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Vermonters take stock of Trump's victory


Vermonters take stock of Trump's victory

MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) – Vermonters woke up Wednesday and reckoned with the reality of Donald Trump's return to the White House. Many people we spoke with shared a level of disbelief — both positive and negative — about the former president securing another term.

“I'm glad Trump won. I think he’s going to do a lot of good for this country,” said Kelly Domina of Highgate Springs.

“I don't know what to do. I just came here to reassess my life,” said Jacob Sergent of Montpelier.

There were mixed emotions after a rollercoaster election day. Former President Donald Trump overshadowed some Vermont towns by campaigning on issues that resonated with voters.

“He wants to get rid of the illegals, which I think is a good thing because they come in and take over. And he doesn’t want to attack Social Security anymore,” Domina said.

The border and the economy were the main issues that resonated with voters we spoke to.

“I think closing the border is the first thing we need to do. “The economy needs to recover, plus I'm strongly opposed to the sexual changes that have been allowed to happen,” said Jeffrey Carrier of Colchester.

“We can live better. Prices will go down, the price of gas will go down and I think we'll be able to afford to live again,” said Swanton resident Faron Barratt.

Others we spoke to struggled to keep their heads up after a disappointing night.

“The rhetoric expressed, the violence – potential violence – against those who have sought refuge or sanctuary, the ongoing adversarial experience towards women and women's health care – particularly reproductive health – and simply the nature of a possible elevation of class conflict.” said Joel Hubbard from Essex.

On the Statehouse lawn, where a record-breaking Women's March was held following the 2016 results, residents who voted for Kamala Harris said it was once again a bitter pill to swallow.

“I work as a domestic helper. Both my parents are disabled. All my neighbors are new immigrants. I’m afraid I’ll either lose everyone,” Sergent said.

And one person we spoke to believes the election won't change much. “There really won’t be any changes. So, except for the money – some prizes – but other than that they don't do anything that's necessary,” said Riley Day of Swanton.

Meanwhile, in Barre, other voters welcomed the news and were confident that Trump will lead the state and country to a better place.

“I’m glad Trump got it. I voted for Trump – and I wasn't ashamed to say it. I think our country will now take the right path. I think people are going to be able to afford a lot more than they would have if Kamala had gotten in,” said Monica Hobbs of Graniteville.

“I like Trump. I like his attitude. I like what he did in the first four days, the first four years he was there. So I think he’ll do the same thing this time,” said Raymond Malone of Barre.

Vermont's congressional delegation spoke sharply against Democratic Party leaders following the Republican landslide victory Tuesday night.

“It should come as no great surprise that a Democratic Party that has failed the working class would find that the working class has failed them,” Sen. Bernie Sanders said in a statement. He said the party needs to carry out thorough introspection. “Will the big money interests and well-paid consultants who control the Democratic Party learn any real lessons from this disastrous campaign…probably not.”

Sen. Peter Welch echoed those concerns and said Democrats need to learn from this moment. “Working-class people want leaders who will address the affordability crisis and recognize that crisis. They want leaders who provide opportunity in every zip code, rural or urban,” he said.

On Tuesday night, Vermont became the first state where 64% of voters supported Harris. But even in deep blue Vermont, the Reds' victory is a reason to celebrate for many.

Click here for full election results.

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