Kamala's supporters look to the future after election heartbreak
Tears, disbelief, and attempts to console one another – these were the emotions among Kamala Harris's supporters who listened to her speech at Howard University following her loss to Donald Trump. They foresee, among other things, deportations of migrants, threats to women's rights, and the undermining of democracy. Correspondence from Washington, D.C.
"Please know it is going to be OK. Don’t ever give up. Don’t ever stop trying to make the world a better place!" said Kamala Harris to the youngest voters in her first address after the election loss at Howard University. Donald Trump's electoral defeat most impacted the young people. A group of student volunteers continually exchanged consoling hugs. A young woman in campaign colours struggled to keep wiping the tears flowing freely down her cheeks. That afternoon, more people were crying on the Howard University campus.
- These are intense emotions. I don't know what to expect from Trump, but I know we will get through this together somehow – said eighteen-year-old Alicia. - I feel a bit better after seeing Kamala in person, though it hit me what has happened. I feel uncertain because women's rights, LGBT rights, and, in general, human rights are at risk. For a woman, Trump's victory feels like a slap in the face. He doesn't care about us – adds Kayla, holding a pink flag with the inscription "Kamala Harris. A Woman's Place is in the White House".
Rashawn lives a few streets from the campus and has recently spent every free moment encouraging people to vote for Kamala. - I did everything I could in the campaign. I distributed leaflets, went door to door, and called voters. But now we need to pull ourselves together. I haven't had an easy life, so I know what fighting is about – she says as if she wants to take part of the blame for the loss onto herself.
"Trump will secure immunity"
Harris's supporters often take a deep breath when asked what the United States will be like under Trump's leadership. Some say they don't want to think about it, but Beth knows what to expect. – Trump's America? Trump will do everything he said he would, that is, destroy democracy - she says. The woman is convinced that the pre-election promises that gave her chills will be fulfilled.
- I think he will organize deportations of migrants. Maybe not the biggest in history, as he said, but he will lead to the deportation of some groups of migrants. Later, in his fake media, he will exaggerate, dramatize, and argue that it's a nationwide action. What else do I expect? I'm convinced Trump will secure immunity for himself so he won't have to answer for his crimes. I won't be surprised by violence at his inauguration, either. This will be the essence of Trump's power – Beth believes.
The woman also adds that she wants to "get to work." – We always have a choice, and I choose to take action. I don't want to be afraid. I don't want to fall into despair. We need to roll up our sleeves and take action – she adds.
"White supremacy and patriarchy instead of freedom"
Karen has similar plans. We will keep working for change. We will be millions of bright stars in this dark sky, she says, referencing Harris's speech, in which she said that "the stars can only be seen when it is dark enough."
- I'm angry that my country chose white supremacy and patriarchy over freedom. I feel bad that my nephews and nieces will grow up in such a country. For the past four days in Pennsylvania, I supported Harris and crossed paths with Americans of every faith, race, and orientation on the campaign trail. We exchanged hugs. There was no hatred. This is the country I believe in. I am the daughter of migrants, so every election is very important to me. But I still have hope, especially after hearing Kamala. If she has it, so must we - she adds.
"We must accept the result"
- I don't understand this; I had a better opinion of us. I don't know why the U.S. is becoming such a large embodiment of Donald Trump, but we must accept this result and watch him closely. I think his behaviour will go beyond our predictions – says Ben.
Shawn admits he feels indifferent. – It turns out our electoral system in presidential elections has started to resemble a show. Any hope for real change will likely have to come from local elections. I don't want to predict the future of the U.S. with Trump because if we truly want change, we must focus on that. I can focus on what I can influence, and I have no influence on Trump's move to the White House – the man says, spreading his hands.
