Blue island in a sea of red

If the rest of the country voted like Monroe County, Vice President Kamala Harris would be president-elect today. But it did not, instead choosing decisively to send former President Donald Trump back to the White House for a second term.

Even in the Rochester region, Monroe County was an outlier. Trump, the Republican standard bearer, won all its neighboring counties.

The Associated Press declared Trump the winner of Wisconsin’s 10 electoral votes at 5:34 a.m. Wednesday, giving him more than the 270 needed to retake the presidency. And unlike in 2016 and 2020, when Trump lost the popular vote, he currently has a 51 percent to 49 percent lead. (Through AP’s partnership with the Institute for Nonprofit News, the Rochester Beacon has provided live vote-count updates as AP reports them.)

To become only the second former president to regain the White House, Trump needed to overcome factors that would have doomed other candidacies, among them: a conviction on felony charges that he tried to illegally influence the 2016 election through hush money payments to porn star Stormy Daniels; criminal charges related to the 2020 election, including his alleged role in trying to overturn Joe Biden’s win; verdicts of liability in two civil cases, one for inflating his assets and another for sexually abusing advice columnist E. Jean Carroll; and two impeachments (the Republican-controlled Senate acquitted him in each case).

The result of the 2024 presidential election shocked and dismayed many Rochester Beacon readers. Among those who responded to a reader survey Wednesday, words like “stunned,” “disappointed,” “disheartened,” and “gutted” were used to describe their reaction to the outcome.

“I am once again flummoxed with disappointment at the stupidity of my dear country,” Jan Heyneman wrote.

“If the people get the government they deserve, what does that say about us as a nation?” asked Kenneth J. Reed.

In Monroe County, Harris—who became the Democratic nominee after Biden withdrew from the race—received 59 percent of the vote, in line with Biden’s tally four years ago. By contrast, Trump won 51 percent in Ontario County, 61 percent in Livingston County, 62 percent in Wayne County, 70 percent in Orleans County, and 76 percent in Wyoming County, according to AP estimates with 98 percent of votes counted.

Not all Beacon readers were unhappy to see Trump win. “Wonderful! wrote Robert Avel. His view was echoed by Bill Morse: “The PEOPLE have Spoken. Our democracy is alive, well and self correcting.”

For nearly two decades, enrolled Democrats have outnumbered Republicans in Monroe County by an increasing margin. In the latest figures from the county Board of Elections, Democrats accounted for 41 percent of registered voters, compared to 25 percent for the Republicans and 31 percent who were unaffiliated.

The breakdown among readers who responded to the Beacon survey was even more skewed toward the Democratic Party. Sixty-two percent identified themselves as Democrats, versus 13 percent who said they were Republicans and 22 percent who replied unaffiliated.

Trump’s victory was the culmination of a presidential campaign that featured harsh, often vulgar personal attacks—some of them viewed as misogynistic and racist—on his Democratic rival. Trump also followed his playbook from previous campaigns, describing the U.S. as a failing nation overrun by violent illegal immigrants. He frequently promised voters that he would undertake a massive deportation effort and would use the federal government to punish “the enemy from within.”

As he launched his reelection campaign in early 2003, he told supporters: “In 2016, I declared I am your voice. Today I add: I am your warrior. I am your justice. And for those who have been wronged and betrayed, I am your retribution.”

Consistent with previous Beacon reader surveys, nearly all respondents said they were concerned about polarization in U.S. politics, with 88 percent saying they were “very concerned.” Among Republican survey participants, 92 percent said they were concerned, with 54 percent “very concerned.” Ninety-six percent of Democratic respondents were “very concerned.”

“I am saddened by the result because I believe our country is divided in many ways and I don’t believe our president elect has the ability the bring about the healing needed,” observed Michael Bausch.

Trump also tapped into deep anxieties about an economy, according to AP VoteCast, a survey of more than 120,000 voters nationwide. Americans who said inflation was the most important factor for their vote were almost twice as likely to support Trump over Harris, the AP survey found. He also won more than half of voters who were “very concerned” about the cost of food, the cost of housing, and their own health care costs.

