Over the past week I have felt an array of emotions about the presidential election results. Fear, disgust, sadness, hopelessness. The end of Harris’ campaign felt like the death of a movement that might have nudged this country toward progressive change. In reality I knew she was a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Despite wanting to believe otherwise, she wasn’t fundamentally different from Trump. She did not condemn the genocide in Gaza, took a right-wing stance on immigration, and when asked, “Do you believe that transgender Americans should have access to gender-affirming care in this country?” her answer was, “I think we should follow the law.”
Kamala Harris did not advocate for the rights of working-class Americans, and she did not advocate for much of anything progressive. Instead, she leaned further and further right in an effort to sway undecided, right-leaning voters, leaving progressives without a candidate to rally behind. The Harris campaign did not promise the change people were looking for. Enthusiasm for her platform was so low, and economic uncertainty around the Biden-Harris administration was so high, that voters this election cycle were willing to elect a dictator to protect their dollar.
Bernie Sanders, in a recent interview, said, “The working class of this country is angry, and they have a reason to be angry. We are working in an economy … where the people on top are doing phenomenally well, while 60% of our people are living paycheck to paycheck.” We live in a country where the top 1% dictate our economy and politics, while the working class gets only scraps. American politics favor whoever or whatever pays the most. It is fair to feel like the system goes against you, because it has.
The so-called prosperous America lacks universal healthcare, affordable higher education, a functioning criminal rehabilitation system, strong social safety nets like affordable housing, and other essential policies to take care of its citizens. While the wealthy benefit from tax breaks and loopholes, hard-working Americans remain overburdened by the rising cost of living, stagnant wages, and insufficient support systems. The unfortunate truth is that the working class people do not have an advocate for them as the right does with Donald Trump. I can understand why so many people are drawn to him: he’s able to rally people, channel their anger, and convey enthusiasm—even when they may not fully align with his values. Trump’s ability to tap into that anger gives people a sense of purpose and direction. The people on the left also have very large and loud beliefs, but there’s no figure at Trump’s level championing the working class. Without someone to speak to their struggles, working people continue to feel overlooked by the left.
They say history repeats itself if we aren’t careful. During the Bush presidency, people felt much like we do now—afraid and anxious about the future. Gay rights were under threat as Bush pushed for the “sanctity of marriage,” leaving many in the LGBTQ+ community feeling panicked and uncertain. But then, things began to change. Under the Obama administration, progress was made; it wasn’t perfect, but it was better. Just as things improved then, we have reason to believe they can improve again now. We must hold onto that hope.
Being scared of Donald Trump is not productive, it makes you weak. Within these next few months, begin to build your community. Make friends with your neighbors. Know this will not end with us. We don’t know how long this setback will last, and it will not be the last one. Real change is about building a movement so strong it won’t rely on any single person, but on the collective power of those who demand more from their country. We have a responsibility to keep pushing for justice, equity, and progress—not just for ourselves, but for the generations that will follow. If you are located in a blue state, tell your representatives you support their fight and offer your support. Find abortion funds or immigration-rights organizations and donate or volunteer.
I feel hope for the future. I even feel excited, because I know I am not alone. If you need something to take away, remember, do not be scared and especially do not feel helpless. I will leave you with a quote from Erin Reed.
“The greatest thing you can do is live; continue to exist and continue tending the seeds we’re planting today. They will grow into trees that will shade those who come after us—and with luck, we may get to enjoy some of that shade ourselves.”
