I’ve never been surrounded by so many scared people in my life

I’ve never been surrounded by so many scared people in my life

16 November 2016

ALLIANCE councillor Patrick Brown has said he is more convinced than ever that politics needs a 

“moderate, liberal voice” following his recent campaign stint in the US elections.

Councillor Brown returned home this week to Rowallane after three weeks supporting Hillary Clinton’s election efforts in Miami-Dade, which is in the key battleground state of Florida.

He said his initial reaction to news of the Democrat’s loss to controversial Republican candidate Donald Trump was one of shock.

“We were cautiously optimistic to begin with, but became increasingly anxious as states such as Michigan and Pennsylvania showed a tight or even Trump leaning race,” he said.

“I was first inspired to start looking into joining the campaign because of an article by author and commentator Michael Moore. He argued Trump would win because of angry, white working class voters in these ‘rustbelt’ states. 

“As it stands, we are all collecting our thoughts, some of us alone, some together. I stayed up to watch Donald Trump’s, what can only be described as historic, victory speech. I have never been surrounded by so many crying, scared people in my entire life. But today I’m trying to look forward, and I know many others who fought for the ideals of the Clinton campaign will be doing the same.”

Councillor Brown said he was “scared at what there is to come” on many domestic and foreign policy issues over the next four years.

“But I’m also resolute that America, and its neighbours, can still work for progress, hold Donald Trump and his administration to account, and continue working together to advance an agenda that celebrates our diversity, treats everyone as equals, and seeks to heal the very clear divisions in American society,” he said.

“Political commentators will pour over the reasons why Trump won and Clinton lost for weeks. I can offer you no fresh perspective here that you won’t see elsewhere. What I can say is that the team I worked with did everything they could and more to elect Hillary Clinton. She was a uniquely qualified candidate who would have provided continuity and stability at home and abroad. That is not what a majority of Americans wanted in this election. 

“I watched a fantastic team of bright, young people work 12 hours a day, seven days a week without a day off, some since April this year, recruiting volunteers, registering voters and inspiring people to cast their vote. I personally knocked on well over a thousand doors right up until polls closed. I do not for one second regret the experience I have had, the incredible people I have met, or the small part I played in ensuring a record turnout and Democratic result in Miami-Dade County. Unfortunately in the end, it just was not enough, but we did our best and I am so, so proud of what we achieved.”

Councillor Brown said he would be using his experiences to help play a part in strengthening a “great” Northern Ireland.

“If there’s one thing I’ll take away that can be applied to local politics, it’s that perhaps we don’t have it so bad back home after all,” he said. “Another thing I’m sure of is that more than ever, politics needs a moderate, liberal voice which can overcome the fear, division and reactionary populism that is spreading across the western world. 

“The Alliance Party has always represented that voice. Our new leader, Naomi Long, will continue to champion and amplify that voice in the future.”