More than half of voters told AP they did not have a college degree—and six in 10 of those went for Trump in this election.

Most voters taking part in the AP VoteCast survey said they were very or somewhat concerned that electing Trump, who has repeatedly praised autocrats around the globe, would push the U.S. toward being an authoritarian country. (On Tuesday, Republicans regained control of the Senate; control of the House of Representatives has not been determined.) Yet, 10 percent of those voters backed him anyway—and nearly four in 10 Trump voters said they wanted complete upheaval in how the country is run.

The Beacon’s post-election survey asked about readers’ views of the next four years in the U.S. Nearly two-thirds said they were “very pessimistic,” but the divide between Democrats and Republicans on this question was stark—74 percent of Democrats were very pessimistic, versus only 19 percent of Republicans.

“I have no hope left for the country,” wrote Clinton Swingle. “Thank goodness I am an old man with little time left to endure this.”

More than 200 readers took part in Wednesday’s Beacon survey. The following are signed written comments of survey participants. Many additional unsigned responses were submitted. As a matter of policy, the Beacon does not post unsigned comments.

In general, what is your reaction to this year’s presidential election?

Once again, hate wins! Those who voted for Trump while knowing how dangerous and disgusting he is because they perceive some benefit for themselves should be ashamed. He’s not fit or deserving of the office. We are officially a nation of idiots.
—Miriam Rudnick

Unsurprising.
—Ted Forsyth

I am once again flummoxed with disappointment at the stupidity of my dear country.
—Jan Heyneman

The results reflect the times in which we live. Our system offers the right and responsibility to engage in elections. The new variable is how the conversation is shaped and how much each person embraces the dualism of winners and losers. The question going forward is how we can come together rather than how we can further divide. We are all Americans together we always were and always will be strong.
—Patrick B. Fox

I’m stunned. Harris raised over a billion dollars for her campaign from small individual donors. I wonder how the popular vote will turn out and if this is yet again the tyranny of the Electoral College, an antiquated system that favors the minority. Will the “blue” states become isolated sanctuary states? Will there be mass migration to them? I’m apprehensive about our international posture and economic prospects. I’m also deeply concerned about who is pulling Trump’s strings. Clearly, with so much uncertainty, the financial markets could very well take a nosedive. Will there be a ten million woman march on January 6th in DC?
—Frank Orienter

I’m an immigrant and naturalized citizen, so I especially value our freedoms, the rule of law, and democracy. I don’t think Americans can even imagine life without these things, so they blithely vote for the destruction of their own institutions and way of life. They think they’re voting for economic improvement or for safety against crime, ignoring the big picture of what Trump himself said he’d do that will haunt and hurt each and every one of us.
—Anais Salibian

Stunned. Disappointed. Fearful. I had thought that citizens had a stronger sense of morality, honesty and compassion.
—Loret Steinberg

Trump is a master of the long game in politics. The one issue he had to absolutely address to appease his base was “Abortion.” He did so by appointing Supreme Court Justices who he could be assured (among other decisions ) would overturn Roe v Wade. In one maneuver he solidified his base and removed one of the most potent political liabilities his opposition held over him. No longer would Abortion access be a liability issue to a Republican Presidential candidate. It also allowed “suburban, college educated women” cover to vote for him. His pledge to veto a federal abortion ban is a politically expedient response which his supports understood would be a decision he would never have to make as President. Even though Trump often presents as impulsive and crude, he is playing chess while most of his opposition is playing checkers.
—Paul R. Boehm

I’m very concerned that the policies articulated by Republicans will cause severe damage domestically as well as internationally. I’m particularly worried that we will slip as a nation into a period of decline morally and economically, not able to lead the way in any of the crises facing the planet.
—M. Thompson

I am stunned that the negative side of Trump’s character never pierced the veil of awareness among his supporters.
—Ed Hopkins

