Pollsters have taken a beating over their predictions, but they weren’t completely wrong. Clinton did in fact obtain the majority of popular votes, but she lost to Trump where it matters – in the electoral-college vote.
Opponents of Trump have now taken to the streets in angry protest at what they deem racist and sexist statements and policy promises he made on the campaign trail. Anger levels are high in cities across America and some protests have turned violent, prompting talk of a dangerously divided country.
But though it might appear alarming, the situation is hardly unusual. The right to free expression, including in mass demonstrations that vent frustration and fury at political events, is a crucial component of any full-fledged democracy.
There are of course limits to such expression. When angry protesters cross the line into violence that trespasses on the rights of fellow citizens, they must be dealt with by the law.
Many Thais are following America’s post-election crisis with a sneering satisfaction, asking, is this the same country that claims leadership of the democratic world and exports its ideology across the globe?
However, if they look deeper at the US protests they will realise that democratic principles are being adhered to. The protests are thus a test of the principles of the state rather than those of democracy.
Those principles do not dictate that everyone in the country must agree on every issue. They dictate that everyone has the right of expression, including the right of political assembly. Democracy encourages a wealth of different opinion and free expression of views. If you cannot think differently from others, you are likely living under a dictatorship.
However, also crucial to free expression is the legal bar against violence that would prevent others from enjoying their democratic right. US authorities must enforce the law fairly while respecting protesters’ right of assembly.
The protesters are voicing dissatisfaction with revelations and statements made during Trump’s election campaign. But they are not calling on the presidential election to be annulled or demanding that outside powers intervene in the political process.
However bitter the divide between Trump haters and supporters, we can rest assured there will be no military coup. For that we can thank democratic principles that have taken deep root in all spheres of US society, including the military.
Most Americans trust that their system of political checks and balances will eventually rein in extremist and self-serving politicians and protect democracy.
Meanwhile we Thais should keep a close watch on how the US political drama ends. It will offer valuable lessons on how to solve political conflicts in a way that respects all citizens.