I don't quite share your optimism MR. I agree that Trump is not the new Hitler. What worries me more is that, just like with Hitler, so many people are willing to take that gamble. The people that Trump has chosen to form his government are what really scares me. Creationists, gay-cure advocates, anti-abortionists, climate change deniers, the list goes on. We are increasingly living in a post-fact society and the most powerful country in the world has just become its new leader. And like Pol says, he has a mandate created by his own sloganeering. This will have an impact on American and global politics and create even more division. If nothing else, it will give those who hate offical legitimisation of their views and that is a frightening thing. We're seeing the same in Britain and across Europe.
I understand why people voted Trump (or Brexit) and I agree with Anna, that part of me thinks 'good job'. And crying over the likelihood that Sanders could have won is pointless now. It's done. What is important is that we respectfully engage with people who we disagree with instead of living in our own echo chambers and labelling those who think differently stupid. And as with Brexit, there is the potential to actually bring about positive change and I guess that's what people need to focus on regardless of how they voted.
