Before his upset win, Republican Donald Trump had made it clear he might defy the Constitution and not accept the results of the election. After his continued accusations of election rigging, media bashing, hate-filled speeches and calls to imprison Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and impeach President Barack Obama, it seemed possible a Clinton victory would provide the spark that would spur riots and revenge.
Instead, tens of thousands of Democrat supporters have spilled on to streets across the US, protesting Mr Trump’s win with placards and chants containing the message "Not my president!", burning flags, cars and reportedly even effigies of the president-elect, mocked up as Hitler in some of their posters.
Fear, prejudice, discord and anger have been encouraged in the vicious campaign arena, can anyone be surprised that is now mirrored on the streets? Reports seem to differ about whether they are peaceful protests, but they are gaining momentum. They are, of course, a legitimate way to voice opinions in a democracy, but, given the emotions that have been stirred up, the situation seems poised on a knife-edge.
Yet the scenes are in stark contrast to the sedate way in which the leaders involved have approached the result. Mr Trump’s victory speech late on Wednesday night was surprisingly — and deliberately — rational. His standard caustic comments were gone, he did not rise to any bait thrown by supporters in the crowd and, while not offering any apology to affected parties for for his part in the acrimony, said it was now "time for America to bind the wounds of division" and pledged to work with others and to "seek common ground, not hostility".
Mrs Clinton was dignified in defeat. She erred by not making her concession speech on Wednesday night when it was obvious a Trump victory was inevitable and then declared. However, despite her obvious pain at the shock result, her words early yesterday were gracious, measured, and she urged her supporters to keep an open mind on a Trump presidency and accept the result.
Similarly, in his speech yesterday, Mr Obama offered the same eloquent, stately words that have defined his presidency, also urging unity, hope, encouragement and as much support for incoming Mr Trump and his administration as he had received from the Bush administration before him.
Global leaders also made calm and careful congratulatory statements, although a reported tweet (which was hastily deleted) by the current French ambassador to the United States that the "world is collapsing before our eyes" possibly reflected more than one world view.
Other groups have also approached the situation in composed terms. The Council on American-Islamic Relations congratulated Mr Trump but warned that "American Muslims are here to stay" and "we will not be intimidated or marginalised". So, while Mr Trump and his followers have sent a clear message to the American political establishment and the world, many others have an equally forceful message for him.
Even if Mr Trump is willing to reach across the great divide and include all Americans in his brave new world, dampening down the flames of discontent is a huge challenge that will require much more than a few fledgling presidential words. But, as the shockwaves slowly subside, it is important to note that, as well as the anger and hatred that generated the result, Trump supporters voted for hope, that the dream of a better future might become reality. In that, they are surely united with Democrat supporters and onlookers worldwide. Here’s hoping.
