True, our system is subject to manipulation by the politically savvy, astute enough to focus their anti-establishment rhetoric in the swing regions where a few votes can and did turn a very close election. True, as well, that many in the Trump base have only a basic education, and entertain extremist anti-egalitarian views, but they are not the people who elected Trump. The people who elected Trump are the same people who voted the UK out of the European Economic Union, the same people who are on the verge of abandoning German chancellor Merkel. These people are mainstream conservative voters, many well educated and successful, but also persons who are fearful that the culture and values that support their path to prosperity is being eroded and undermined while the government does nothing. They are voting their fear.
American Democracy is far from perfect. In deed, our election process was flawed from the beginning. We have been expanding the franchise for over 200 hundred years and improving equity among voters, as well. Trump's victory shown a bright light on the flaws his campaign exploited. History suggests that his victory will hasten the process of correcting the remaining defects.
