After the Election

Brett Beck explains the psychology of elections to Erik.

The 2016 presidential campaign will be remembered as one of the nastiest in modern history. Republican Donald Trump's victory over Democrat Hillary Clinton surprised many people. After the election, both candidates made pleas for their supporters and all Americans to come together. President-elect Trump asked for guidance from those who did not support him so that “we can work together and unify our great country.”

In her concession speech, Clinton also sought to begin the healing process. “We must accept this result, and then look to the future,” she said.

Nonetheless, tensions among voters still remain. Protests against Trump’s election are occurring around the country, leaving many wondering how the countrywill move forward.

Michele Buono, a Trump supporter from Quakertown, Pennsylvania, says that we need to give everyone time. “People have their own time clocks” when adjusting to election results. Ammon Ripple, Director of Columbia County Traveling Library and a Clinton supporter, thinks that “the important thing is to respect each other even if we disagree.”

Clinton supporter Ammon Ripple talks with Erik about his concerns.

Brett Beck, a professor of psychology at Bloomsburg University, noted that “this was a very polarizing election.” Beck said that campaigns are designed to create emotions, particularly fear. This makes people choose sides and think, “Our group is always fantastic, and your group stinks.”

FINDING COMMON COALS

Beck says that one way to unite people is around common goals. “Everybody wants a good job, a good wage, [and] a safe place to live,” he said. By doing this, people will realize that “we’re really all part of one group. We’re Americans.” Buono agreed. “We need to recognize that there are still a lot of shared values,” and everyone wants “what’s best for the country.”

Beck thinks that President-elect Trump could pull the country together if he puts “a good combination” of both parties in government positions.

Ripple, who is concerned about the lack of inclusion in Trump's campaign messages and his controversial statements about immigrants, Muslims, and women, among others, hopes that “we can figure out how to fight towards something that is better for everybody.”