How to not be utterly depressed and scared about Trump winning

[ChocolateMagnum]

Is there any way at all to reframe the likely outcome of the US election? I just feel terrible this morning. Scared and angry. It's wasted energy, though. I can't do anything positive with these feelings and I'm guessing I'm not the only person feeling like this. How are other people finding ways to move out of this feeling so they aren't wasting time and energy on something they have no influence over currently?

Voting for Brexit was arguably more moronic than Americans voting for Trump, before people from England get judgy.

Why just England? What about the rest of the UK?

Noone is in a cult willingly , u don't choose to join a cult! And people in it will not accept it if u tell them! Steven hassan a cult expert has wrote a book called 'cult of trump' . This is not good and I'm genuinely scared! And I can't even imagine what it feels like to be american!

I thought technically Scotland voted to remain and I wasn't sure about Wales 😄 so didn't want to lump them in

I completely agree that obtaining your news or information from the internet and social media means that people naturally select those sources that reinforce rather than challenge existing opinions.

This in turn leads to entrenchment of those views leading to polarisation of views which in turn become more extreme.

This is equally applicable to left and right wing views.

Yes but left wing isn't insistence that the media that doesn't agree with them are the enemy of the people ! There is no both sides use cult tactics! Trump uses specifically terms to keep the information on him only good. And anything else is fake news. That is specifically controling your information. Not just Relying on confirmation bias that's what u r talking about.

This is from chatgpt so able to be very specific,
Donald Trump has used several techniques commonly associated with cult tactics to build loyalty and rally his base. Here are some strategies often noted:

1. Charismatic Leadership and Personal Appeal

Trump has established himself as a "larger-than-life" figure who presents himself as a strong leader with unique qualities, portraying himself as the one who can "fix" the system and speak for the people. This is common in cult leadership, where a leader's personality overshadows institutional rules or norms.

1. Us vs. Them Mentality

By dividing people into "us" (supporters, "true" Americans) and "them" (opponents, critics, and various scapegoated groups), he fosters an insular environment where dissenting opinions are viewed as threats to the group. This kind of polarization can deepen loyalty among followers and shut out alternative perspectives.

1. Propaganda and Repetition

Trump often uses slogans like "Make America Great Again" and repeats specific phrases, framing the media as “fake news” and opponents as part of a “deep state.” Repetition is a common tactic in cults to reinforce beliefs and dismiss counterarguments, ensuring followers adopt the language and mindset of the group.

1. Demonizing Critics and Former Supporters

Trump frequently labels critics and even former allies as enemies, traitors, or part of a corrupt establishment. By discrediting dissenting voices, he reinforces loyalty and limits the amount of critical information reaching his base.

1. Encouraging Loyalty Above All Else

Trump often demands personal loyalty from his followers and allies, presenting it as a value above adherence to institutions or laws. This can create a sense of "blind loyalty," often seen in cults where allegiance to the leader takes precedence over ethical or personal beliefs.

1. Narratives of Persecution and Martyrdom

Trump frequently claims he is under attack by the media, the justice system, or political opponents, portraying himself as a persecuted figure. This resonates with followers who then feel a duty to “defend” him, reinforcing group solidarity.

1. Undermining Objective Reality

By consistently challenging facts, science, or established narratives (e.g., questioning election results), Trump creates an environment where followers are encouraged to trust only his version of reality. Cults often create alternative realities where members are urged to reject mainstream information.

These tactics align with some cult-like dynamics but are also used by various leaders to solidify power and influence. For Trump's base, this approach has built a deeply loyal following while largely dismissing traditional institutions and norms.
It's long but it specifically lays out how trump has used cult tactics to keep his followers.

"When America sneezes, the rest of the world gets a cold"
Well known saying for a reason. Trump will impact the UK economy. UK foreign and domestic policy. I see conscription in our future because troop levels are at an all time low. If we want to avoid a nuclear war, Putin could drag the whole of Europe into a ground war.
I wonder if Biden will unfreeze all Russian assets in America and give it all to Ukraine?
Would he need congressional approval for that?
Obama gave Iran 1.4 billion of their frozen assets to get back US hostages.

I relate to this in spades.

We have neighbours that prior to Brexit we got on with, chatted to, looked out for and helped (they’re elderly) when they needed anything. One had a flood once due to a burst pipe and we dashed round to help them turn off the water, stayed with her until family arrived etc.

