The highly publicized presidential election came to an end on Tuesday, Nov. 8 when Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, took enough electoral votes to win over Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. The upset win was a result of polls reporting that it was most likely that Clinton would become America’s 45th president.
Clinton led the popular vote with a slight edge, but Trump seized the presidency with 279 electoral votes to Clinton’s 228 votes. As more and more voting results flooded in, viewers were shocked to see that Trump won over states that have been known to be Democratic for many years.
Political analysts reported that, due to the consistent devotion to the Democratic Party in some states, the Clinton campaign neglected to hold rallies there, and instead focused more on the big swing states. Trump set his campaign trail in the swing states as well as the bordering Democratic states.
Two of the main swing states that were closely watched throughout the night were Pennsylvania, accountable for 20 electoral votes, and Florida, with 29 electoral votes. The night took a turn in favor of Trump supporters after winning Pennsylvania, resulting in pushing Trump significantly past Clinton.
Clinton’s campaign manager released a statement saying she would most likely not be speaking that night. This sparked a lot of conversation, especially among reports at the Clinton headquarters in New York City.
A few minutes shy of 3 a.m., results came in carrying Trump over the needed 270 electoral votes to win the election.
At Trump headquarters in New York City, the new president-elect took to the stage after being introduced by Vice President-elect Mike Pence.
Trump started his acceptance speech by saying, “I have just received a call from Secretary Clinton to congratulate us on our victory,” as he pointed to the supporters standing in front of him.
Trump responded by congratulating Clinton and her family on a very hard-fought campaign. Trump focused his speech mainly on the importance for both parties to come together and bind the wounds of division.
“To all Republicans and Democrats and independents across this nation, I say it is time for us to come together as one united people,” said Trump.
Clinton waited to give her concession speech until the following day in New York. She started off by saying, “Last night I congratulated Donald Trump and offered to work with him on behalf of our country.”
Clinton then added, “This is painful and it will be for a long time,” before telling her supporters to have an open mind and respect for the future President Trump.
However, that was not the case for some. Protests across the country began to emerge. Rallies outside of the White House occurred as Trump arrived in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, Nov. 10 to meet with President Barack Obama.
On the same day, police officers in Portland, Ore. declared a rally now a riot, as anti-Trump protesters smashed store windows and shattered car windshields.
Some rallies have even occurred on college campuses. As a response to the major political upset, Cornell University professors cancelled classes on Wednesday, Nov. 9 due to personal distress and concern for students’ emotional well-being.
West Chester University seemed to be buzzing about the news as well. Stairwells, hallways and Starbucks lines were all filled with conversation about the previous night’s results. People all had various emotions; some were happy with the outcome, and some were completely distraught.
Alex Garcia, a WCU student, spoke out about how he felt when he heard the news.
“At first I was very upset about the outcome of the election, and to an extent I still am. I am a gay Latino man and also a first generation in America and have seen first hand the dangers of extreme patriotism.”
The second-year student, studying political science, then added, “This election meant a lot to me, and although I have reached the point of acceptance as Trump as our president, I will hold him accountable to his saying that he will be the president for all the American people.”
Trump is set to take the oath of office on Friday, Jan. 20, 2017.
Taylor Tosheff is a fourth-year student majoring in communication studies with a minor in journalism. She can be reached at TT801606@wcupa.edu.