About 155.5 million people voted in the last presidential election. The Republican candidate received 77.3 million or 49.7% of those votes. The Democratic candidate received 75.0 million or 48.2% of those votes. Other candidates received about 3.2 million or 2% of those votes. Another 85 to 89 million people were eligible to vote, but did not bother to do so (not all of those non-voters are registered)1.
The winning side now controls both the executive branch and the legislative branch of our federal government. While they say they have a mandate for change, more people voted for other candidates than for Trump, and the Republicans have extremely narrow majorities in both the House and the Senate.
People have seen a lot in the initial weeks of this administration (this is not an exhaustive list): an attack on “big” government led by a private citizen and major campaign donor, firings of federal workers, cancellation of programs, elimination of agencies, actions to start trade wars, plans for increased deportations of immigrants, moves to become aligned with Russia, signals of turning against the Ukraine and a number of our traditional allies in Europe, changing names of gulfs and mountains, threats to annex other countries and territories, the potential for large cuts to Medicaid, suggested real estate development of the Gaza Strip, and a proposed gold card visa program to entice wealthy immigrants to come to this country for the price of $5 million.
Opinions on what has happened so far are diverse. For simplicity, I would put people in several categories or groups. Group A is overjoyed by much of what they see. They say this is what they wanted – down with big government and the so-called deep state. Some in this group would say that anyone who disagrees must be a libtard or a RINO. Group B is outraged by what they see. They are calling their elected representatives to complain, protesting in growing numbers, and showing up at townhalls to voice concerns to members of congress. Yet another group of people (you guessed it, group C) is more in the middle. This is probably the largest group of the 3 still at this point. Some of these people may like the stated goals of the administration, but cringe at the methods. Some cast their ballot in November based on a single issue such as America First, abortion, immigration, inflation, etc. Some voted one way or the other because they always have supported a particular party – and perhaps their parents did too. Some have concerns about what they are seeing, but they are still taking a wait and see attitude. Others are not that engaged, may or may not have voted at all, and are just trying to live their lives.
My take on where we are
I’m a political independent. Thank you, but no political party allegiances for me. Here is my view on the situation. With each passing day, I believe more people are moving from group C towards group B. The majority of people in this country do not support anyone who takes us to the extreme left or right. Many people in the middle tend to go quietly about their lives until they are personally impacted by something that happens in Washington, or they know people who are personally impacted, or they just become alarmed at what they see happening on a daily basis.
Change is one thing, but my sense is that we have run off the road (far to the right side). As time goes on, a growing majority of Americans will not support or accept this. The damage being done to our government and institutions and the precedents being set are dangerous. The legislative branch of government has largely relinquished its power and shirked its responsibilities. These days it is too dangerous (politically and physically) to police your own side or even voice opposition. Sure, I would also say that we’ve run off the road to the left in the past too. Unfortunately, power makes people think they can do whatever they want.
Additionally, the level of polarization in this country is troubling. Some politicians thrive by vilifying others, stirring up emotions, and creating division. Most of the news we hear and see is filled with opinions, hate, and demonization of the “other side”…and the goal is to get as many people watching as possible to increase advertising revenue. When we venture onto social media, the algorithms feed us more opinions and hatred…again keeping us engaged so that they can make money. Meanwhile, individuals with extreme views berate, insult, and vilify those with opposing perspectives. The loudest and most extreme voices get the most power and attention.
This is madness. The world is not black and white. No party or person is always right or wrong. Just because one person has an opposing perspective does not mean they have to be bad or evil. It’s ok for the other person or “side” to be right sometimes. Both parties do plenty of things that don’t make sense.
I don’t say all of this to try to change anyone’s beliefs or opinions. We need to be able to have civil discussions on difficult topics. I certainly don’t have all the answers, and it’s ok to disagree. Let’s just remember that those we may have disagreements with are our fellow Americans…and they are human beings too. Putting down or dehumanizing people just because we disagree with them does not do anything to help matters.
Stay engaged.
1. Election results and turnout information from: https://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS/ and https://election.lab.ufl.edu/national-turnout-rates-graph/ Slightly different results are listed on various sites online.