…Not potential US presidents.

My first reaction to the election: half of the country is on my side. It’s not winner-take-all. We will fight. Anyone want to help form the new country Calowash? Or Orewashia, or Washorca, those work too. Let’s take the left ocean and run.

My second reaction: pray for the health of your new oldest-ever elected president, Donald Trump. Believe it or not, Mike Pence is worse, especially when it comes to the Supreme Court.

My third reaction: Bayes’ Theorem, or rather its application, has failed us. Nate and friends are surely scrutinizing their priors for this polling cycle. Note to pollsters: Consumer polling “Trumps” political polling.

My fourth reaction: I understand. When the US economy tanked in 2008, I was perfectly happy to let the too-big-to-fail banks and brokerage firms Fail, and disappointed Obama did not. After decades during which Bush and yes, Obama, ignored working folk to focus on the stock market, I congratulate that cohort on taking down the establishment. Though I’m not sure you (addressing the cohort) aren’t voting against your own interests. Clearly you did not believe the conclusions of “What’s the Matter with Kansas,” so  now we will all live them.

I choose to believe that most of the Trump voters’ values aren’t his, ie objectification of women, racism, cheating your employees and contractors, dissing Gold Star families,  and filing for bankruptcy. However, I may keep my distance until I’m sure.

Congratulations to all of you who are thrilled. If I am also thrilled, or even sanguine,  a couple of years from now, I will ask your forgiveness. Sorry to take the “long” view, but that’s what us history-reading, science-oriented types do.

To my sons and their friends: It’s a great time to go to graduate school overseas!