification of the result. I’m just going to pretend it’s not happening (Again). It’s so depressing and horrific.
I’m so disappointed in Americans for making this choice. I’m trying to tell myself that it’s a democracy and it’s what the people want. But seriously???
I was doing something similar yesterday. Not looking at results. Then in the evening, I glanced down at my phone when it lit up at a notification & I made t he mistake of reading it. Couldn’t sleep all night. I was hoping to live in my fantasy bubble at least one more night. Sick at heart today.
I hate this. And I’m assuming these means Trump won’t face justice or serve time for his crimes? Ok then. I no longer want to hear that there is more that brings us together than divides us. That is not true. Let the trump supporters celebrate. I dont want to hear anything about regrets or any complaining if they don’t get what they want during his term. I don’t care. You ge
t what you vote for. I am sick about this and horrified. Injustice wins the day, evil prevails and Trump once again gets off scott free. I would say this is a repeat of 2016, but it is in fact worse. Also is there any truth to the rumor that Elon Musk can be deported? If so, then he should be the first to go…
Agreed. As they’ve been saying: this time, the adults are gone from the room and the guardrails are off. It’s terrifying.
I’m at home visiting parents for Thanksgiving while pregnant…I was wailing this morning as I usually do a potty break and check my phone. I was so hopeful for a victory and had a complete breakdown seeing the results…
I’m afraid for myself as a Black American woman. I’m afraid for my family, begging them to leave the country. They fought…they campaigned HARD in Georgia for Harris. And it just wasn’t enough because this is what America is. We deserve better, but I’m not hopeful anymore that it will get better.
I’m so broken right now…Sending my love to everyone who is struggling right now. You’re not alone.
I’m so sorry. You’re not alone, either.
I’m so, so sorry, Lemons. It’s heartbreaking.
I so very sorry
I’m white, born in Canada, married to an American man and been in the process of getting green card for a few years now (stalled due to unforeseen hurdles). To say I’m scared once again for the next 4 years at least is quite the understatement. Scared of getting deported and lose the life I’ve built here with my husband, who I love more than anything. Scared of what is to come.
I cannot breathe, my chest feels like it’s in an iron vice and I can barely focus.
I’ve been in tears since my husband left for work and I feel like I have a sword about to fall on top of my head.
At times, I am even thinking that I wish catatonic would overtake me; seems like it would be best right now to help keep deal with all this fear gripping me.
@Bellaluna, I want to disassociate as well…Just not feel anything. Maybe it’ll be better for the baby.
My advice? Do not stay here for at least the next 4 years if you can help it. I’m trying to build an exit plan for my parents now so that we can ride out the next four years…maybe more if necessary. Best case scenario? You’ll be OK in a Blue state…Worst case scenario is that you’re not safe anywhere.
I’m terrified…My parents are as well…I just hope we can effectively plan before this gets worse.
You’re not alone, Lemons. This is horrific.
I’m in Minnesota. I have voted Dem my entire life.
By 10pm last night, I knew we were lost.
I am numb. Maybe it’s denial and shock.
Unbelievable.
The very fact that retired US Generals publicly spoke out and declared him a danger to liberty and Democracy, yet he is still elected is a nightmare.
Career military. Generals FFS!
Who will be able to rein him in?
No one will be able to rein him in. Trump managed to capitalize on a moment where propaganda has been able get a massive chunk of the electorate to reject history, expertise, knowledge, education and reality.
I am an American, and I and my extended family are numb about all of this and cannot believe how naive and dumb so many of our fellow Americans are. Mostly, we are fearful about the future of our country.
Obviously, those of us who are or were educators have clearly not done enough to teach students of all ages about democracy, government, and how to distinguish between the truth and lies.
And a lot of us are wide awake and cannot sleep tonight. Sorry, world, for this awful situation.
I’d probably get mocked for making such an emotional post elsewhere, but I feel safe here.
