A few days after the Nov. 5 election that saw Donald Trump re-elected president, we asked Bangor Daily News readers to tell us how they felt in the wake of the results. Here’s how some of them responded.
“Frustrated and dismayed that so many of our citizens put their self-interest over the common good, and sympathetic that they may be the victims of the propaganda put forward by some news sources and foreign adversaries.” – Rick B, Friendship
“Feeling wonderful overall with a mild case of disgust (ie. Theriault’s demand for a recount is like kindergarten tactics). The fear mongering from Democrats and especially from newspapers like the Bangor Daily News about how we, as a nation, are now doomed, is both hilarious and sad.” – Rolf Jokiel, Newport
“Hopeless. Ashamed to be a citizen of this country. Afraid for my children’s future.” – PJ Mallinckrodt, Mount Desert
“Sad, depressed. That this nation has just thrown away our 248 year experiment with democracy. That we have elected to the highest offices of this country what I recognize as the worst possible. I feel so sad that my grandchildren will have to live in a country that has turned its back on decency. That they have turned a blind eye to the truth. What a sad ending to this experiment. I feel real sadness for our daughters, granddaughters, and great granddaughters. Who seem to have given their hard fought rights away to the very people who wish to enslave them in breeding farms.” – Thomas Bonner, Holden
“I am feeling betrayed.” – Kathy Pease, Canaan
“Disappointed and disgusted at the same time.” – Lori Ferguson, Canaan
“At first, I was disappointed and somewhat surprised, but then I became angry. Again. I saw where Trump won a majority of votes with Hispanics and young people. I now believe that it was a macho vote — couldn’t elect a woman. A friend, a lifelong Republican until Trump, said he just played golf with friends who said they wouldn’t vote for a woman, ‘wouldn’t be up to the job.’ Since Trump was polling better with men even beforehand, I think this misogyny trickled down throughout the electorate, even among college students. Trump’s incessant tsunami of insults, especially about Harris’ IQ, reinforced this down putting of women, for which he’s long been noted.
Otherwise, the constant waves of mis-, dis-information and outright lies were absorbed non-critically, even by college students. My daughter in law is an adjunct college professor in NYC and she said her classes on Wednesday were devastated and fearful since many are racial and gender minorities. She said my granddaughter is in bad shape, angry and hurt, and I’ve encouraged her to call.” – Robert Buntrock, Orono
“I am feeling both devastated and bewildered in the aftermath of Trump’s election victory. Given all we know of Trump’s very questionable character, his utter disregard for the truth, his complete disrespect for women, people of color, the LGBTQ+ community, and his desire to be ‘king’ at the expense of our constitution and laws, I am absolutely unable to fathom why American voters returned him to the White House.
What does this say about who we are as a nation? How could anyone vote for a convicted felon? How could anyone — especially women — vote for a rapist? How could any veteran vote for a man who dodged the draft and then belittled and made fun of those who have served our country, often giving their lives to protect our freedom? What kind of example for our nation’s youth is Trump? I am enormously concerned about our democracy’s future and am frightened to think about what kind of country and world my children and grandchildren will be experiencing in the wake of Trump and his minions’ devastating changes.” – Sara Hessler, Ellsworth
