Something I said elsewhere earlier today
Public
A variant thereof, anyway. To my liberal friends, and indeed to anyone else who feels unhappy about what happened in the US on Tuesday, I would say this:
Don't tell voters how they made things worse this time. Show them how they can make things better next time.
I've seen several people make a very good point in the last few days: that rage alone almost never brings about change. Optimism is at the root of nearly all truly successful movements: being optimistic that you can help to bring about a better place -- whether that place be the US, the UK or somewhere not even on the map.
I haven't suddenly converted to Trumpism, no. Not even close. If I were magically transported to the US as an eligible voter on Tuesday, I would probably (albeit without much enthusiasm) have voted for Clinton. I am certainly concerned about what President Trump will mean for many people's lives.
However, it is going to happen. No, the Electoral College will not rebel and vote for Clinton instead. No, Trump will not be disqualified before January. No, the election will not be re-run. President Trump is just over two months away.
Protest and make your voices heard, by all means. That's part of a free society. But it's putting all that energy, fighting spirit and ingenuity into convincing people -- and, crucially, not just those who are already on your side -- that a new, different society is possible and worthwhile that will really help bring about change.
Be strong. Be positive. Be hopeful. Therein lies power.
A variant thereof, anyway. To my liberal friends, and indeed to anyone else who feels unhappy about what happened in the US on Tuesday, I would say this:
Don't tell voters how they made things worse this time. Show them how they can make things better next time.
I've seen several people make a very good point in the last few days: that rage alone almost never brings about change. Optimism is at the root of nearly all truly successful movements: being optimistic that you can help to bring about a better place -- whether that place be the US, the UK or somewhere not even on the map.
I haven't suddenly converted to Trumpism, no. Not even close. If I were magically transported to the US as an eligible voter on Tuesday, I would probably (albeit without much enthusiasm) have voted for Clinton. I am certainly concerned about what President Trump will mean for many people's lives.
However, it is going to happen. No, the Electoral College will not rebel and vote for Clinton instead. No, Trump will not be disqualified before January. No, the election will not be re-run. President Trump is just over two months away.
Protest and make your voices heard, by all means. That's part of a free society. But it's putting all that energy, fighting spirit and ingenuity into convincing people -- and, crucially, not just those who are already on your side -- that a new, different society is possible and worthwhile that will really help bring about change.
Be strong. Be positive. Be hopeful. Therein lies power.