Steve Corbin is emeritus professor of marketing at the University of Northern Iowa and a freelance writer who receives no remuneration, funding, or endorsement from any for-profit business, nonprofit organization, political action committee, or political party.
Donald Trump received nearly 2.3 million more votes than Kamala Harris and captured 312 electoral college votes to become America’s 47th president. Compared to Trump’s performance in 2016 and 2020, the Republican improved his vote share in virtually all demographic categories, including women.
On November 6, I reached out to women across America, from both political parties, and asked them to react to the election results in two sentences or less. Thirty-six women, from 24 states, replied to my inquiry. The response was so large that this column boomeranged from an intended singular op-ed to a three-part series. (Editor’s note: Bleeding Heartland is publishing all three parts below.)
Speaking of words, United Methodist pastor F. Willis Johnson has written that words paint vivid pictures for reason, discourse, sometimes to unite or divide, and sometimes to inspire or inflame.
In an essay for The Fulcrum, Johnson feels the words used by Harris in her campaign painted a picture of the nation reaching for its highest ideals and to “push forward even when the path ahead proved challenging.” In contrast, Trump’s phrasing conjured “a world of grievance, division and nostalgia for a bygone era. Harris’ words were inclusive, Trump’s are exclusive.”
You may disagree with Johnson’s assessment, but words have different meanings to different people. As you read the words expressed by 36 women featured below, try your level best to comprehend the feelings women are conveying as many historians have repeatedly said women have been the soul of America since our founding moment; for the long-term betterment of our nation we must listen to their words and personal story.
“I wonder if this is what it felt like in Germany in 1932. I wonder if anyone saw what was coming and why so many people in the United States do not.” – Anne
“Apparently there are women who still want to set the table rather than be at the table. Disappointing.” – Helen
“As a professional woman, I worked for years to overcome the glass ceiling and harassment just to have a president elected who has set me back 48 years based on his actions towards women. I also have a transgender niece and a gay niece who are being told that they don’t have the same rights as I do based on the Republican platform.” – Jen
“Oh, I could write a symphony on Trump’s blatant misogyny.” – Amy
“I am sickened by the voters who find it acceptable for women to die of sepsis or hemorrhage in a hospital parking lot, because the allure of saving a few bucks on their grocery bill is their more compelling priority. I find the lack of intelligence and critical thinking skills among American voters to be astounding.” – Jennifer
“I was absolutely shocked that an intelligent, competent, joy filled woman with extensive accomplishments lost to a man who is a liar, assaults women and is a felon on 34 counts. My next thought was fear for the future of my children, grand and great grandchildren.” – Irene
“The hardest thing for me to accept about the results of the election is that – hateful, hurtful false rhetoric, racism, misogyny, homophobia (need I go on) – is what my fellow Americans want. We know exactly what Trump is, and we endorsed it.” – Nita
“What do I have to say – I say my soul is crushed. I believe we have set in motion a vicious new world order of dangerous destruction, hate and greed.” – Maggie
“Why in the hell do men get to control our (female) reproductive rights? It’s not a political issue because it’s a women’s right to have control of her own body.” – Jane
“Helpless . . . hopeless . . . hidden . . . in this antiquated America of malignant masculinity.” – Devon
“I’ve always taught my children and students that `character matters.’ Heartbroken for the America I’d hoped to leave future generations.” – Jane
“I am very happy Trump got re-elected as when he was president life was good; in the last four years it’s hard to make a living—price of food, gas, utilities, home, car and health insurance is no longer affordable. I do not believe the country is safe anymore with all the illegal immigrants that have flocked into the U.S.” – JL
“Shocked, fearful, disgusted and searching for the light – my resolve is to fight for our democracy, our country and Kamala Harris. She is brilliant, level-headed and resourceful; and we – the women – must raise our voices and clear the path for Harris to the White House—her time is coming with our help.” – Pandi
“I woke up (after the election was called) to my fears of the climate’s effect on my children and grandchildren and the world they will live in. My second fear was how the Supreme Court will continue to rule on their personal beliefs and not based upon the rule of law.” – Maggie
“The idea of a woman as our president is a bridge too far for our country. I worry about young women who will need good health care especially those with difficult pregnancies and add to that the battle against vaccinations from polio, measles, whooping cough and whatever else this administration (Trump) will dream up.” – Sarah
“I am frightened for our country, for I do believe many of those among us do not truly understand the horror of electing Trump to office.” – Jeannie
“I am extremely upset that 50 percent of our country either held their nose and voted for the ultimate conman, or put the cost of eggs above democracy. These people will likely hear `we tried to tell you’ quite often in the next four years.” – Ella
“I grieve for all that could have been in our country and our world: growing equality for women, expanded opportunities for lower and middle class Americans, vital assistance to our allies, respect and dignity for ALL, and the growth of environmental protections for our country and our planet. I just grieve.” – Marie
