We actually did it. America actually did it. We actually put a businessman with no law, political, or military experience into office. Regardless of how you feel about Donald Trump, we can all agree on one thing--this isn't normal. Sure, we've had entrepreneurs run for office before, but they've never made it this far. Politicians have been accused of being racist and sexist before, but we've managed to weed out the worst offenders. We've had scandals in presidential elections before, but there have never been this many. Trump said he could shoot someone and not lose votes, and he was probably right. His popularity is astonishing. Trump's unwavering legion of followers show cult-like behaviors.
This isn't normal, and we should not carry on as if nothing happened.
When Trump takes office, "politics as usual" will not resume. His election is an anomaly, and America may not be prepared. Women, people of color, and members of the LGBTQ+ community have responded with fear, sadness, and anger. If a moderate Republican were elected, people might be upset, but January would come and politics would continue as usual. For the first time in modern American history, a candidate's policies cause many people to genuinely fear for their lives. Disputes over this election goes beyond "differences in opinion". We have a president endorsed by the KKK. This is not a normal election year. Donald Trump has defied expectations and showed us that it is possible for someone with no political experience to hold the most powerful office in the country. Trump has beat the odds again and again. If he's as successful during his presidency as he was on the campaign trail, America could face a huge shake-up. He may not make a good President, but he could be a powerful one. His potential is undeniable.
Don't let Trump's term(s) in office become "politics as usual". Nothing about this election is normal. We must respond by continuing to be abnormal. We need political activism after November 8th. We need just as many people campaigning for senators in 2018 as there were people campaigning for presidential candidates in the 2016 primaries. We need to retain that record number of young people who are engaged in politics. We need protests, solidarity, and constant activism. We need to do everything in our power to keep Trump's power in check. We need to meet the abnormal with the abnormal. We need "annoying" people going door-to-door, making phone calls, and campaigning for local governments. We need letters to the editor and letters to Congress members. We need to unite to stand up for our country, and show the world that we are always Stronger Together.