I’m fucking sobbing hysterically. Crying so hard I’m dry-heaving. I’m terrified as a woman. As someone with complex healthcare needs. As a person of Hispanic descent. As the friend of 2 people on the frontlines in Ukraine. As the friend of many LGBTQ+ people. Perhaps most importantly, as a (step)mother who has to raise a preteen daughter in a country that just said it doesn’t give a fuck about her except as a future womb, and doesn’t even count me as her parent. And I’m genuinely scared for the many Republicans who had the courage to speak out against Trump, particularly Liz Cheney, Fascists do not deal lightly with perceived disloyalty.
What hurts most is, this is apparently who we are as a country. Racist. Misogynistic. It doesn’t happen twice unless that’s just who the fuck we are. The rest of us will continue to fight against it, but it just got a lot harder. I think MVP and others will still help guide us.
**Hugs** for anybody who needs them. I certainly do.
@Miranda, sending you hugs…This is so demoralizing all around.
I’m alternating tears & shock too.
It is who we are, the US and Canada.
Any of my fellow Canadians who think we are any better are just not getting it. We are the same, same foundations & same racist misogynistic bigoted people here.
It’s terrifying & tragic & I will never understand how anyone can stand to witness suffering. But here we are.
I need so many hugs, and there’s no one to give them. I’m sobbing inside and out. My whole person has been extinguished.
@Miranda hugs. I was crying when I saw the news at 230 this morning (waking up because who the hell can sleep on a night like this.)
As a federal employee, as a woman, as a mother, as an ally, I am just absolutely gutted.
Hugs to you, Miranda. I bawled hysterically in 2016. Right now, I’m just numb and gutted. But I can feel the tears coming soon and I’m afraid they won’t stop.
Nah. Black men is the 2nd highest demo, by large margins, who voted Dem. The Black community as a collective was the only ones to hold it down. We deserve our recognition for doing the right thing. In order it went white men, white Latino men, and white women who overwhelmingly voted for Trump. The issue is that this country is inherently racist and hates women.
Yep. That’s it. But they’re gonna go with “economic uncertainty” again as a cover.
As a Black woman, I’ve always been aware of the disdain Americans have for women, especially Black women. But this hurts deeply.
I’m so sorry. For all of us.
Canada’s election is next year, or sooner if conservatives can finagle it.
Trump winning does not bode well for Canadians. We see the same strategies playing out, the same media pandering to PP. We’re in trouble here too.
I’m sorry too for everyone who believed Biden was too old & couldn’t beat trump. We’ll never know (or do we know already) if he would have won again.
Harris is phenomenal. That it wasn’t even close is a tragedy.
That’s the thing @Kokiri, A Trump win is going to be like a scourge infecting Canada and many other countries. We may end up in a September election with PP winning. I’m in BC and our recent provincial election was a real squeaker with John Rustad, a climate change denying nutbar, almost taking it but thankfully the NDP ended up with a very small majority. It’s coming. The world will become a very dangerous place for many years to come and there are a lot of people in the US who are trembling in fear of the retributions Trump’s going to exact against them.
This is what I don’t understand..she outspent him 20-1 and spent over a billion dollars. Where I live, it was wall to wall Harris and nothing Trump on the tv/radio,etc.
Numbers are also starting to come in about women voters, up significantly in most places, highest number of women votes for him in history, black turnout was way down, Latina turnout was way up and went mostly for Trump in the states that flipped…huh??? Georgia had a massive female turnout for both early and Election Day and the majority went to Trump. Same with Wisconsin. Women voting for trump in droves was nowhere on my bingo card.
Women hate other women. Especially white women.
We tear each other down. Sisterhood isn’t a part of life. We just can’t stand an accomplished intelligent woman rising. We have to tear her apart.
Kamala Harris is everything. She’s the entirety. Women just can’t rise another up. White women especially.
That’s all I’ve got. Women hate women even more than men do.
There isn’t anything to get. This is America and has always been America. White men and white women voted for Trump because his values aligns with their values.
I really thought and hoped that she would win.
America has spoken. Not my America.
Hard agree.
She ran a superlative campaign. She leaned in to progressive values and made it clear what she stood for. One thing I hope that people don’t start doing is saying “If she only did this or that.” She’s not the one to blame.
