Michigan has been a fierce election battleground for decades, but polls indicated it would go to Clinton and the Democrats this election by a slim margin.
It didn’t. Trump won the state and its 16 electoral votes by just 13,225 in what can only be described as one of the most excruciating American elections in history.
I hadn’t planned to go to the U.S. for the big night, but a friend from France convinced me it was a fun idea. So yesterday, we drove to Detroit, the infamous, once-sprawling city known by many nicknames: Motown, the Ghost Town, the Motor City. We watched the results come in at Marble Bar alongside Detroiters in their 20s and 30s, largely comprised of Hillary supporters.
Throughout the night and the next morning, I asked a few people to write a message to their neighbours to the north about how they were feeling as the surprising results rolled in. The next morning, after Trump had been announced president elect, I went downtown to get a few more.
Here’s what they had to say:
Mary L Wales
“Americans love hating their beauty.”
Mary L Wales
“When the results of the election leave you relieved but not happy.”
“On election night I have many mixed emotions. However, I will never forget how proud I felt as I cast my vote for our first female president.”
Mary L Wales
“If Trump wins we want to marry Europeans (we always did but now a little more).”
Mary L Wales
“Confounded. Stunned. Ashamed. So saddened.”
Mary L Wales
“Our new president elect doesn’t represent all Americans or their values. With this being said, I’m still hopeful for the future.”
Mary L Wales
“We’re hit! America is on its way down when they elect an egomaniac for president!”
Mary L Wales
“Let’s hope we don’t get fired!!”
“Trump got what he wanted, now let’s hope he can try and become the unexpected – a leader!”
Mary L Wales
“I tried.”
Mary L Wales
Don’t miss: Is America over?
website@nowtoronto.com | @marylwales
