Post-2024 Election Meeting Notes from 11/12/2024

As you know, our last monthly meeting was on November 12 where we discussed the results of the November 5 Presidential Election. Attendees were asked to share: their opinion on why Trump won; what concerns them; what gives them hope; what perspectives they gained from friends/family who voted differently; and their view on what Braver Angels should do differently.

In addition, poll workers and the Braver Angels “Pairs at the Polls” volunteers were asked to share their experiences on election day activities. We have summarized the discussions below:

• On why Trump won: both Reds and Blues weighed in, but with different viewpoints. Some indicated that the perceived poor economy fueled a protest vote against the incumbency, and that many who are struggling to make ends meet, opted for change. This viewpoint was reinforced by a real life example when one of the attendees recalled that her mother was more moved by observing elderly people putting unaffordable groceries back on the shelf than by watching events of January 6.
  
  
• Others felt that the media constantly focused on personalities of the candidates and not enough on their policies. That may have helped Trump; those who voted for him tended to overlook his personality and thought his policies, while President, were better than during the Biden Administration. There was push back that Harris laid out her policies quite extensively, but some chose to ignore them.
  
  
• One person observed that it felt like the country was not headed in the right direction and it seemed people voted for the lesser of two evils. The honor of the presidency and Supreme Court had both been diminished. The public doesn’t trust the mainstream sources of information and the media ecosystem is too dispersed; others added that the media seems to promote conspiracy theories to sow division, instead of reporting the news. Those divisions have caused strained relationships among friends and family, some irreconcilable.
  
  
• Concerns about the future were strong, especially from Blues.  Many were unsettled by the events of January 6, 2021 and Trump’s rhetoric, (“retribution”, and “the enemy within”). Some were apprehensive that he will surround himself with people who will do his bidding - loyalty towards him will overshadow their allegiance to the Constitution. “Schedule F”, the Executive Order signed by Trump in October 2020 was cited as an example; the order would have stripped protections from civil servants perceived as disloyal to the President. Even others were worried about federal crackdown on the media. Trump’s history of felony/misogyny, coupled with immunity also worried many.
  
  
• In spite of all the uncertainty, worries and uneasiness, there was hope. Blues were gracious towards Reds for the win and proud of the way Harris handled the loss. Everyone was glad that the election results were not contested.  
  
  
• On Trump’s nominations: reactions were mixed about RFK; many were excited about his approach in addressing obesity, harmful ingredients in food, and preventive healthcare, but others were skeptical about his views on vaccines and removing fluorides from water. The nomination of Marco Rubio as Secretary of State was seen favorably by almost everyone.
  
  
• On Braver Angels: there was universal acknowledgement that we can hardly rely on leaders to do the right thing anymore, that we need full-on civic activism and BA provides a forum and opportunity to engage in civil discourse and action. The BAFA information session and discussion on Immigration was mentioned as an example of thoughtful, knowledge-based and reasoned conversation on a controversial topic. However, Braver Angels will need to ramp up Red recruitment for more balanced discussions, and debates.
  
  
• Poll workers and BA “Pairs at the Polls” volunteers had great things to say about election day activities. They reported that first time voters received special welcome and recognition at the polling stations, the lines were orderly and peaceful and many stopped by to inquire about Braver Angels, some expressing appreciation for what BA is doing and even commenting that BA mission of depolarizing is exactly what the country needed now. It was also noted that the election was conducted with the utmost integrity and transparency.

And with that, we thank you for everything you do and hope you have a wonderful holiday season!

Warmest Regards,

 Ashesh Banerjea — Red Co-Chair

 Anne Sheerin — Blue Co-Chair