On August 9, 1974, Gerald R. Ford, upon assuming the presidency after Richard Nixon resigned in disgrace, told the nation: “Our long national nightmare is over.” Fifty years later, another impending nightmare darkens the skies of America. It may make Nixon’s transgressions seem quaint.
On election night, I was at Howard University awaiting the arrival of Vice President Kamala Harris, along with a throng of her enthusiastic supporters. We were there to see the ascension of the first woman president of the United States, one who was also a person of color. How much better could it get? We’ll never know. The evening started on a joyful note with singing, dancing, and hope. It ended in palpable fear for the future. A cloud fell over the assembled as the returns, favoring Donald Trump, came in. The look of shock and sadness on their faces was enough to make you weep. After most of the crowd left, I photographed an American flag that had been left on the ground, with a Harris-Walz sign in the background. That picture told the story.
It felt like the aftermath of a devastating storm. I’ve covered enough of those to know: Hurricane Donald is on the way, and, as with every other storm that has come and gone, we will overcome this one.
Former Congressman Cedric Richmond addressing the crowd.By David Hume Kennerly.