But Brexit showed us how bigoted they actually were. It all came out. The comments they made were awful about all foreigners needing to “go ‘ome” and why did Prince Harry marry “one of THEM”. They took to FB to spread hate and misinformation about racial and religious groups, climate change, the LGBGTQ community.

Now we avoid them completely and tbh we wouldn’t even open the door to them if they wanted help. We saw someone a bit dodgy suspiciously checking out their front garden on our CCTV last year and I don’t even feel ashamed to say that we just turned a blind eye.

Other similar beliefed neighbours complaining about the cold and Winter fuel allowance being cut. Before I would have been sympathetic and looked out for them, now I just think “oh well”.

I used to help anyone and everyone and think after meeting someone new “aww they’re sweet” now I’m always wary by default

That was my first thought too @ToBeOrNotToBee, but as someone kindly pointed out, if Trump dies or becomes incapacitated JD Vance will take over as president, which might simply make it more likely that the Republicans will win a second term in office. Whichever way you look at it, there's nothing good about this at all. I feel every bit as distressed about it as I still do about the wicked, stupid, wasteful and divisive Brexit and the people who engineered it.

https://www.thefp.com/p/democrats-kamala-abortion-trans-trump

this is right wing, I think, but well researched. It claims that Harris focused on the wrong women’s rights message and that American women don’t want men in their female spaces, sport or children being hormonally modified. Republican campaigning reflected this.

They also had Megyn Kelly campaigning for Trump in Pennsylvania telling women that Trump would never have the legislative power to ban abortion nationally AND Trump deliberately softened his stance, correctly surmising he wouldn’t lose voters.

The 45 to 60ish women voters turned out to vote for Trump in this election. Based on voter turnout it was assumed they were voting for Harris, but it went the other way.

I'm actually half group 2 and half group 3 if I think about it. I'd probably be the same if Harris had won, they were both awful candidates.

I certainly do see these threads as being the same as crying tik-tok videos. There is no earthly need to be so performatively distraught about another country's democratic election. It's about the individual poster not Trump. It's not like there aren't far worse leaders right now than that useless clown.

These threads are on the same continuum as the mumsnet Brexit thread series for example when dozens of threads were filled posters falling over themselves to fabricate nightmarish catastrophes and egging each other on to stockpile food etc and it's all been okay (I voted Remain myself but come on!). Sometimes it feels a bit salacious, almost as though people are relishing imagining ever worse scenarios and being more upset than anyone else. Everyone just needs to calm down.

"As for abortion, it was never legal in the USA to have an abortion after a viable foetus is formed at around 24 weeks."

You are mistaken, there are six states plus DC where there are no limits at all on elective abortions.

Steven hassan the cult expert for 40 years has done youtube live about what it means in America its pretty grim but hes using his 40 years knowledge on mind control. This isnt some doom and gloom video from some random with any opnion, this is his life work.

You do realise that he would have to get an awful lot of Democrats in the House and Senate to sign up to that in order to get it to pass?

There are 100 Senators and 67 of them must agree to it. There are currently only 53 Republican senators (although there may be 55 in a couple of days time).

Likewise with the House. There are 435 Representatives and 290 of them must agree. There are currently elections being held (they haven't finished counting the votes yet). Before the election, the Republicans had 221 seats and it looks like they might win one or two more this time round.

So they would need a lot of Democrat Representatives and Senators to sign up to do doing that to get it passed. Do you really think that will happen?
.

Do you also realise that he would then also have to get 38 out of the 50 States to agree as well?

For context, Trump only won in 30 States.

You are speaking using normal social and political norms, the point of fascism and becoming a dictator is about tearing the social and political norms and instilling in your own,
I just googled how hitler came to power unsurprisingly its about using his power to take all them guard rails away specifically

In February 1933, shortly after Hitler became Chancellor, the Reichstag building (home of Germany’s parliament) was set on fire. Hitler used this event to claim that Germany was under threat from communists, stirring public fear.

The next day, he persuaded President Hindenburg to sign the Reichstag Fire Decree, which suspended civil liberties, including freedom of speech, press, and assembly. This allowed the Nazis to arrest and intimidate their political opponents, especially communists

This could happen demacrates could literally be took to jail, obviously it also might not but the people trump has surrounded himself with doesn't give me confidence they want a working democracy. And this is a way to get rid of it, also project 2025 is literally a document that outlines how u will instill his loyal people to goverment jobs , that doesn't sound like he wants a working democracy!

