The results from Tuesday’s historic election were nothing less than shocking. From the time of the Democratic National Convention, pollsters and political pundits projected Hillary Clinton to become the next president of the United States. Numbers constantly fluctuated from a land slide victory to a close, yet comfortable win for the Clinton campaign. Despite the constant number crunching, Americans spoke loud and clear on election night and chose Donald Trump as their next leader. The unforeseen results took America by storm and stirred up a mixture of emotions amongst citizens. With the nation divided more than ever, both Democrats and Republicans in Washington took the results of the election as an opportunity to unite citizens around President-Elect Donald Trump and his campaign to make America great again.
Hillary Clinton
The Democratic presidential nominee was favored to represent her party in the general election since announcing her campaign back in April of 2015. Despite heavy support from the entire party and millions of Americans, Clinton conceded the race to Trump late Tuesday night. Clinton made her concession speech the following morning in Manhattan to a packed, teary-eyed hall. Clinton, holding back tears herself, stated, “I congratulated Donald Trump and offered to work with him on behalf of our country. I hope that he will be a successful president for all Americans.” Despite slinging mud at Trump on the campaign trail, and receiving a fair amount in return, went on to remind all Americans that, “We owe him an open mind and a chance to lead." Although you could recognize her pain in losing the election, Clinton’s concession speech was classy, graceful, and uniting.
President Barack Obama
President Obama made remarks on the election results shortly after Clinton’s concession speech. Since endorsing her in July, Obama joined Clinton on the campaign trail and was too, very surprised by the results. Obama called the President-elect late on election night to congratulate him on the victory and graciously invited him to the White House the following day to begin the transition of power; something the President stated to be, “One of the hallmarks of our democracy.” Despite having drastically different views than Trump, Obama reminded Americans that, “We’re not Democrats first. We're not Republicans first. We are Americans first. We’re patriots first. We all want what’s best for this country.” Knowing the deep divides in our nation, he went on to state, “That's what the country needs -- a sense of unity; a sense of inclusion; our way of life, rule of law; and a respect for each other…and I certainly hope that’s how his presidency has a chance to begin.”
Elizabeth Warren
By far the most surprising politician who reached out to work with the President-elect during his time in office was Senator Elizabeth Warren. The far-left Massachusetts Senator was a steadfast surrogate on the Clinton campaign and was once speculated to be the VP on the Democrat ticket for the general election. Warren constantly criticized Trump using words such as thin-skinned, racist, bully, and insecure money grubber. However, in an address to the AFL-CIO Executive Council, Warren cited America’s call for a change in the political status quo. She when on to say, “When President-elect Trump wants to take on these issues, when his goal is to increase the economic security of middle-class families, then count me in,” Warren said. “I will push aside our differences, and I will work with him to achieve that goal. I offer to work as hard as I can and to pull in as many people as I can into this effort.
Bernie Sanders
Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont gave Clinton a run for her money in the Democratic primary race. After having dropped out of the race, he endorsed Clinton and encouraged his staunch supporters not to follow the “Bernie or Bust” trend. He stated on several occasions voting third party or not voting at all was a clear vote for Trump. Despite constantly criticizing Trump and his campaign, Sanders in an interview with CNN stated that he intends to work with the President-elect. He stated, “I intend to work with President Trump on those issues where he will work for the middle-class and working families in this country.” In sticking to his morals and the pillars of his campaign, Sanders went on to say, “I will vigorously oppose him if he appeals to racism, sexism, or some of the other discriminatory measures that he brought up during his campaign.”
Without a doubt our nation is hurt and divided more than ever. For the first time in a long time, I can say I am genuinely proud of our politicians for coming together to support our President-elect and lick the wounds of our nation. We will only get better if we are all in this journey together. I know many of us are not happy, and frankly scared, of a Trump administration; but we must come together as citizens and put our trust in Donald Trump to do what is in the best interest for our nation. He is OUR President, and we need to give him our full support and trust that he will lead our nation and indeed make us great again.
