Today, I've been reflecting deeply on democracy, on the state of our nation,

I'm not sure how most of you feel, but I spent all of yesterday with a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. Part of me was optimistic, thinking, "We've got this!" I looked back on all the hard work-the millions of door knocks, phone calls, countless conference and ZOOM calls, the countless hours I spent with Get-Out-The-Vote, the thousands of confirmed early voters we helped. I remembered the rallies where she gathered 50,000, then 70,000 supporters, while Trump struggled to get a fraction of that turnout. I saw the positivity, the unity, and it felt like we had a real chance.

I was almost convinced. I thought, there's NO WAY America would vote Trump. What a role model for their children. NO WAY he could be our Commander-in-Chief when he's shown such disgusting disrespect for the military. NO WAY the families who suffered so much loss because of his handling of COVID could vote for him again. NO WAY fathers and husbands would support someone stripping away the rights of the women in their lives. NO WAY...

I have been riding on this incredible wave of optimism, feeling inspired and proud, knowing we were on the verge of electing the first woman president. Not only a woman, but an African American and South Asian woman. It felt like when Barack Obama was first elected in 2008, a time of pride and hope, of breaking barriers. He had fresh ideas, he was young, it was so different than the norm. These last 107 days reminded me of that era. An era with less division, where someone like her could step up because she had to and be a unifying, progressive leader for all Americans. Someone who truly cares! Who wouldn't want that?

Liz Cheney Condemns Trump’s Violent Rhetoric: “This is How Dictators Destroy Free Nations”

UPDATED! - The implications of Trump’s remarks have stirred significant controversy.

Democracy 360 OnlineTroy Moser

But then last night reality really hit and hit hard. How could a country that elected Barack Obama twice now vote for Donald Trump twice, not only through the electoral college but in the popular vote as well? This man, now 10 times as dangerous, 10 years older, only ran to get out of a prison sentence and the many legal consequences he was facing, won with even more support this time, despite all the damage done in his first term. It's as though the nation just said, "Thank you, may I have another?"

Maybe this is just who we are as a country. We've elected leaders like Nixon, Reagan, and George W. Bush twice. So, who are we, really? What does this say about our national character?

Perhaps it's time to step back, recharge, and come back with a clear-eyed understanding of what we're up against and what we're fighting for. This isn't just about one man or one party; it's about our national character and what truly needs to change. I don't know how to make people care about women's rights, racial and LGBTQIA+ equality, or simply seeing each other as human beings. It should matter, but I don't know or have any of the answers. After living and experiencing the last 10 years and staring at yesterday's results while picking my jaw up from the floor, I'm more uncertain than ever. It blows my mind.

Trump’s racist, hateful, closing argument.

Donald Trump’s Madison Square Garden rally Sunday evening was supposed to provide his closing argument against Kamala Harris.

Democracy 360 OnlineTroy Moser

Yet, I hold onto hope that change will come. History shows us that Americans are hard-headed, often learning lessons the hard way. But I have faith that progress is possible. As Martin Luther King Jr. said, "The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice." I believe that's true, but only if we keep pulling that arc toward justice with all our might. I would say its safe to assume the arc is not aimed or bending toward the justice were seeking. Not anytime soon. I am sure it will get there, eventually. Let us PLEASE not destroy our republic in the process...

Right now, I'm discouraged, sad, scared, and angry. For the time being, I need a break, a break from Trump’s voice and his orange face and from the constant noise. One thing I am not, though, is disappointed in Kamala Harris or anyone who worked on her campaign. If you voted, if you volunteered, if you dedicated time and energy to this movement- thank you. We might not have won the election, but we didn't lose the momentum, the unity, or our commitment to being on the right side of history. What was accomplished in 107 days compared to Trump's years of campaigning is nothing short of monumental.

We're still moving forward, and I believe that will soon become evident. 👍