With the election now concluded, the outcome is clear. For anyone familiar with my views over the past eight years, my dismay is hardly surprising. However, the electorate has spoken, and a portion of Americans has willingly ushered Donald Trump back into the White House.
Tradition might suggest that we accept these results graciously and prepare for the next four years, optimistically awaiting 2028. But I find myself questioning whether I can adopt such a posture.
It’s tempting to speculate about what could have been. Maybe a ticket with Michigan’s Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Pennsylvania’s Governor Josh Shapiro might have resonated more strongly. Still, credit is due where it’s deserved.
In 2016, Trump’s win was an anomaly; now, his endorsement is undeniable
Donald Trump has always been straightforward about his intentions. His supporters were well aware of his disregard for democratic principles, his thirst for vengeance, and his willingness to upend norms.
His promise of “I am your retribution” was not just rhetoric but a signal embraced by many. They heard warnings, even from Trump’s advisers, labeling him as someone with autocratic ambitions, and yet, they accepted it—even welcomed it.
Kamala Harris, on the other hand, offered a stark contrast. She appealed to the center and advocated fiercely for protecting democracy. Some may argue that a more relatable voice might have strengthened her message, but finally, people aligned themselves with Trump’s vision.
In 2016, we could dismiss Trump as an outlier. This time, there’s no such ambiguity. Voters were fully aware of what they were endorsing. It’s apparent that preserving democracy wasn’t at the top of their list.
Democrats, meanwhile, may interpret these results as a sign that populism is where the future lies. They may even conclude that a charismatic demagogue could be the answer, and it’s possible that such a figure already holds office. Ambition has led many Republicans to follow Trump’s path, and Democrats are equally susceptible to the lure of power.
This is especially likely, given that the turbulence of Trump’s upcoming term might lay the groundwork for another wave of populism. A leader who sidesteps laws and rewards allies at the expense of regular citizens offers a potent figure against which a new Democratic populist could rally anger.
For over two centuries, Americans have valued democracy as a purpose in itself. But true autocrats understand democracy as a means to an end, useful only while it serves their goals. It’s hard to avoid the fear that America may have reached a turning point.
Trump’s belief that only his victories are valid elections is plain, and JD Vance, his running mate, has expressed similar sentiments. If Trump abstains from a third-term bid—an idea he has hinted at in the past—it’s probable that Vance will inherit the mantle in 2028. And with the authority Trump plans to amass, it’s difficult to envision him or his circle willingly relinquishing control if they lose an election.
Throughout Trump’s term, each power abuse and every preferential treatment will be meticulously noted by Democrats, seared into memory. When the pendulum inevitably swings back to their side, they may feel entitled to their own form of retribution, driven by a sense of justice.
This endless cycle of outrage and retaliation could persist, with neither side willing to refrain from settling scores. Once mutual trust erodes in a democracy, rebuilding it is a monumental challenge.
Perhaps my perspective is overly grim, and maybe Trump’s dire view of America has influenced me. Yet, even if my fears don’t materialize fully, their likelihood is alarming enough. I will respect this election’s results because I must, but I am not certain we’ll be able to do so in the next cycle. Stability appears to be slipping away.
