Final Election Advice You Should Consider

Election results: the final counsel you definitely shouldn’t heed after Donald Trump’s presidential win.

As the clock ticked past midnight on election night, the reality of a Donald Trump victory was solidifying. Former Democratic congressman Harold Ford made a perplexing appeal on Fox News: “If it seems like what’s going to happen does happen, I hope everyone can be gracious and magnanimous.” Among a barrage of troubling news, this plea struck me as the most exasperating. Ford’s request for magnanimity is emblematic of the calls for normalization that some pundits have served up, urging a sense of cooperation in the wake of Trump’s success.

What these commentators have conveniently overlooked is that the very fabric of America’s political landscape is fraught with division and tension, feelings that surely do not include “magnanimity.” To believe otherwise is to naïvely assume the new leadership will extend a spirit of noblesse oblige that they’ve rarely exhibited in recent years. Suggesting that the left merely shrug off Trump’s inherent unfitness for the presidency is both misguided and insulting.

There are certainly times when grace in defeat is warranted, but today is not one of those occasions. With Donald Trump reclaiming the presidency, we are faced with the potential for an even more tumultuous term than before. True magnanimity can only be claimed by those who feel secure in their future, and for many Americans, that security is elusive right now.

Unless we’re willing to confront the significant issues at hand, it’s critical to hold onto the justified anger that lingers. Consider the facts: following a tumultuous first term that nearly saw democracy falter, and an unprecedented two impeachments, Trump is running for president again, primarily to evade accountability for a litany of alleged crimes. These range from an illicit hush money payment to allegations of mishandling classified documents and attempts to undermine the democratic process.

Yet, let’s not forget the specifics. Trump’s campaign has been a chaotic amalgamation of fearmongering and dishonesty, with behavior that at times seems detached from reality. His refusal to acknowledge the results of the 2020 election persists, while he insinuates his opponents could face dire consequences should he reclaim the White House.

This isn’t a secret; it’s common knowledge for anyone who’s been engaged in U.S. politics during Trump’s presidency. The media has chronicled his ignoble antics, failures in governance, and continual self-serving behavior. Trump’s actions reveal a leader consumed by personal interest rather than the well-being of the nation.

Much of his support, distressingly, comes from those emboldened by his rhetoric. Many who voted for him revel in his defiance of political correctness and the unvarnished expression of their own biases. This has created an unsettling culture where truth and fiction blend, leading to a dangerous disconnect from reality.

In this moment, feeling anger is not just valid; it’s essential. This righteous indignation should not be stifled or ignored. There will be an appropriate time for reflection on how the Democrats faltered, as well as opportunities for bipartisan cooperation. However, demanding graciousness in the face of continued affronts to integrity and truth is simply an exercise in futility. The challenges ahead merit a stark recognition of where we stand now, without any pretense of civility.