New Zealanders in the US tell us what it was like to watch the election results unfold in cities around America.
Outside the White House, at 3am, the euphoria of some blends with the anger of others. Photo: AFP
Americans aren’t the only ones contemplating what life may be like with Donald Trump as President of the United States.
After the election results were confirmed late last night, social media blew up around the world. There was outrage, disgust, and disappointment, as well as light-hearted offerings of marriage proposals for those looking for an escape, and a new country to live in.
For New Zealanders living in the US, there are now a number of question marks hanging above what the future holds. Jemma Brackebush talked to a few of them about what the election means to them.
Fraser Kirby, 25, Chicago
Fraser Kirby. Photo: Unknown
My initial reaction in the bar we were watching the election in last night was just “what the actual fuck is going on”. A few girls were crying and it was looking grim. I guess shell shocked are the words that come to mind when describing what I'm seeing at the moment. It seems eerily quiet around the place. At my local coffee shop the WIFI password today is “speechless” and the two puffy-eyed girls behind the counter were a mix of angry and delirious. I really don't know what it means for myself in the US, but I was quite set on applying for a new visa when mine is up next year July. I guess I'll have to reassess and cross that bridge when I get to it.
Erin Clarkson, 25, New York
It’s mainly just a hugely overwhelming feeling of both disappointment and a feeling that huge steps have been taken backwards, and issues which have been finally gaining momentum have stopped. Somethings can’t wait until 2020 to be picked up again, especially ones like LGBT rights, women’s rights, and climate change. It’s so disappointing that people can side with someone who personifies everything that needs to be changed about America.
Caitlin Wiig, 22, New York
Caitlin Wiig Photo: Unknown
There’s a very sombre feeling in NYC today and I think everyone is genuinely shocked about the election. I don’t know what this means for my time in America, I’m holding out hope that things won’t go as far down hill as we’re expecting them to.
Jackson Living, 23, New York
Being here in New York watching this unfold has been a surreal experience, I have never before been so heavily invested in an election and it’s not even for my own country! It just shows the importance of the election for everyone. There is a very dampened atmosphere in New York this morning and I can only hope that this outcome doesn’t have a negative effect on my stay here.
Jane Pankhurst, 24, New York
Jane Pankhurst Photo: Unknown
I'm shocked that he won, but not totally surprised. The fact that he made it this far, shows the idiocy of the people that he seems to be able to influence, so he was always going to give Hillary a run for her money. It'll be interesting to watch the seriousness of his victory unfold over the years to come.
Will Farrell-Green, 31, San Francisco
Will Farrell-Green Photo: Unknown
Hard to put in words really. An exciting day with my wife voting in her first US election as a citizen, very quickly turned into that worst nightmare you refused to contemplate for so many months. We moved to California for an opportunity and to challenge ourselves removed from the NZ bubble – we still believe in that. I guess we just tread into the unknown somewhat from here.