Utter disappointment. I can only foresee an ever-increasing divide among us (rich & poor, haves & have-nots, rural & urban). Whatever can be used to divide us will—to our collective detriment.
—Yvonne Hylton

Disgust and disappointment.
—Terry Davis

I am saddened by the result because I believe our country is divided in many ways and I don’t believe our president elect has the ability the bring about the healing needed. Our Country celebrates a significant anniversary in 2026, hopefully we will be able to celebrate peacefully and united in vision. Peace and courage,
—Michael Bausch

Very disappointed, worried for the future for both myself and future generations. Civil discourse and respect for the basic needs of our fellow citizens seem abandoned.
—David Ross

I’m dismayed that so many people supported this candidate after the mountains of overwhelming evidence that his priorities are power and vendettas, not the Constitution or citizens or humanity. The GOP has fallen so hard and so fast that I had expected a level of decency from those Reagan Republicans in this election to break away from the vitriol and identify themselves as a distinctive party. That level of courage was too much to ask. I’m stunned, broken-hearted, and fearful of what’s to come. After we take a moment to grieve, then it’s back to work to ensure our Constitution, Bill of Rights, free press, and political dissenters remain as safe as possible from the tyranny that so many Americans voted for. When their children and grandchildren learn this history and ask them why, we—their family and neighbors—will tell the truth about their culpability and not allow them to diminish their role in this full  derailment of democracy, basic decency, and human rights.
—Erin Tyner Egloff

A miserable 4 years is ahead of us. I will not be sleeping very well knowing that a lunatic is in charge. Ukraine is doomed as well.
—Irene Burke

I have not yet read or heard analyses of why Trump won the presidential election, so right now I am in a place of deep sadness and curiosity of why it went the way it did. I am worried about how a Trump presidency and a likely Republican Congress will impact BIPOC, immigrants, and the poor, our climate crisis, and care for people and countries of the global majority. So, right now I am resolved to not give up, and to use the power of nonviolence to work for peace, justice, and care for those most marginalized, including this planet.
—Barbara Van Kerkhove

Sadness. American voters have spoken and elected a dangerous leader to represent us for the next 4 years. We as a nation are badly divided around core values and ideas. How much of the Project 2025 will become reality? Are there ground rules any more for behavior of public officials? Will the traditional guard rails of checks and balances in our government withstand round 2 of a Trump presidency?
—Peter Knapp

Despondent.
—Jennifer Byrnes

The PEOPLE have Spoken. Our democracy is alive, well and self correcting. Issues ruled rather than personalities. The electorate is made up of complex individuals with diverse opinions and are offended by woke demographic pigeonholes.
—Bill Morse

Shock and disappointment.
—David White

Horrified and committed to resistance.
—Nancy Brown

This year’s presidential election reflects widespread disillusionment with the Democratic Party.
—Hank Wedow

I am disappointed, sad and embarrassed for our country.
—Karen Frutiger

How could these 2 people possibly be the best we have to put forth to lead this country made up of diverse people with diverse opinions?
—Dave Young

I am afraid and disheartened for America, and I’m heartsick at the effect this change will have upon the world.
—May Hussong-Kallen

Congratulations USA, you just won the trifecta: most racist, most misogynistic, stupidest nation on the planet. If the people get the government they deserve, what does that say about us as a nation?
—Dr. Kenneth J. Reed

Wonderful!
—Robert Avel

Profoundly sad for the future of our democratic republic. However, the outcome was not surprising given the mood of many feeling the impact of the fraught economy on their personal lives, along with frustration over the perception of “soft on crime/criminals” portrayed in the media. The anti-immigration sentiment may also have played a role.
—Stephen Gaudioso