My grandfather came to the US to escape fascist persucution (severe beatings and death threats) in Italy, just for leading a Communist youth group at this university. My grandmaother defected from the former Soviet Union. This is not the America they fled to and loved and had so much hope for. My granfather’s last vote, while he was in hospise care, was for Obama. He watched that inauguration and thought that surely America had chaged for the better. It hurts so much to let his dream die. I’m glad he isn’t hear to see this. NOT our America,.
^^^ That was from me, MIRANDA!
I’m so sorry Miranda. Sending you hugs, many hugs
I’m exhausted. I’m just going to mind my business for the next four years. I’m over trying to help and lift up people who obviously don’t want any of that. America is going out sad. Come what may.
I’m crushed for my two young adult daughters, 25 and 27. I cry for them.
Fuck it, I’m taking another Ambien and going back to sleep. Celebitches, I love you guys. We’ve said all along that we’re in this together, and WE STILL ARE. We HAVE to keep fighting, even if it’s harder. We have to protect those who are made most vulnerable by this decision.
I watched in the uk till 2.30am this morning. When it was apparent Trump was in the lead I went to bed hoping Kamala would rally. Unfortunately she was severely beaten. I cannot understand this for America an orange ompalompa for president. I imagine packing boxes are coming out in Harry and Meghan’s house before Trump deports him. So very sorry for all decent Americans truly a big tragedy.🤮
Harry is here legitimately he can’t be deported under current laws. American Presidents just can’t kick out law abiding legal residents. Trump will have bigger problems on his hands other than going after Prince Harry. Harry’s case was already settled by a judge.
I went to bed early. Didn’t check the election. Resolved to wait for the morning. My 2 year old woke up at 10:30 screaming and inconsolable. Didn’t want milk, didn’t want me to change his diaper. Wanted me to hold him. Finally he let me change him. I let him cuddle with me. All night I kept having dreams that Trump won. Woke at 5:30 to this. I’m not a believer in omens or foresight, so I was just numb. When people tell you who they are believe them. America has told me who we are. A white man in any condition, of any ability, will be seen as superior to the most qualified and talented woman, no matter what. It’s the racial and sexist hierarchy that comes before all. Now we will see white grievance politics with an emboldened military and police force. It’s going to get really, really bad and ugly.
I don’t know what to do. I’ll write more later because it’s cathartic for me. Right now I have to get the toddler dressed, and go to school where there will be a lot of terrified high school students who need a safe place to mourn.
Bless you for letting those students grieve with you, especially if their own parents are actually pleased with the catastro-fuck they just voted for.
It’s cathartic for me too. Obviously. Aside from everyone asleep here, even if they were awake, I’d still be the only one mourning. I’m not anything but crushed right now. Despondent and at a loss for how to behave. I’ve cried. I’m angry, but lo and behold, I’m thinking about my character and how I want my family to see me deal with this loss. How the f*ck do I emanate disappointment with class when I’m void and hopeless?
A lot of dude bros are gonna be real shocked when the evangelicals take away their internet porn.
I hope everyone enjoys the dumpster fire they wanted. That’s what’s getting me through. I’ve got an IUD that I’m keeping until I’m dead and I’m gonna laugh my ass off when all the red pill voters I know who get things like medicaid and unemployment but believe they deserve it but no one else does it end up losing it.
I feel like that gif of Louise belcher laughing in the fire. I can either be scared or I can watch them self destruct.
My husband has a vasectomy, and I’m scheduling an IUD as we speak in case of sexual assault. And our spare room is going to be set up to host abortion seekers from out of state.
I’m hitting menopause but I’m still concerned with what can happen. I’ll have to talk to my doctor.
F*ck dudes and their bros. And as a white woman, I’ve thrown up three times in the last hour and a half. F*ck white women too. I’m sorry. I apologize. But I’m shouting it because I have to release it….it’s going to kill me.
Crawling back into some subservient hole to make biscuits and gravy.
I have an appointment next week to discuss a hysterectomy and I hope it happens very soon after that.
That said, I get the whole “watch them self destruct” element. R policies are a lot worse for people in red states and why they dont get that i’ll never understand.
