Trump Elected 47th US President

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
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On Wednesday morning, some woke up with a sense of victory and others with a sense of fear.

Donald Trump was elected the 47th president of the United States on Tuesday after a tight race with Democrat Kamala Harris. According to the Associated Press, Trump has secured 51 percent of the vote to Harris' 47.5 percent.

Trump has 292 of the required 270 electoral votes, with Harris garnering 224.

The former president delivered his victory speech in West Palm Beach Wednesday morning while the crowd chanted "USA, USA, USA." He called this the "greatest political movement of all time" and promised to deliver the "golden age of America."

"We're going to help our country heal. Help our country heal. We have a country that needs help and it needs help very badly. We're going to fix our borders. We're going to fix everything about our country," Trump said.

"We've made history for a reason tonight and the reason is going to be just that we overcame obstacles that nobody thought possible and it is now clear that we've achieved the most incredible political thing."

Harris was to deliver a concession speech at 4 p.m. at Howard University in Washington.

AP called this an "extraordinary comeback for a former president who refused to accept defeat four years ago, sparked a violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, was convicted of felony charges and survived two assassination attempts."

Massachusetts has reported about 97 percent of its votes, with Harris securing more than 2 million votes representing 61.4 percent and Trump seeing 36.4 percent of the vote or about 1.2 million.

Pittsfield, the county's largest community, has about 99 percent of its votes counted, according to the AP.  Harris saw 70.6 percent support, 14,439 votes, and Trump saw 27.5 percent support, 5,628 votes.



Opponents are concerned about Trump's Agenda 47, his plans for his second term. They see it as mirroring points from the Heritage Foundation's Project 2025, a right-wing take on human rights, reproductive rights, LGBTQ-plus rights, and immigrants' rights among others. Trump has repeatedly said that it is not his platform.

Supporters believe he can address the nation's economic crisis and see positives in securing the border.

On Wednesday morning, re-elected state representative for the 2nd Berkshire District Tricia Farley-Bouvier acknowledged that it may be a hard day for those who oppose these policies.

"Today: Rest. Be kind to yourself. Do something nice for someone else. Tomorrow: Repeat. We'll get through this…," she wrote on Facebook.

Elizabeth Warren secured her third term in the U.S. Senate, fending off Republican challenger John Deaton with 59.8 percent of the votes counted so far, compared to Deaton's 40.3 percent.

Yesterday on social media, Warren said the right to an abortion, health care, social security, and "our very democracy" is on the ballot.

"Today, we have the power. The power to fight for our families, protect our freedoms, and determine our futures. The power to build an America where all of our kids can thrive," she wrote on Facebook.

"Use your power."

Richard Neal was re-elected to the U.S. House for the Massachusetts 1st Congressional District over independent challenger Nadia Milleron with 62.6 percent of the vote so far.

According to AP, Republicans currently outweigh the Senate in a 43:52 ratio with five to be called. It is similar with the House, representing an 186:201 ratio with 48 to be called.

Note: an earlier version of this article incorrectly attributed Project 2025 to the president-elect. It is a Heritage Foundation plan.


Tags: election 2024,   president,   

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Hancock Shaker Village Radiant Nights

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Hancock Shaker Village is back with its multisensory holiday experience with the opening of Radiant Nights on Dec. 7. The
 
"We are thrilled to once again partner with artist Joe Wheaton to create Radiant Nights. The Village serves as a unique canvas for Joe's limitless creativity and he delivers the most stunning video projections and audio experiences that illuminate several historic buildings, including the iconic Round Stone Barn. The element of whimsical surprise is always part of the experience as our guests stroll through the Village and soak up the immersive and festive energy. This has become a unique winter holiday tradition and we look forward to welcoming the community to experience the spectacle that is Radiant Nights," said Carrie Holland, Director of Hancock Shaker Village.
 
After taking in the approximate 1-mile route of light installations, sound, exhibits, and images, guests are invited to visit the farm animals, relax by the fire pit, and enjoy a drink and specialty fare from a pop- up bar in the Village, as well as the café operated by Woodlife Farm Market. 
 
The Shaker Mercantile will also be open for shopping, holiday gifts, and unique artisanal products for purchase.
 
Radiant Nights runs 5 to 8pm, Dec. 7-8, Dec. 13 -15, and Dec. 20 – 22, Dec. 27 - 31. 
 
Admission is free for members and children twelve and under.
 
For schedule information and to purchase tickets, visit HancockShakerVillage.org.
 
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