Merritt Johnson election article

Donald Trump became President Elect Tuesday night, shocking America by earning 279
electoral votes and winning many highly important swing states.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill students, who were polarized towards Hillary
Clinton in the campaign, were highly emotional Wednesday morning in wake of the
results.

I am deeply disappointed in our country and my heart hurts like it never has before,
said student Julia Friou, who actively campaigned for Clinton in the election. I truly saw
the change Hillary would bring to our country, and I am ashamed that our country chose
to regress and elect the face of intolerance.

Trump flipped key states Florida, Ohio, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Iowa in his favor
to win the election Tuesday night.

Trump supporters across the country rejoiced at each win. The word miracle circulated
among several media outlets in coverage of the voting results.

I am surprised that given Trumps views on some social injustices that he was able to
rally enough support to win, said an anonymous student who voted for Trump. I think
that Trumps time in office will provide a radical revitalization in America.

National polling predictions were proved wrong by the results. The Clinton campaign
was predicted to win by a wide margin in nearly every poll, and the Clinton team
reportedly felt confident going into election night.

Many students who voted for Trump at UNC refused to share their ideology with peers.
These silent Trump supporters may be why the results were so surprising.

Trump made large wins among rural voters, while Clinton maintained support in urban
areas. Trumps largest support came from industrial counties in the Midwest, and his
largest demographic were white Americans without a college degree.

I definitely think a major demographic was overlooked in the media, said the same
anonymous student. People dont realize how large and underrepresented the rural
population is.

Protests in the quad and a campus-wide lockout were just some reactions on campus
concerning a Trump presidency. I saw people wearing pride parades as capes and
multiple signs and chalk on sidewalks with quotes upset about the election, said
sophomore Elizabeth Moseley.

While tensions are high, many are urging a peaceful transition of power for the position
and hope all Americans give Trump a support now that the people have spoken. Im
glad politicians are giving Trump words of support now that he is elected, said
Republican student Sarah Beth Marriot. Denouncing Trump and his supporters now will
only divide our country further.

Students received an email from Chancellor Carol L. Folt Wednesday afternoon that
garnered an important message for students. Our privilege as part of a great public
university is to be the catalyst for meaningful dialogue about the issues of the day, said
Folt.

Students carry this message with them into the future of the country, as they will without
a doubt continue discussion and political activism on campus.