I am sick in my heart. I truly did not believe this could happen. It feels like the end times.
Big gentle hug to you from someone who feels the same and can’t stop crying. I am hoping I mourn today and tomorrow I can fight again or start planning an exit or both.
As a Black woman I know how much we’re hated but I thought this country would see that Kamala was here for them, for us.
Hatred, racism and misogyny won.
Kamala Harris is fantastic. This election lays bare the rampant sexism and racism that exists. I don’t think people voted in Donald and JD, I think people voted against women. That is the real gur punch. To the women that voted against women, you know the part in the Handmaid’s Tale when Serena gets her finger chopped off for reading the Bible? That’s you now. To those who voted against having a Black woman as President, in favour of the end of Democracy, I hope you are prepared for what comes next because the people who will be harmed by this, certainly know what’s next, y’all just didn’t think it would also happen to you. To those who voted for Kamala Harris and are scared right now, don’t give up. Spend time being exhausted, taking the time you need and then, don’t stop fighting. We have your whole back.
From Europe here, I’m truly devastated and send all my love and energy to fellows Americans.
This is not only on you.
It’s on us all.
This is the end of the whole Western civilization as we knew it, the good and the bad: hundreds of years of deep darkness are ahead, no mercy.
History repeats itself, and the new Middle Age is here.
Stay safe, think ahead, don’t trust what you see, work in the shadows, watch your back.
Do. not. trust. the. net.
One day there will be a new Dawn.
The Third Millennium Renaissance.
Until then, we all have to go underground, be very very careful.
This is not a drill, not a nightmare, it’s real.
All my love to you all, and to us all, especially all those who are weaker, more exposed, in need of care. With all my heart ❤️ stay strong.
A qualified black woman passed over for a substandard vile white man. The story of many a black woman. Democracy died on Nov. 5, 2024.
Went to sleep. Woke up at midnight. Looked at the news. It was looking bad. Took some NyQuil to sleep it out, hoping for a better outcome. But my heart was racing so bad that it didn’t even put me to sleep. Picked up and read a whole novel in a NyQuil fugue state, refusing to look at my phone. Finally slept maybe 2 hours. Just woke up and came here first for confirmation. I’m shaking.
Heartbroken, but not surprised…the only comfort I have is that he’s clearly unwell and probably won’t be around long. And people will say, “oh but so-and-so will take over,” but I just don’t see anyone in the Republican Party inspiring a cult-like following the way Trump did.
I also feel that things have to get way worse for these people to learn. So, yes, it’s Gonna get real dark in this country before it gets light. They’ll burn this country down and then we can begin to rebuild.. just my take, from an eternal optimist.
Also, for those looking to leave this country, I understand, but we need to keep fighting the good fight!
I said this to my husband – maybe he’ll die soon and he’s like THEN WE HAVE VANCE. and trust me I dont want Vance. but I dont see people storming the capitol building over Vance.
Honestly, I’m pretty sure that now that Peter Thiel has secured the election, it’s only a matter of time before Felon-in-Chief is taken out by a medical emergency and Vance has to assume the office.
Thena, exactly. Trump dying doesn’t matter– Vance is there and they have the entire game plan ready to execute and the judges they need. Thiel, Musk, Bezos and the rest of them. Welcome to the oligarchy.
I can’t stop thinking about the Supreme Court now.
If he falls off his perch you get Shady Vance, frying pan to fire. As others have stated, big dark money fueled Trump’s campaign, from Peter Thiel to Leonard Leo to Opus Dei who has a stranglehold via the far-right Christians and massive groups like The Heritage Foundation, the Federalist Society, etc. They want a white, fascist oligarchy leading the country, who cares about the peasants, they’re nothing but worker bees and baby-makers in their eyes.
As an outsider looking in, I think this has shown me that you can not build a healthy democracy on slavery. This is not a democracy to be emulated. The Americans are telling you who they are. I feel awful for the Democrats in every state. But the majority have spoken and you have a problem.
Hard agree. I don’t think America has ever absolved for this Great Sin.
