One unexpected result of the 2016 presidential election ...

[Fast Walker 52]

I've become more trusting of the government (even the dreaded CIA) and more understanding of centrist Dems like Hillary. Also I've become much less distrusting of most alternative news sites that I used to go to because they told a story I liked or because the story was more sensational.

I think the general kookiness of Trump and his cabinet made me realize how important it is to have good journalism and good information, and to have people grounded in reality. Also, I realized how balance is important when dealing with wild stories about a person or a US policy.

Also in the aftermath of the election, I've developed some annoyance with Bernie Sanders (whom I initially supported), and a great deal of annoyance with a lot of people on the far left.

But really, the greater faith in government I've developed is a big surprise, and going forward with President Trump, I will lose a great deal of faith in whatever comes from the executive office.

[LisaM]

1. I think we make a big mistake if we abandon centrist Dems

We really are stronger together. I think Hillary is actually pretty progressive, but she understands centrist Dems, and has no wish to alienate them. Her seeking common ground with others is a big plus; it was treated as a negative.

[Fast Walker 52]

3. I think it's truly sad how Hillary and her politics were under-appreciated by those on the left

also yes, there is a huge swath of people who are left-leaning who are not ready for or not supportive of socialist policies a la Bernie Sanders. I think Hillary did a remarkable job of bridging the divide. Too bad it was all for naught.

[dionysus]

9. Indon't think we should be excluding anyone unless we simply have to. I'll take

The vote of someone who doesn't fully agree on social issues, if they will vote for us for economic reasons.

That does NOT mean changing our platform to accomodate them; ie, educate them how we'd be better for their pocketbook, just don't bring up guns or abortion. We could pick up some people who aren't single issue voters that way. Same thing works for non voters who don't agree with the whole platform.

[boston bean]

2. My eyes have been opened as well.

Good post!

[Fast Walker 52]

4. thanks

[iluvtennis]

8. +1 nt

[AgadorSparticus]

5. It is clearer for me too. Good post.

[JI7]

6. the problem with "the left" is many are actually conpsiracy theorists and not really about

liberalism on actual issues.

just like many conservatives are just bigots and not really have free market and just economic conservatives as this election has shown .

[Fast Walker 52]

11. yes-- I have been taken aback by the extent of political conspiracy theories

on both sides.

[Starry Messenger]

7. I tend to be more lefty about regional elections in CA

but more practical about who can run nationally, since lots of states are not like mine.

The aftermath of this election has been for me to be less about labels and more about seeing people's actions and what they are doing to be an ally against the right.

[Fast Walker 52]

12. that sounds like a good strategy... I think our number 1 goal has to be defeating the GOP

at all levels. THEN we can worry about purity.

[Willie Pep]

10. There are some good alternative journalists out there.

But you have to critically look at them too, just like the establishment media which has its own biases. I don't think the problem is with legitimate alternative journalists but with the crackpot conspiracy theorists and fake news sites. There is still a world of difference between Naked Capitalism and Alex Jones, just to use those sources as examples. Unfortunately some people on the Left allowed their hatred of Clinton and the centrist Democrats to cloud their minds and they ended up believing any anti-Hillary story that came down the pike even if it was nonsense from right-wing conspiracy theory websites.

Trust in major institutions is weakening and people seem more susceptible to sensationalism and conspiracy theories. I sympathize with this way of thinking to a certain extent. Blame for the Iraq War and the financial crisis, just to name two relatively recent disasters, falls squarely on establishment shoulders. But some people are making the mistake of throwing out the baby with the bathwater by refusing to trust anything that comes from establishment sources. It is a symptom of the creeping nihilism that I see in this country these days. I hear a lot of people say stuff like "everybody is crooked except (insert Internet guru of choice)" and if you disagree with them you are a "shill."

[Fast Walker 52]

13. exactly-- well said.