2016 Election Recap

As the polls closed on the evening of 8 November 2016, America sat, tense, awaiting the results of the 2016 Presidential Election. Republican candidate Donald Trump took the country by surprise as his electoral votes exceeded what reports predicted.

According to Larry Sabato and the team from the University of Virginia Center for Politics, Trump was only predicted to receive 216 electoral votes, while Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton was expected to receive 322 votes.

Trump’s message and political platform, however, resonated with more voters as he ended the election with 290 electoral votes. Clinton trailed her opponent with a total of  232 electoral votes but “trumped” him in popular votes as she obtained 2.5 million more votes than he.

America reacted in a powerful manner to the results. Republicans rejoiced as many Democrats were quick to protest.

During his victory speech, Trump conveyed the importance of unity within the country.

“Now it’s time for America to bind the wounds of division,” Trump said.  “To all Republicans and Democrats and Independents across this nation, it is time for us to come together as one united people.”

Trump expressed his interest in creating jobs, fixing infrastructure and honoring veterans.

In her concession speech, Clinton stated that the loss was indeed painful, but she comforted her disappointed party by reminding them about her platform.

“It was about building an America that is hopeful, inclusive, and big-hearted,” Clinton said.

Clinton pushed her supporters to give Trump the opportunity to perform in office. She also emphasized the smooth transition of power and the idea that unity is what America needs.

President Obama stated in his speech on Trump’s win that, although the election may not have gone in favor of everyone, time continues and the American people must move on. He also stated that his views are significantly different than Trump’s but that this transition would be smooth.

By Christina Rudderow