Depending on where you live, don’t get too comfortable Eviesmom. The power grab attempt by the right/conservatives/ however you refer to them in your country is a global issue. Especially if you are in a “white” country.
Racism and slavery are America’s original sin. We have yet to atone.
Hugs to everyone. She was wonderful. Plenty of blame to go around but she did her very best.
She was magnificent and deserves far better than having to concede to that monstrous fascist. My heart is broken 💔 for her.
The best that we can hope for is that he crashes the economy , quickly (before he has a chance to completely dismantle elections), so that we retake Congress, at the midterm elections. And we must fight, so that there ARE midterm elections.
“If we get future elections” keeps running through my head too.
Sadly, after electing Obama twice, it’s glaringly apparent only a straight white male can be elected to the presidency. There are dark days ahead and we need to brace ourselves. Let’s get through the stages of disbelief and grief and then let’s get f@$king angry. We have 2 years to organize and retake Congress. If we can do that we can at least neutralize some damage
Not Obama’s fault but I think he broke a lot of people’s brains. So sad.
So is this when we start screaming about how the whole election was rigged and there was rampant voter fraud? When do we get to make lengthy videos about Russian interference and illegal dead people voting for Trump that we saw with our very own eyes at our polling place? How long before we get to adopt those cute little MAGA hats, but in blue?
Oh, what’s that? That’s not how thus whole thing works? We’ll, fuck that, because that’s what the losers did last time, and then this shit happens. Not to make light of this situation–i’m on 1 hour of sleep and an anxiety induced week early period, and if I don’t try to find some humor I’m afraid I will RAGE today–but, for real, I am giving it 1 year to fall to bonkers nightmare shit (more than it is already) before I start a new “MAGA” initiative. It’s what he/they deserve.
I am beyond stunned. I really thought she was going to win decisively (yes, he would carry on it was stolen, etc.) but we would have President Harris. There was so much enthusiasm around her, so many new voters, etc. I also thought Trump had lost too many people to win. But given that he even won the popular vote, he obviously gained a lot more than he lost. Get ready for a Federal Abortion Ban, ban on gay marriage, racist behavior completely legitimized, no more NATO, Ukraine will be toast (along with other parts of Europe) and white christian male crap will be shoved down our throats. I hate to be negative, but I don’t see how this country can recover. The Supreme Court has given him unlimited power and he’ll have Congress in his pocket. There are going to be so many executive orders signed, our heads will spin. My husband had been saying for weeks that he thought Trump would win, and I did not believe him. He told me I was underestimating the hate in this country and that people would choose the insane white guy over a non-white woman. He also has been saying for years that the mainstream media has given Trump’s insanity so much air time (brings in more viewers than boring Biden) that the insanity has been normalized for a lot of people. A very dark day.
@Linney: you have succinctly and accurately summed it all up. Thank you!
I had all the same thoughts going into this, and the same about what’s coming.
Get ready for bad air, bad water, no trees, no birds. They’re going to do away with the Environmental Protection Agency & I would imagine undo all the environmental protection laws: National Historic Preservation Act, National Environmental Policy Act, Clear Air Act, Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, and many more. It’ll be a MadMax landscape here.
Not American but this has horrified me. People who want white supremacy. This was always my fear when Kamala took over – was that we had already seen in 2016 that huge swathes of the population were too sexist to put a woman in charge. And here we are again but this time they have knowingly gone “I’d prefer fascism and hitler to lady parts”
I hope people outside this group can support each other, stay safe and get visas to other countries as much as possible. Moving is mostly because I am petty enough to think that this America should be left to the supremacists and those voters who aren’t rich white men should get exactly what they asked for under Trump. With no help from anyone
I am lost for words. I have been rooting for you all from across the pond, but misogyny and racism runs deep in the ‘United’ States. I am so sorry. This will impact women and anyone who isn’t male, pale, stale, straight, or rich.
I guess sometimes it can only get worse before it gets better, but I truly thought we had already been there.
The vote totals don’t add up, y’all. There were fewer votes, than in 2020. Something fishy, in the State of Denmark. I hope she doesn’t concede.
