Kamala's supporters mourn defeat, vow to fight on
Tears, disbelief, and attempts to console one another—these are the emotions of Kamala Harris's voters who listened to her speech at Howard University after her loss to Donald Trump. They foresee deportations of migrants, threats to women's rights, and the erosion of democracy. Correspondence from Washington, D.C.
"Never give up. Never stop trying to make the world a better place!" said Kamala Harris to the youngest voters in her first address after losing the election at Howard University. The young people felt the most profound impact from the electoral defeat to Donald Trump. A group of student volunteers continually exchanged consoling hugs. A girl in campaign colors struggled to keep up with wiping the tears streaming down her cheeks. That afternoon, more people were crying on the Howard University campus.
"These are really intense emotions. I don't know what to expect from Trump, but I know we will get through this together somehow," said eighteen-year-old Alicia. "After seeing Kamala in person, I feel a bit better, though what happened hit me. I feel uncertain because women's rights, LGBT rights, and in general, human rights are at risk. For a woman, Trump's victory feels like being slapped. He doesn't care about us," adds Kayla, holding a pink flag with the inscription "Kamala Harris. A Woman's Place is in the White House."
Rashawn lives a few streets from the campus and has recently spent every free moment encouraging people to vote for Kamala. "I did everything I could in the campaign. I distributed leaflets, went door to door, and called voters. But now we need to pull ourselves together. I haven't had an easy life, so I know what fighting is about," she says, as if she wants to take part of the blame for the loss onto herself.
"Trump will secure immunity"
Harris voters often take a deep breath when asked what the United States will be like under Trump's leadership. Some say they don't even want to think about it, but Beth knows what to expect. "Trump's America? Trump will do everything he said he would, that is, destroy democracy," she says. The woman is convinced that the pre-election promises that gave her chills will be carried out.
"I think he will organize deportations of migrants. Maybe not the biggest in history, as he said, but he will lead to the deportation of some groups of migrants. Later, in his fake media, he will exaggerate, dramatize, and argue that it's a nationwide action." What else do I expect? "I'm convinced Trump will secure immunity for himself so he won't have to answer for his crimes." I won't be surprised by violence at his inauguration either. This will be the essence of Trump's power," Beth believes.
The woman also adds that she wants to "get to work." "We always have a choice, and I choose to take action. I don't want to be afraid, I don't want to fall into despair. We need to roll up our sleeves and take action," she adds.
"White supremacy and patriarchy instead of freedom"
Karen has similar plans. "We will keep working for change. We will be millions of bright stars in this dark sky," she says, referencing Harris's speech, where she said that "the stars can only be seen when it is dark enough."
"I'm angry that my country chose white supremacy and patriarchy over freedom. I feel bad that my nephews and nieces will grow up in such a country. For the past four days in Pennsylvania, I supported Harris and crossed paths with Americans of every faith, race, and orientation on the campaign trail. We exchanged hugs; there was no hatred. This is the country I believe in. I am the daughter of migrants, so every election is very important to me. But I still have hope, especially after hearing Kamala. If she has it, so must we," she adds.
"We must accept the result"
"I don't understand this; I had a better opinion of us. I don't know why the US is becoming such a large embodiment of Donald Trump, but I know we must accept this result and watch him closely. I think his behavior will go beyond our predictions," says Ben.
Shawn admits he feels indifferent. "It turns out our electoral system in presidential elections has started to resemble a show. Any hope for real change will likely have to come from local elections. I don't want to predict the future of the US with Trump because if we truly want change, we must focus on that. I can focus on what I can influence, and I have no influence on Trump's move to the White House," the man says, spreading his hands.