“It’s obvious the United States is not ready for a female president because we (women) have not earned respect or trust from the majority. We (women) need to improve our professionalism, control our emotions, be totally supportive and inclusive of ALL (including straight, white men), learn how to negotiate and quit acting like victims!” – Hope
“Ignorance and arrogance continue to prevail in our society. It’s extremely disappointing we can’t seem to move forward as a society, but continue moving backwards.” – Emma
“In the next four years the principles and practices of our democracy will diminish and those who were in the Trump camp will not experience `the greatness’ he promised and our status in the world will decline since other democracies don’t favor dictators. And, I thought that by 2024 misogyny by men had been eliminated or greatly reduced in our country, but from the recent voting gender gap results, I — an informed and active voter — was sadly wrong.” – Punky
“Devastated – that’s how I feel today and that’s how I felt 18 years ago when I began to miscarry my third child at 10 weeks. My compassionate OB-GYN offered a D & C procedure as it was my body and not controlled by the government.” – Amy
“This election was a battle against widespread disinformation fueled by a racist patriarchy and bolstered by the evolving Aristocracy in this country, other autocratic governments and a powerful radical right-wing agenda.” – Kathleen
“Last night’s election results were simply devastating because I believed the American people were too intelligent and ethical to elect a president who is crude, rude and incapable of making thoughtful, reasoned and informed decisions on behalf of our entire nation and world. Sadly, I now believe our nation continues to be misogynistic and racially prejudiced; kindness and integrity have taken a back seat to self-interest.” – Molly
“I’m most worried about America’s children – early childhood programs, public schools and health care – and children in other countries that we won’t be helping in the next four years. With Trump the environmental policies — or the lack thereof – are also in great danger of causing catastrophic damage.” – Sabrina
“It is unfathomable how this despicable, immoral, vile person and his party with their Project 2025 plan is the better choice for our country and its’ citizens. I am beyond disappointed, sickened, sad and angry because their plans directly impact my child and many loved ones.” – Elizabeth
“My heart is broken for the future generations who will ask `why they must fight battles that had been won many years prior.’ My sad answer is not everyone listened and too many chose to follow a narcissistic snake who cares only about himself.” – Mabel
“For me, the election emphasized the fact that as a nation we are lacking in empathy. This quote from FreedHearts sums it up: `If you think you love freedom, but you don’t care if it applies to everyone, what you actually love is privilege.’” – Christy
“Fires, hurricanes, droughts, floods and other climate-related phenomena are more deadly, more expensive, more extreme – a signal that we are currently experiencing the consequences of human induced climate change and that we have teetered past the tipping point and are careening towards an uncertain future. I mourn the acceleration of suffering across the globe that will be perpetuated by a willfully ignorant administration, and I fear for our children who will inherit this planet in chaos.” – Susan
“We, as Americans, have asked ourselves `how did the German people allow such a vile and evil man to rise to power.’ Well, America, we now know how.” – Jeri
“I’m disheartened, sad and angry that over half the population of this nation, including over half the women, would vote for a hate-filled bully, liar, rapist and seemingly, abandon everyday values and morals in the name of the economy. As a retired economist, I absolutely fear what’s going to happen to this nation in the four years to come with his plans for tariffs, spending and tax cuts for the rich.” – Corinne
“After voting in 18 presidential elections, why should I think outcomes might be different? Let’s not give up hope that the young will keep working for the betterment of all.” – Jo
“My young adult granddaughters and gay adult sons are faced with living through the last hurrah of the white man as demographics are changing to reflect the end of their centuries of rule in this country. I can only suggest to my family and others to live life to the fullest while at the same time remembering the responsibilities that come with recreating the country after it implodes.” – Katie
“I am disheartened. The hope of America and her high ideals do not and should not include plans to further marginalize vulnerable communities, to further strip women of their rights, nor to deport millions of immigrants, and yet that is what the majority of Americans have chosen – to my great dismay.” – Kelly
“I cannot believe 53 percent of white women voted for Donald Trump considering all of his misogynic statements. I also cannot believe how many voters fell for all his lies and crude and vindictive rhetoric.” – Ann
“There is no way to sugarcoat the threats to democracy, the environment, and family well-being that lies ahead of us. We have to look for and cultivate the `green shoots’ (Jennifer Rubin’s term) that can turn us toward greater care and respect for science, truth, and one another.” – Alice
You can express your opinion about the presidential election outcome by writing a letter to the editor of your preferred newspaper. What are your thoughts about Americans electing Trump as the 47th U.S. president?
Top photo was first published on Donald Trump’s campaign website on November 3, 2024.