I’ve been a regular reader here for many years now and have never posted. I actually feel like I know many of you, and though you don’t know it, you’ve helped get me through dark times, including the orange idiot’s first term.
I saw some stressed out texts from friends pop up late last night and felt a wave of nausea just like the first time around. I came here first after not being able to sleep. Thank God for this community.
As a GenXer, I have pretty much no social media presence, and today, I’m thankful I don’t. I’m a generational dem, and a CA girl, and hoping that we’re able to keep this poisonous, racist, and misogynist wave from hurting this mostly progressive state. They’re a vindictive lot, so I expect he’ll try.
I’m not above pettiness myself, so at the very least, those who voted for him will also have to live with the disgusting mess this election will create. Face-eating leopards abound.
Seriously, thank you to everyone here.
248 years and millions of Americans still don’t see women as equal citizens. They choose the biggest buffoon who’s ever run (horrible on every level possible) over a highly qualified intelligent woman. I’m heartbroken. Sadly not surprised as we’ve been through this exact scenario before with Hillary, but heartbroken nonetheless. I’m so sad my 98 yr old grandmother (who voted for Kamala) won’t get to see the first US female president in her lifetime.
Thank you for pointing out that Kamala Harris was an excellent candidate who ran an amazing campaign in a few short months.
When we went to the airport last evening, I was hopeful. By the time we took off, I was worried. By the time we landed, I was devastated. I realize I live in a bubble where all of my friends and most of my family are devastated with me. I need to stay awake to readjust to my timezone. I have now gotten dual citizenship. As long as I can, I will be voting against fascism, for gender and racial equality, for worker’s rights. Right now though, I’m crying. I’m honored to have voted for a woman who believes in many of the same things I treasure and am thankful she had the fortitude to run for office. Thank you Kamala Harris🪷💙❤️🩹
Harris and Clinton were the most qualified and well rounded candidates to ever run for POTUS
This election has proven to be an indictment of white America hellbent on protecting white male privilege and Christian hegemony. I’ve never been more relieved that I don’t have children to worry about but, even without those worries, I’m despondent
today, it’s important to reach out to the people we know are hurting the way we are. It’s easy to feel alone, and to let our anger fester. But more than anything, we all need to hold our friends and colleagues close, and let them know we still have a community, and that our voices still matter. I have no idea how to proceed from here, but right now, the most important thing is to grieve what could have been, and process our feelings. It’s easy to doom-seek, and go down dark what if paths. Now isn’t the time to do that. There will be time, for sure. Right now, we all have to take care of ourselves and each other. We have dark times ahead, and we’ll need to be reslient to survive them. So lets build up our own resiliency. Let’s strengthen ourselves so that we can face what’s ahead of us with grace and courage.
I’ve already told my students to come to my room if they need a space to vent, or to cry, or to just sit. I’ve already consoled my mom this morning. That’s my job for today–to console the people who need consoling around me. And allow myself to be consoled as well.
Thank you, @lanne. Perfectly said.
My daughter (in her 50’s) is in a precarious position. What’s keeping me going is my desire to care for her.
The song American Pie came in my head, only instead of the lyric “the day the music died “, it’s “the day democracy died”.
These Magats deserve everything they are about to get. Dying of a miscarriage – Check. No access to IVF – check. Kid’s school aid is gone – check. No more IEPs – check. Elon and Trump crashing the economy – Check. Eradicated diseases coming back because of vaccine misinformation – Check. Groceries MORE expensive due to tarriffs – check.
After Hillary, I was heartbroken. Depressed for years and didn’t really grasp it until Biden won.
I was so traumatized I couldn’t bear to hope for Kamala like I had for Hillary. I didn’t have the emotional bandwidth to use a lot of energy even unofficially campaigning for her. I knew I would vote for her and if people asked I would tell them that.
Among many reasons to vote for her including common sense and a long memory, her campaign built on JOY resonated with me – it is my daughter’s middle name and I took it as a sign. A sign that maybe against all odds she would be the one. But all this time something in me knew. I knew because she is a black woman that this country would not get past that double “offense”.
