The three-letter text from my son was an emotional snapshot that spoke volumes amidst the turbulent backdrop of American politics.
It was a somber Wednesday morning when my college-aged son faced the stark reality that Donald Trump—a twice-impeached, convicted felon notorious for his role in an insurrection—had been elected to the highest office in the land, igniting a whirlwind of reactions across the nation.
In that moment, I understood the weight of those three letters: “Dad.” This marked my son’s inaugural experience as a voter in a presidential election, and together we found ourselves on opposing sides of the political arena, having cast our hopes behind Vice President Kamala Harris.
Processing the heartache of being on the losing side is a tough pill to swallow, especially when a distinguished military figure labels the victor as a “fascist.” I shared with my son the bittersweet reality that more often than not, I have found myself on the sidelines in the electoral game. It took me back to 1988, the first time I stepped into the voting booth.
That year was charged with excitement as Gary Hart, the U.S. senator from my native Colorado, emerged as the leading contender for the Democratic nomination. Hart’s political rise followed the Watergate scandal—a pivotal moment that brought down President Richard Nixon and left Americans yearning for integrity in leadership. He embodied the aspirations of the youth, making our impending vote feel monumental.
Then came the scandal labeled as “Monkey Business.” This intriguing title referenced the yacht where Hart was caught in an extramarital affair with Donna Rice, and the shocking fallout began when Hart dared reporters to follow him, only to be exposed in a damning Miami Herald article featuring photographic evidence.
Reflecting on those times feels almost nostalgic; presidential candidates now seem to weather multiple scandals without significant consequence. Trump’s grievance-laden history and his supporters’ indifference present an unmistakable contrast to yesteryear’s political climate.
After Hart’s exit from the race, Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis emerged as the front-runner and ultimately secured the Democratic nomination to challenge the elder Bush. Although Dukakis did not ignite my passions like Hart, he was deserving of my first presidential vote, yet he faced a staggering defeat with Bush seizing an astonishing 426 electoral votes, a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of American politics.
As a fledgling voter, I grappled with a sense of alienation from my country, puzzling over how vast numbers of individuals could perceive reality through such divergent viewpoints.
Today, another wave of young voters is grappling with similar feelings, albeit with more severe ramifications. Trump has brazenly vowed to embark on mass deportations of undocumented immigrants, casting a shadow over the lives and futures of countless Hispanic families.
On Thursday morning, the International Institute of St. Louis issued a disconcerting news release that sent shockwaves through the community. This esteemed nonprofit has played a pivotal role in aiding refugees and immigrants in the region, collaborating with administrations from both political parties. However, with Trump’s resurgence, organizations dedicated to supporting immigrant populations are now bracing for the potential fallout.
“As an organization serving immigrants and refugees, the views of the incoming administration contradict the values that guide our work,” stated the letter from the International Institute to its supporters.
“We will not give in to despair,” declared the organization’s president and CEO, Arrey Obenson, with resolute determination. “We plan to be here tomorrow, next year, five years from now and beyond serving this community.”
This sentiment echoed in the advice I offered to my son and my youngest daughter, who, although still too young to vote, harbored dreams of witnessing America elect its first female president.
Focus on education. Engage deeply in your endeavors. Resist the urge to succumb to hopelessness.
The reality is that most of us navigate our daily lives well apart from the fierce electoral fervor that grips the nation for a fleeting period every four years. The vitriolic atmosphere that permeates the Age of Trump complicates this dynamic, yet there will undoubtedly be more elections ahead.
After his electoral victory, Bush famously pledged “no new taxes,” yet he faced electoral defeat four years later when he failed to uphold that promise. American voters can indeed be capricious.
Despite the foreboding implications of a Trump presidency from my vantage point, history offers invaluable perspective by looking back even further—to Abraham Lincoln’s election, which unfolded during the turbulent prelude to the Civil War when states began to secede from the Union.
“While the people retain their virtue and vigilance, no Administration by any extreme of wickedness or folly can very seriously injure the Government in the short space of four years,” Lincoln proclaimed in his first inaugural address, adding, “We are not enemies, but friends.”
The subsequent conflict serves as a reminder that not all Americans embraced his vision. Yet our union persevered, and there is confidence we shall endure once again. While we await a leader capable of fostering a new era of American unity, it is crucial to remember Lincoln’s ideal. This is a sentiment that outgoing President Joe Biden seems to echo as well.
“You can’t love your country only when you win,” he intoned Thursday afternoon during his address to the nation. “You can’t love your neighbor only when you agree.”
### Interview with John Smith: A Father Reflects on Political Disillusionment and Hope
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, John. Your recent experience with your son’s emotional snapshot in the wake of Donald Trump’s election is incredibly poignant. Can you tell us more about that moment when you received the text that simply read “Dad”?
**John Smith:** Absolutely. That text hit me like a ton of bricks. It wasn’t just a message; it carried a weight of emotion, confusion, and disappointment. It marked a significant milestone for my son as a first-time voter—one that I experienced alongside him, but from a very different perspective. It made me realize how the political landscape impacts us all in personal and profound ways.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned feeling a sense of alienation in your own voting experience back in 1988. How do those feelings compare with what your son is experiencing now?
**John Smith:** The feelings are similar but definitely amplified. Back in my day, when Gary Hart faced scandal and ultimately fell from grace, it felt like people still yearned for integrity in leadership. Today, my son is grappling with the reality of a twice-impeached, convicted felon taking office. It’s as if the stakes are much higher now. The division in our country feels sharper, and the consequences of our political choices more immediate.
**Interviewer:** That’s a powerful comparison. You also reflected on the recent statement from the International Institute of St. Louis regarding Trump’s potential policies on immigration. How do you see organizations like this navigating the current political climate?
**John Smith:** They’re forging forward with resilience, which I find hopeful. Arrey Obenson’s declaration that they would not give in to despair resonates deeply. It’s a call to action for all of us—not just to stand up against policies that go against our values but to remain engaged and support our communities. That’s the advice I shared with my children: focus on education and resist the urge to give in to hopelessness; the fight for justice is ongoing.
**Interviewer:** You brought up the dreams your youngest daughter has of seeing a female president. How do you nurture political engagement in your children amidst such turbulent times?
**John Smith:** It starts with open conversations. I encourage my kids to ask questions, challenge what they hear, and form their own opinions. It’s about fostering critical thinking and understanding that politics isn’t just a spectator sport; it’s a collective experience. I want them to know that their voices matter and that every vote counts, regardless of the outcome.
**Interviewer:** what message do you think resonates the most with young voters today, especially after such a tumultuous election cycle?
**John Smith:** The importance of taking part in the democratic process cannot be overemphasized. Young voters today are standing at a crossroads, facing existential issues like immigration, climate change, and social justice. My message would be to stay engaged, educated, and hopeful. Political landscapes will shift, and while today brings challenges, it’s essential to remember that our actions can shape the future.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing your insights, John. It’s clear that despite the difficulties, there is a path forward through hope and engagement.
**John Smith:** Thank you for having me. It’s a conversation we all need to keep having.
