I watched in fear as Trump took my state for the GOP
The Independent|November 07, 2024
As election day in North Carolina came to its final moments, voters sat close to their television screens and phones alike waiting to see which way the swing states would turn this election cycle. I was one of them.
LAUREN BULLA
I watched in fear as Trump took my state for the GOP

For me – plus many of my friends and family – this result has brought with it a whole new level of fear and dismay. We were the first swing state to go; the first to watch Donald Trump turn us red all over again. Despite our democratic governor, attorney general Josh Stein, taking the seat – Republicans claimed the state. The margin was razor-thin, but ultimately it wasn’t enough. The question we’re all left asking now is: why?

I have some idea of the answers. We’ve had unimaginable heartache in the region this year. The aftermath of the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene still lingers. At the same time, due to the lack of aid presented by federal programmes like Fema, voters were not only in some cases discouraged – but also unable, physically, to get to polling boxes. Just weeks ago, in Asheville – my college city – entire neighbourhoods, businesses, buildings and highway systems were completely erased by floods; and hundreds of thousands of people were left without electricity, food or access to running water.

Denne historien er fra November 07, 2024-utgaven av The Independent.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra November 07, 2024-utgaven av The Independent.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA THE INDEPENDENTSe alt
HOT AND BOTHERED
The Independent

HOT AND BOTHERED

We’ve got through Halloween and bonfire night and it’s still too warm for a heavy coat. Helen Coffey asks the experts why the weather’s been so mild and if it will ever get cold again

time-read
4 mins  |
November 07, 2024
I'm far happier now than I was being a 'smug married'
The Independent

I'm far happier now than I was being a 'smug married'

Stacey Duguid has embraced being a divorced single mum after leaving an unhappy relationship. She ponders her past obsession with getting hitched and questions a new survey that suggests marriage staves off low mood and depression

time-read
4 mins  |
November 07, 2024
'People say we don't care what others think - we do'
The Independent

'People say we don't care what others think - we do'

South Africa are trying to change perceptions, charismatic director of rugby Rassie Erasmus tells Harry Latham-Coyle

time-read
3 mins  |
November 07, 2024
OXFORD SCHOLAR
The Independent

OXFORD SCHOLAR

Des Buckingham is loving life in charge of his hometown club after a nomadic career. He speaks to Lawrence Ostlere

time-read
6 mins  |
November 07, 2024
Unlucky Gunners can take hope from defeat to Inter
The Independent

Unlucky Gunners can take hope from defeat to Inter

Arsenal have traded St James’ Park for San Siro but the scoreline has stayed the same.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 07, 2024
Markets are re-energised but not everyone's a winner
The Independent

Markets are re-energised but not everyone's a winner

The financial world has been electrified by Trump’s election victory. Once the new president is installed, though, writes Chris Blackhurst, the implications will become much clearer

time-read
3 mins  |
November 07, 2024
McGregor accuser feared she would die, court hears
The Independent

McGregor accuser feared she would die, court hears

A woman broke down in tears yesterday as she accused MMA star Conor McGregor of raping her and told a court she was fearful she would never see her daughter again while he was choking her.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 07, 2024
'It was so fast. The next day she was found dead inside'
The Independent

'It was so fast. The next day she was found dead inside'

The mangled car in which Jorge Tarazona’s three-year-old niece and sister-in-law died in last week’s flooding in Spain now hangs halfway off the ragged edge of a highway.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 07, 2024
Kim expects leverage for lending Putin his troops
The Independent

Kim expects leverage for lending Putin his troops

North Korea’s leader wants cash, missile technology and food for letting thousands of his soldiers fight against Ukraine

time-read
5 mins  |
November 07, 2024
GP jailed over 'audacious' fake Covid jab murder plot
The Independent

GP jailed over 'audacious' fake Covid jab murder plot

A GP who disguised himself as a nurse and poisoned his mother’s partner with a fake Covid jab in an audacious” plot to murder him has been jailed for 31 years.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 07, 2024