I am beyond disappointed. I am disgusted. I am devastated. People voted against their mothers, wives, daughters, sisters and themselves. Again. Did we all forget? I didn’t forget.
I have a 16yo daughter. We had to have a very honest talk today. She is not sexually active yet but has a pill prescription that she wasn’t sure she wanted to start taking. I told her it’s important she not fight me on it. At this point, it’s for her own protection against a man or boy who won’t take no for an answer. I had to really spell it out for her. I can’t protect her from everything but for now I can help her understand that even if this happens to her, she can have a chance of preventing an unwanted pregnancy from a traumatic event.
I also have a 15yo son and had to have a very different talk with him. One we have had before but in less detail. I also spelled it out for him. And told him if this is taken away from girls and women and he gets a girl pregnant he will have to drop out of school and get a job. I told him he has a responsibility to lead by example for his male peers and to show his girl friends that he is a person they can trust.
It’s snowing hard here today, so I drove them to school and told them to lead with compassion, kindness and quiet strength. And if they see someone crying to offer them a tissue and a hug. And if they need support at school to go see the mental health services that are offered there. I will go pick them up if they can’t make it through (but they seem ok for now). I then drove off and struggled not to cry.
We are so fcked.
I live in New York State, we passed an amendment to our state constitution protecting access to reproductive care*. My niece (right now 4 yrs old) lives in Florida. Her parents are horrified, they were tiny blue dots in a pool of blood. My brother and I have agreed to start a bank account in case she has to come to New York to visit her aunt when she hits reproductive age.
* NYS passed Prop 1, Equal Rights Amendment, protects not only access to abortion, but protection for LGBTQ+ as well
Thank you for reminding me that our state had something on the ballot for this as well. I have been so stunned all day that I forgot to check local and state results. Going to do that now.
I have nieces in Idaho, nieces in SC, and three nieces who recently moved to a blue state with protections (thank goodness for their sakes concerning the last 3). Lots of friends with daughters in red states. I am afraid for all of them – especially my nieces in red states because their parents definitely do not see the problem.
Update: yes. The amendment to keep reproductive rights in our state constitution- and use public funding for it – passed. A small bit of relief.
The thing is–and I’m sorry to bring more doom and gloom–but a national ban could nullify a state’s constitution. Aside from that, there is a lot they can do to indirectly take away reproductive rights in ALL the states. Mifepristone and misoprostol could be banned by the FDA, for one example. I think a lot of people aren’t realizing the extent to which Republicans can touch all our lives, even those of us in blue states.
@blueberry believe me I am well aware. Which is why my relief is not complete.
She was an excellent candidate and she ran a near-perfect campaign. But she was playing a different game, graded on different metrics.
I feel hopeless.
The usa suprised us again. This is the way most Americans wanna go? This will be a very interesting 4 years
Spending the morning looking up passport information for my kiddo (19f) and real estate outside of Florida. No country is going to let us my husband and I emigrate – we’re too old and poor. But she probably has a chance and a path out if she wants it.
My husband sent me a couple of vote results screenshots throughout the night, and I asked him to turn off the phone and go to sleep. His blood pressure was slightly high, and I didn’t want him to end up in ER bc of Orangino and his cohort of 1d1ot1c minions.
I’m in pain and very dissapointed. At least most of you fellow CBers kept your eye on the prize and gave it your all. How will Trumpers live with themselves next time that sorry waste of oxygen uses his presidential stand to make fun of a disabled person or disrespect war heroes?
Is there any possible way that, by some miracle not yet disclosed, ppl behind the scenes could force a re-count?
Could Biden, by Executive Power, openly demand…..anything?
I keep thinking “By any means possible” DO something.
Something. I have no idea what.
Biden is still the acting/sitting POTUS. Are we just lame ducking now?
Completely powerless?
How can this be?
Trump has the popular vote locked.
I am completely gutted. And terrified.
Ladies, get Plan B and abortion pills in hand, if you can. Tell your daughters to delete their menstruation trackers from their phones. Today. Protect the people in your bubble.
