In the past, I said Donald Trump would never run for president. I was wrong.
I said Trump would never win the Republican nomination. I was wrong.
I said Trump could not redraw the electoral map and compete in Democratic strongholds. I was wrong.
I said Trump would assuredly lose to Hillary Clinton, that he didn't have enough popular support, that the "silent majority" of white working class voters he courted did not exist, that enough people were disgusted or bored by his antics to stay home, that Clinton's voter turnout operations would win the day.
I. Was. Wrong.
Donald Trump will be the 45th President of the United States of America.
Here's what I don't think I am wrong about though.
Donald Trump as President is still a very bad thing for our economy, our relations with other nations, and our relations with each other. Let's start with the first thing.
Futures are down ahead of market openings this morning across the board. Trump's election will cause a massive market downturn. Economists have warned for months that a new recession is imminent. We'll see if they are right, and in turn, what a Trump administration will do to combat it.
Our relationships with other nations will suffer. Trump's plan to aggressively renegotiate trade deals, repeal our nuclear agreement with Iran, and build a border wall that Mexico will somehow pay for will not be well received. He must find a way to accomplish these goals while maintaining and strengthening our relationships abroad with nations like Israel and South Korea. Also, if I was Donald Trump, I would be calling Theresa May of Great Britain to negotiate a very good trade deal ASAP. That would provide stability to an ally and assurance to the world of our ability to cooperate with them in making sure markets stay free and competitive.
Finally, half of our country (or more) is devastated by the results of this election. #NotMyPresident has been trending on Twitter since the race was called for Trump, the Canadian immigration website crashed overnight, and I have heard anecdotal reports that the National Suicide Help Line returned a busy signal last night. Trump comes into office with a 60% disapproval rating.
This is perhaps the most immediate way that you can help after this divisive election and its shocking conclusion. Whether you voted for Trump, or refused to vote for either major candidate like me, reach out to your friends who voted for Clinton. If you don't have any liberal friends, now's the perfect time to make some. Bring them a cup of coffee this morning (trust me, we all need it). Come alongside them. Listen to their frustration and bewilderment. This is a very difficult time for them, and we must be there to show love to those who are hurting. If we do, perhaps we will look back on this election as a time of catharsis and unity, rather than further division.
In conclusion, there is one more thing that I know that I am not wrong about: God still reigns over our world, and He will work all things out for good for those who love him. We must return to him and pray for his guidance and favor on our nation in this strange and surprising time.
In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise, in God I trust, I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me? I must perform my vows to you, O God, I will render thank-offerings to you. For you have saved my soul from death, yes, my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.
Psalm 56:10-13 (ESV)
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