• he will instill

The next day, he persuaded President Hindenburg to sign the Reichstag Fire Decree, which suspended civil liberties, including freedom of speech, press, and assembly. This allowed the Nazis to arrest and intimidate their political opponents, especially communists

This sounds very much like what has been done to Trump and his supporters.

Well ironically I didn't actually mention 1 , 2 and 3 as the fire is 4 , because trump has done 1 2 and 3! Not exactly but more generally number 3 he has just won the election

1. Political Instability and Economic Crisis

Germany in the early 1930s was suffering from severe economic hardship due to the Great Depression, massive unemployment, and the burdens of reparations from World War I.

This economic crisis created public discontent with the Weimar Republic, Germany’s democratic government at the time, and led people to seek strong leadership and solutions.

1. Exploiting Nationalism and Resentment

Hitler and the Nazi Party used widespread resentment toward the Treaty of Versailles (which ended WWI and imposed harsh penalties on Germany) to fuel nationalism.

The Nazis promised to restore Germany's pride, rebuild the economy, and provide jobs, which resonated deeply with the struggling population.

1. Electoral Success and Political Alliances

By 1932, the Nazi Party had gained significant traction, becoming the largest party in the German Parliament (Reichstag), though they did not have a majority.

The Nazis’ popularity pressured conservative politicians to consider Hitler as a solution to restore stability. In January 1933, President Paul von Hindenburg appointed Hitler as Chancellor (the head of government) in an attempt to control him while still using his popularity to unify the country.

Am I right to assume that everyone on Mumsnet is anti Brexit, Left wing/vote Labour, are anti Reform and anti Trump? I just find it odd when the majority of people voted Brexit but nobody on here seems to support the decision! Surely some of you must have voted Brexit?

I was depressed and scared the first time but this time I wasn't surprised. It's grim but there is nothing we can do other than carry on and try and do good in our own lives. I have blocked all the news sites which just make me anxious anyway. I refuse to be miserable this time because of something I have no control over - I will make a donation to abortion rights in the US then switch off.

Not saying this is what others should do, it's just a way to cope.

I should add I realise it's a big privilege to be able to switch off - I am not in the US, don't have friends there or in Ukraine, etc. But I have realised there is no benefit to worrying about things I can't control or following the news cycle.

States will be able to decide the cut off for abortions, be it 6 weeks to nine months. Women can attend appointments in states which suit their particular need.

It doesn't matter that it is a small number of cheating men who invade women's sports (women who selfID as men still overwhelmingly stay in women's sports, which is perfectly fine). The fact is, one cheating man can affect a whole team (or both teams) of women. It is fundamentally unfair, cruel and inhumane to force women to play against a team with one or more men in it, not to mention the embarrassment and anxiety of having to shower and change with these men afterwards.

The tampon issue is important because men do not require tampons in their public bathrooms and crucially, women who pretend to be men should not be using male facilities anyway, this is an invasion of privacy for the male students. To pretend that these women actually ARE men is insane, surely you can recognise that?

Young people, children, teenagers who think they identify as the opposite sex should be offered support and counselling to come to terms with difficulties and anxieties with puberty or other comorbidities such as autism or fears that they may be gay or lesbian. No child is born in the wrong body, giving any child puberty blockers is a form of abuse. Puberty is a human right and a rite of passage which every human requires in order to transition to adulthood. Preventing it creates an adult with stunted genitalia, immature, stunted brain function, long term mental and physical health issues. Adults who think they are the opposite sex have a mental illness what needs proper treatment, not affirmation. If they are male, they are most likely AGPs and a fetish of being affirmed as women.

Tim Walz and empathy? An oxymoron, surely?

I can't remember what I voted, I was so undecided at the time. What ever the decision, I was in agreement that it must stand, we must respect the majority.

As I know that a woman is an adult human female, what does that make me? Not Labour for certain, as Starmer can't seem to figure it out. This is somewhat baffling to me as a lifelong Labour supporter , but there we are. Oh, and I am pleased that DT won the US election .

What does the Olympics failure to have genetic testing done have to do with men playing in American womens sports?
You can hate Trump all you want but Kamala was much worse. Race and identity politics was her game.
Trump will do a much better job.