The feeling is like the death of someone close. Unchained Trump will require loyalty to him before the Constitution, including from military leaders. He will act while believing he has total immunity from the law based on his view of that the Supreme Court decision on Presidential immunity has no limits for him. He has said these things many times. We will hear from many of his voters this term, “and when they came for me,” and “I didn’t know the leopard would eat my face.” The state of these views on the political Right is the same as it has been since the end of WW II, only now the guardrails are gone. Immunity instead of Rule of law, which means the Constitution does not apply. Religious extremists on the highest courts are all in. Watergate reforms are null and void. MSM will censor themselves out of fear and protecting profits. My thoughts are the always the same. Stand for truth and justice. As Labor/Civil Rights people have always said, “The Struggle Continues.”
—Jim Bertolone

Depression. Anxiety. Fear.
—Barb Egenhofer

Heartsick.
—Frances Powarzynski

Disappointed, disheartened, and motivated to work harder for social justice.
—Sara Bukowiec

It seems to me that this year’s election wasn’t about who would be the best leader of our country, but about voting against the person we disliked the most. Like most of the country, I am surprised that out of the 300 million people in our country, the two political party leaders decided that these are the two best people to lead our country and represent the USA on the world stage.
—Bentley Hutchings

I’m resigned at this point. Though I think part of this rests with Biden, as he should have stepped aside and Dems should have had an open primary.
—Ruth Yanoff

Profound sadness. We have lost and they have won. I hope they get exactly the world they want. I will get some better but I will never fully recover. I intend to fully re-examine every commitment in my life and make adjustments to the world we live in, not the one I wished we lived in. I have no hope left for the country. Thank goodness I am an old man with little time left to endure this.
—Clinton Swingle

Never thought I would see so much RED in our NYS and US maps at the end of an election. The election of Trump is deeply disheartening. People around the country were not telling their full truth to the pollsters.
—Rachel Baker

I am gutted, scared, and sad.
—Molly Mudge

I am not surprised and I fully predicted that Trump would win the election because the economy nationwide and worldwide has been slipping and people are starting to be significantly affected by it. People don’t want the incumbent party to stay in office, and many are ignorant of the fact that Trump will plunge us deeper into recession with debilitating and wanton tariffs. While all this happens, he will continue to be a threat to democracy and human rights.
—Jess Williams

I’m disappointed and frightened.
—Lauri Van Hise

I went into this election season jaded and am leaving it even more jaded. I do not understand how the majority of Americans think that Trump is for them. I also feel let down by the Democratic Party that really needs to rethink and reinvent itself. We can do better than this!
—Nancy Bernardo

I am gutted! Saddened and frightened for the implementation of the 2025 manifesto. I must once again recognize that I am not in step with a majority, however slim or large it is, of my fellow Americans. I take some strength from the example of generations of POC who have borne the negative effects of systemic racism. Effects that as Isabel Wilkerson writes in her powerful appraisal of our society’s legacy and continuation of racism, “Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents,” may continue and now become more openly favored by a fearful, money empowered mostly white cis-gendered dominant group. I am saddened to acknowledge that many of my white sisters choose to live either fearfully subordinate to, or unconsciously continuing to behave as misogynists themselves. However dim the future looks to me today, it remains un-fixed and ever changing. In this, I place my hope.
—Sue A Elliot

Sad that white Americans are afraid to move into a multi-cultural society.
—Thomas J. Driscoll

I am incredulous and terrified. How can people vote for a man who makes up stories, lies, cheats and is proud to admit it? He has no concept of how government works and will destroy any sense or normality. Have we lost all common sense?
—Remy Fenster

Sickening. The end of the great American experiment.
—Michael A. Stone

Very happy about the outcome. I had no faith in Kamala and I remember during Trump’s last stent as president life seem to be pretty normal as compared to the last four years.
—Ellen Lerner

Frankly, I still don’t understand what half of the country sees in Donald Trump. But he will be president in January, so I encourage everyone to unite for the good of our country.
—David Powe

Paul Ericson is Rochester Beacon executive editor. The Beacon welcomes comments and letters from readers who adhere to our comment policy including use of their full, real name. Submissions to the Letters page should be sent to [email protected]. 

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