Shock in the US and around the world as Donald Trump storms to victory in presidential race
THE REPUBLICAN candidate Donald J Trump has won the US presidential election against the Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton.
Either candidate required 270 electoral college votes from the 50 states of the republic to win the race.
Trump won 279 to Clinton’s 228.
However, Clinton triumphed in the popular vote securing just over 59 million votes compared to Trump, who was over 200,000 votes behind.
“I want to tell America’s friends in the world that America will be a good friend but will always look after its interests first.” Donald Trump
The rental tycoon, now president-elect said: “I want to tell America’s friends in the world that America will be a good friend but will always look after its interests first.”
Large numbers of middle and working class white Americans voted for Trump. 66 per cent of white women and 29 per cent of Hispanic voters voted for the tycoon, despite a campaign which virulantly opposed Mexican immigration and was marred by accusation of misogyny.
There was high turnout among rural voters, who were also more likely to vote for Trump.
There was a relativley low turnout among African American voters, who played an important role in the election of current Democratic President Barack Obama. There is also evidence of some traditional ‘blue collar’ Democratic voters going over to Trump, who campaigned against free trade policies which have seen US manufacturing significantly scaled back.
The billionaire businessman won the states of Iowa, Texas, Florida, Nebraska, Idaho, Alaska, Georgia, Missouri, Montana, Louisiana, Wyoming, Utah, South Dakota, North Dakota, Kansas, Alabama, South Carolina, Mississippi, Oklahama, Tennessee, Indiana & Kentucky.
Clinton won Washington DC, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Illinois, Delaware, Vermont, New York, Connecticut, Virginia, Colorado, California, Hawaii, Oregon and Nevada.
"Today must also be a moment for those who share progressive values – all of us who believe in tolerance and diversity – to speak up loudly and clearly for the values we hold dear.” Nicola Sturgeon
Following the result, Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “While this is not the outcome I hoped for, it is the verdict of the American people and we must respect it. I congratulate president-elect Trump on winning the election.
“We value our relationship with the United States and its people. The ties that bind Scotland and the US – of family, culture and business – are deep and longstanding and they will always endure.
“Today must also be a moment for those who share progressive values – all of us who believe in tolerance and diversity – to speak up loudly and clearly for the values we hold dear.
“I also want to pay tribute to Hillary Clinton. While I am personally disappointed that she will not be America's first woman president, her candidacy represented a major step forward for women in America and across the world – for that, as well as for her many years of public service, she is owed a deep debt of gratitude."
Picture courtesy of Gage Skidmore
Check out what people are saying about how important CommonSpace is. Pledge your support today.
