Opinion: Women’s reaction to Trump’s victory

Part 2 of a 3-part series

By Steve Corbin

Donald Trump’s Nov. 5 victory was decisive. Period. The margin of votes he received from women shocked virtually everyone, especially since his opponent, Kamala Harris, tried to break the glass ceiling.

On Nov. 6, I reached out to women across America and asked for their reaction — in two sentences or less — to the election results. Thirty-six women, from 24 states, replied to my inquiry. The first op-ed of this 3-part series shared with readers the feelings of 11 women. This op-ed will feature the thoughts of 12 additional women. The third op-ed in this 3-part series, yet to be published, will share the sentiment of 13 women.

“I am very happy Trump got re-elected as when he was president life was good; in the last four years it’s hard to make a living — price of food, gas, utilities, home, car and health insurance is no longer affordable. I do not believe the country is safe anymore with all the illegal immigrants that have flocked into the U.S.” — JL

“Shocked, fearful, disgusted and searching for the light — my resolve is to fight for our democracy, our country and Kamala Harris. She is brilliant, level-headed and resourceful; and we — the women — must raise our voices and clear the path for Harris to the White House — her time is coming with our help.” - Pandi

“I woke up (after the election was called) to my fears of the climate’s effect on my children and grandchildren and the world they will live in. My second fear was how the Supreme Court will continue to rule on their personal beliefs and not based upon the rule of law.” — Maggie

“The idea of a woman as our president is a bridge too far for our country. I worry about young women who will need good health care especially those with difficult pregnancies and add to that the battle against vaccinations from polio, measles, whooping cough and whatever else this administration (Trump) will dream up.” — Sarah

“I am frightened for our country, for I do believe many of those among us do not truly understand the horror of electing Trump to office.” — Jeannie

“I am extremely upset that 50 percent of our country either held their nose and voted for the ultimate conman, or put the cost of eggs above democracy. These people will likely hear `we tried to tell you’ quite often in the next four years.” — Ella

“I grieve for all that could have been in our country and our world: growing equality for women, expanded opportunities for lower and middle class Americans, vital assistance to our allies, respect and dignity for ALL, and the growth of environmental protections for our country and our planet. I just grieve.” — Marie

“It’s obvious the United States is not ready for a female president because we (women) have not earned respect or trust from the majority. We (women) need to improve our professionalism, control our emotions, be totally supportive and inclusive of ALL (including straight, white men), learn how to negotiate and quit acting like victims!” — Hope

“Ignorance and arrogance continue to prevail in our society. It’s extremely disappointing we can’t seem to move forward as a society, but continue moving backwards.” — Emma

“In the next four years the principles and practices of our democracy will diminish and those who were in the Trump camp will not experience `the greatness’ he promised and our status in the world will decline since other democracies don’t favor dictators. And, I thought that by 2024 misogyny by men had been eliminated or greatly reduced in our country, but from the recent voting gender gap results, I -- an informed and active voter -- was sadly wrong.” — Punky

“Devastated — that’s how I feel today and that’s how I felt 18 years ago when I began to miscarry my third child at 10 weeks. My compassionate OB-GYN offered a D & C procedure as it was my body and not controlled by the government.” — Amy

“This election was a battle against widespread disinformation fueled by a racist patriarchy and bolstered by the evolving Aristocracy in this country, other autocratic governments and a powerful radical right-wing agenda.” - Kathleen

By reading the first and second op-eds of this 3-part series, you now know the sentiment about the presidential election outcome from 23 different women. Next up: Part three of this 3-part op-ed series will express the thoughts of 13 additional women.

Contact Steve Corbin at Steven.B.Corbin@gmail.com