- Title: Voters react to shock Trump victory with hope, despair
- Date: 9th November 2016
- Summary: (SOUNDBITE) (English) UNIDENTIFIED VOTER SAYING: "Where I live in New York and the people I know are all extremely disappointed by the results of this election. I hope we have a very smooth transition of power, and that the world remains a safe place and that we respect our democratic values."
- Embargoed: 24th November 2016 17:50
- Keywords: U.S. election president Donald Trump Hillary Clinton results vote reaction
- Location: WASHINGTON, D.C., UNITED STATES
- City: WASHINGTON, D.C., UNITED STATES
- Country: USA
- Topics: Government/Politics,Elections/Voting
- Reuters ID: LVA00757Q7UIV
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: U.S. voters reacted with hope and despair on Wednesday (November 9) to Republican Donald Trump's surprising win over Democrat Hillary Clinton.
"I was shocked at the results. I had a lot more faith in us as a country, you know, not to choose somebody with such a narrow world view," said Eve Mauer as she scanned the newspaper headlines on display outside the Newseum in Washington, D.C.
However, another passerby said he felt "great" about the outcome.
"I have a feeling we're going to be better with Mr. Trump, because he's not a political person. He has and he will really change the country," said Henry Oveido.
Political analysts expressed shock over Trump's win, especially since polls had been favorable to Clinton in the days leading up to the election.
"I think this was a low turnout election and the side that was more enthusiastic ultimately won the day, and in many states, in most swing states, the side that was more enthusiastic were Trump supporters," said John Hudack of the Brookings Institution.
Michele Swers, professor in Georgetown University's Department of Government, said the numbers were likely off because pollsters' methods were outdated.
"A lot of polling is based on land lines, people don't answer their cell phones, you have a lot more phones going unanswered, and then you need to call more people," she said.
Many voters were left disappointed, having expected to witness an historic moment on Tuesday evening: electing the first woman president.
Swers said that Clinton's loss could initially have a negative impact on women's interest in running for office.
"Since she lost and the campaign was so negative, that may turn off a lot of women to decide maybe they don't want to run for office," she told Reuters.
"However, advancement of women in American politics is a long, slow process, and so you need to have the pipeline of officials, and that comes through women getting elected to state legislatures and to Congress," Swers added. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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