Someone mentioned having an alternative to X – I feel like this is it. I can’t interact with the outside world today as if it’s just another day. I was one who thought we should not have bailed on Biden in the first place, but even as I watch his oldness now, it would have likely cost us the election anyway. The populace wanted a bully and they elected the loudest, most offensive, stupidest one.
Young hispanic and white men don’t have kids, can’t imagine having daughters, are fine with women having limited reproductive rights and therefore felt fine about voting for this a-hole.
What still doesn’t add up for me is the turnout. Did people turn out to stand in line for hours to vote for TRUMP? It doesn’t make sense with the enthusiasm from volunteers, donors, or rally attendance. I can’t rule out a stolen election, but with government polarization we’ll likely never know until generations from now when someone writes a book.
This was probably long and rambling, but I needed to get it off my mind and I work with all the demos that cost us the election last night and can’t bring it up here.
I think the democratic leadership for a good number of years now have been seeing America not as it is but how they wish it to be. We don’t live an in ideal world so I’m hoping once they’re over the shock they start looking around for two or three white males from the Midwest to run in the next election.
I was surprise 4+ years ago when Biden picked Harris as his running mate. She wasn’t a close second in that presidential race, but I thought they must know what they’re doing. Biden should not have run for a second term, it’s not just his age, the man is tired, has experienced so much trauma in his life. We can all see that he was tired.
I read a long time ago that a black woman was the least valued in the world. It hurt when I read it and it hurts to write it, but I never for once believed that America was going to place a black woman at the top of the hierarchy. Ask any black woman in the work force, any black woman in corporate America, any black doctors who had patients refuse to be treated by them. That’s the reality. I’m letting my children know that they are free to leave this country, but in all honesty where is it safe?
This cannot be underestimated. The Democratic playbook is for the game they want to be playing, not the game they are in.
Is it right that a woman president will not win the vote? Dear god no. But it’s where the country is at and we need to accept that as the current state of play and plan accordingly instead of basing campaigns on the utopian end game.
We all need to truly acknowledge the stadium we’re playing in and adjust accordingly. What that looks like, I have no idea right now, but current approach is not working and doing more damage than good. It breaks my heart to say it, but burying heads in the sand will get us nowhere.
Just want to say this. Thank you Celebitchy and everyone who posts here. Thank you for being a rest stop for hope, change, enlightenment and understanding. Hugs to all, without this tiny respite, I know I’d implode.
In total agreement. Kaiser and the Celebitchies have made this a safe, savvy and sane place to be since 2016. I have avoided all legacy and online media since 10:00 p.m. last night as I felt the tide turn. I took Advil PM and went to bed. The only place I have been all morning is at Celebitchy. Hugs to everyone here and all those who are now living in hopelessness and fear for the future. History wasn’t made yesterday with the election of our first female President. We will mourn today and continue to stand up to defend our rights and freedoms starting tomorrow. Peace to all of us.
Sandbagged again, I trusted those people who say they were going to vote for Kamala. And either sat on their hands or secretly voted for Trump.
I can’t even function today.
I am crushed. My state voted for Trump and Josh Hawley for our senator. But a bright spot is that Republicans in deep red Missouri also voted to assure a woman’s right to reproductive care. Plus the Trump lovers voted to increase the minimum wage. It is confusing that my state approved of the kinds of policies held high by the Democratic Party but didn’t vote for the candidate who represented those values. Again…I’m crushed. It will be a long four years. Again.
Condolences from MO. We voted for higher min wage and reproductive rights and installed people who are anti- both of those things. Winning!
Beyond devastated. This time yesterday – a lifetime ago – I really believed. He showed everyone exactly who he is, and that’s what they chose. I’m can’t bear knowing that this is what they chose. And now, another hellscape 4 years, but the world is so much more precarious than 8 years ago. Climate annihilation, economic armageddon and maybe WWIII – as well as free rein for all the abusers of women to employ the mechanisms of the state to assist them in their endeavours. It’s the end of the world as we know it.
CB’s – your wit, your humour, your empathy, your insight, has always been a light in the dark – sending love to you all. I see no light now – I need to grieve…. and somehow find the will again.