Donald J. Trump was elected as the 45th president of the United States early Wednesday morning in a shock that mirrored the surprise on which he built his campaign.
For months, Hillary Clinton had been leading Trump in the polls in key swing states and nationally. However, they were all wrong. This election, while not a landslide, was a massive and astounding upset for not only the Clinton campaign, but the media and the Democratic Party as well.
Trump won six of the key swing states to put him over the 270 electoral votes needed to win the election. Trump received 279 electoral votes compared to Clinton’s 228, according to the Associated Press. However, Clinton did retain the majority of the popular vote.
In his victory speech Trump said, “We will rebuild the nation and renew the American dream… I will be president for all Americans.” If anything is clear from this election, it is clear that the nation does need to be rebuilt.
Shortly after the key states of Florida, North Carolina and Ohio were called, it became clear that there was very little room for a path to victory for the Clinton campaign. At approximately 2a.m. on Wednesday, the election was called for Trump and he took the stage to deliver his remarks.
Clinton called Trump to concede the election in what was described as a “Very warm, very gracious conversation,” by Trump’s campaign manager Kellyanne Conway. Unlike in traditional elections, Clinton held off on giving her remarks until 11a.m. on Wednesday.
Clinton arrived on stage following a nearly tearful introduction by her running mate Tim Kaine, who will be representing Virginia in the senate. She had her husband President Bill Clinton by her side as she delivered a passionate speech about what this loss felt like. “This is painful, and it will be for a long time,” Clinton said.
This election was dirty, vulgar and painful to watch. The results reflect the need for change in the United States was greater than anyone previously predicted.
Clinton reflected her gratuity for all those who worked for and with her, particularly women. “To all the women and especially the young women who put their faith in this campaign and in me,” Clinton said, “I want you to know that nothing has made me prouder than to be your champion.”
Clinton, along with her husband and most of her campaign staff, congregated after the speech and wiped away tears. She thanked people for their work and their participation in her campaign and then departed from what is likely to be the final speech of her professional political career.
The nation is heading into a time of alarming uncertainty. The people are divided by hateful rhetoric and a shattered political system.
President Barack Obama was adamant about a peaceful transition of power from his administration to the Trump administration when he spoke from the Rose Garden at the White House on Wednesday afternoon.
“We all go forward, with a presumption of good faith in our fellow citizens,” Obama said with Vice President Joe Biden standing solidly next to him, “because that presumption of good faith is essential to a vibrant and functioning democracy.”
