While the media is emphasizing Donald Trump’s big victory (carrying all seven of the swing states), the election was once again actually close in the states that mattered. A switch of around 15,000 votes in Wisconsin would have had Harris the victor. A switch of around 40,000 votes in Michigan would have had Harris carrying Michigan. A switch of around 68,000 votes in Pennsylvania would have had her carrying that state as well. That totals only around 123,000 votes. Or, if around 245,000 people who did not vote had voted for her in those three crucial states, she would be the president-elect. That is definitely not a blowout election. The election was once again decided by a very small number of voters, as many pundits said would happen.
John Shockley, Minneapolis
Dear President-elect Trump: I wish you well. I had hoped for your resounding defeat, but now, only if you do well can we all do so. I invite you to think about how you will be remembered 50 years from now. On at least one issue, the paths are clear and predictable. If you choose to take climate change seriously, you will be remembered as the leader who guided us through a difficult transition as we weaned ourselves off fossil fuels. If you choose to continue the campaign slogans and serve only the short-term needs of the fossil industry, you will be remembered very differently.
Most assuredly, you will be known for all time as the leader who in a moment of crisis led us down an inevitable path of untold hardship and damage, both domestically and worldwide. Mother Nature and history will not be fooled.
Lawrence Rudnick, Minneapolis
