[Onward2wards]

I have been wondering if the media-saturated, lengthy process that occurs before elections might lead to an exaggerated effect once the votes are counted. You have large groups of people thinking about who to vote for, reminded of the pros and cons every day for months. They may begin to think their side will win and doubtless do amazing things for them and the country, while beginning to fear what the other side will do if they win.

Could it be that - although it can possibly lead to more awareness of the issues at stake - the long emotionally activating process and mud-slinging tactics may exaggerate the emotional effects for both the winning and losing sides?

For me, this election cycle has been like watching the last game in a popular sports season. I can imagine one team's supporters beating their chests in triumph while the other deals with genuine grief. However you feel about the political issues themselves, could it be that triumph or grief, and shared group feelings, are also components of your current emotional state? I want to share this because neither 100% blind optimism nor curling up in despair are a good thing - both lead to thinking errors.

[growlycat]

This election felt different to me. In the past, if the other side won I wouldn't be thrilled but I'd quickly get back to my own life. I personally believe we have elected someone unfit for office, someone who may be flattered and manipulated by leaders like Putin. The headlines of bizzare appointments leaves me queasy at who is actually going to run our country.

[lizardlady]

For me it's not about the process leading up to his election. It's concerns about what is going to happen now that a man I believe is unfit to run this country was elected. There have been other elections where the person I voted for was not elected. I shrugged it off and got on with my life. When he was running I made statements that Trump scared me. He really scares me now that he was elected.

Like others, this isn't about the process of the election. This is about the future of our country under a president I feel is dangerous on issues of human rights, civil liberties, etc. I've never felt that way about a president elect. Even if I didn't vote for them, I felt it would be okay; it would work out. Not this time.

[Yours_Truly]

Exactly. I couldn't have said it any better than growlycat, lizardlady, and lolagrace.

[*Laurie*]

[Thunder Bow]

When someone is elected out of anger and fear alone. We are in deep trouble. There is a ray of hope. Hillary won the popular vote by over a million. In the congressional elections in 2018 vote for the opposition party.