The aftermath of a game-changing event for Democrats began to unfold. The entertainment industry headed to rest on Tuesday evening with a deep sense of apprehension, fearful of the potential 2024 election victory of Donald Trump, the ex-president. As he steadily made gains in multiple states, the prospect of a shocking upturn akin to 2020 was still on the table, contingent on the key swing states, also recognized as the ‘Blue Wall.’ However, optimism slowly dissipated when Wisconsin was announced in favor of Trump, giving him the needed 270 electoral votes. The ex-president, known for his unfiltered rhetoric, promptly declared his triumph while standing on the stage of his victory party at Mar-a-Lago. Held at 2:30 a.m. ET, the former president announced his ‘wonderful’ win in his usual unrestrained manner.
Meanwhile, as the election night hours rolled into the break of dawn on Wednesday, Kamala Harris maintained silence. Supporters who convened at her former academic institution, Howard University, envisioned it would be a gala celebration. Nonetheless, Cedric Richmond, the co-chair of her campaign, informed the attendants that Harris will issue her address to the country later that day.
In the wake of Trump’s victory, an immediate explosion of sentiments filled social media. These reactions were even noted before the crucial state of Pennsylvania made its announcement. Eminent personalities from the Democratic party and the entertainment world expressed discontent and apprehension regarding the anticipated future under another Trump administration.
The immediate aftermath was characterized by intense and short-lived responses like Cardi B’s Instagram story that read, ‘I detest y’all bad.’ Some, such as Oscar-nominee filmmaker-activist Adam McKay, couldn’t contain their animosity towards the Democratic establishment and conveyed their disdain unabashedly. McKay’s critique of the Democratic apparatus was particularly severe and unreserved.
Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, on the contrary, extended a congratulatory message to the former and now re-elected president. He wrote, ‘A hearty congratulations to our 45th and now 47th President on an outstanding political resurgence and clear win. None have greater prospects. My best wishes for success in steering and unifying the America we all cherish.’
Some individuals observed the spectacle unfolding and continued to utter privately, ‘But at least he’s not a Black woman!’ It’s a heartbreaking night indeed. It’s unfathomable to understand the predicament of women who previously accused Trump of sexual assault.
The substantive support for a man they named as their perpetrator is a harsh reality. Millions wholeheartedly validated their offender with their votes. This circumstances lead to a crushing emotional toll on these women. I stand by you, I trust you, and regret the pain you must endure.
At this juncture, we must not lose sight of the grave reality. The existence of a multiethnic democracy in the United States barely spans six decades. It has always faced challenges and violent opposition. Its vulnerability has always been prominent.
From the birth of this nation, substantial portions of the white populace, including white women, have openly expressed their preference. Shops that sell delicate and aesthetically pleasing artifacts often have a sign: BEAUTIFUL TO SEE, WONDERFUL TO HOLD, but IF BROKEN, IT’S SOLD. This metaphor can certainly be applied to democracy as well.
I had Double Stuffed Oreos and a cigarillo for breakfast, hinting at my emotional state for anyone concerned. We must also contend with the fact that we might have fundamentally misunderstood the changing perspectives of Americans.
A significant proportion has demonstrated that they favor an isolationist approach, encapsulated by the slogan, ‘America first.’ The quintessential traits we admired about America, its nobility, and commitment to addressing the wrongs and aiding our allies appears to be dwindling.
It is apparent now that perhaps we overestimated the inherent benevolence in people. The unfolding of events reveals a sharp shift in the American ethos, an inclination towards solitude and self-preservation at the expense of our perceived moral obligations. It raises hard questions about our national priorities, and where we may be headed.