We’ve got a mammoth of a problem on our hands. Trump is back, and for those of us who want to see a more inclusive, forward-thinking America, it’s hard not to feel like we’re staring down an enormous, immovable obstacle. So, what do we do? We eat this elephant one bite at a time. Tackling the next four years is going to take patience, resilience, and, yes, a sense of humor to keep us going. Let’s break it down.
Step 1: Keep Calm and Definitely Do Not Trust Nate Silver (At Least Not Explicitly)
I know, I know. The anxiety’s real. But let’s get one thing straight: MAGA is not, nor has it ever been, the “silent majority.” There’s a big difference between being noisy and being numerous. And as for those who say, “Keep Calm and trust Nate Silver”—maybe not this time. Let’s not put our faith in forecasts and polls that so often fall short. We’ll get clarity on what needs fixing over time, but panicking on Day One? That’s just giving in to chaos.
Step 2: Turn Off the News. Seriously.
If you haven’t already muted half of your social media feed and turned off cable news, now is the time. Political hot takes are like fast food—initially satisfying but rarely nourishing. Every pundit with a keyboard will be screaming about what Harris “should have done” and what the Democrats “must do now.” It’s mostly noise, and it’s not helpful yet. Let’s give the dust a chance to settle before buying into anyone’s knee-jerk diagnoses.
Step 3: Remember That We’ve Been Here Before
Yes, it feels dark. But take a look back: McGovern, Gore, Kerry, Clinton in ’16—losses that felt like the end. And yet, the progressive movement not only survived but came back stronger each time. Trump 2.0 is tough, no doubt, but it’s not the death of the left. We’ve rebounded from calamity before, and we’ll do it again.
Step 4: Prepare for the (Second) First 100 Days
Buckle up; it’s going to be a bumpy ride. Trump’s going to be itching to put his foot on the gas pedal in ways we’d rather not imagine. Pick your vice (hey, no judgment) and settle in—it’s going to be uncomfortable. But you know what? We’ve weathered storms before. This is just another one.
Step 5: Unite Under a Symbol
Symbols have power. Think of the peace sign during the anti-war era, the “Not My President” chants for George W. Bush in 2000, or even Katniss’s three-finger salute. The point is, we need something we can rally around. Community is powerful, and in the last go-round, “Resist” became our rallying cry. This time, let’s find something equally impactful. And let’s avoid anything as diabolically lame as “Let’s Go Brandon.”
Step 6: Support the Organizations That Will Be Doing the Heavy Lifting
Pick a cause. Seriously, find an organization fighting the good fight and set up recurring donations. There are groups that will be on the front lines defending democracy, civil rights, and the environment. Here are a few that need our help:
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU): The ACLU will likely be at the forefront of legal battles over voter rights, civil liberties, and privacy issues. They’ve been instrumental in challenging unconstitutional policies and defending individual rights.
Planned Parenthood: In a post-Roe world, Planned Parenthood is vital for protecting reproductive health care access, education, and rights. They’ve been fighting hard to keep health services available despite legislative threats.
NAACP Legal Defense Fund: For anyone passionate about fighting racial inequality, the NAACP LDF is a leading voice in civil rights litigation, voting rights, and education equity.
Climate Justice Alliance (CJA): With a focus on grassroots climate action, the CJA works with local communities to address environmental justice and the impacts of climate change on vulnerable populations.
Local Bail Funds and Mutual Aid Networks: While big organizations are essential, small-scale, locally-focused groups play a critical role, too. Support a local bail fund, mutual aid group, or food pantry. They’re doing powerful work on the front lines, often with limited resources.
While we’re talking about supporting these essential organizations, let’s remember that the wealthy backers of certain policies have deep pockets. Setting up a small, recurring donation is our “eat the rich” moment—redirecting some of that money back toward people-centered causes and keeping the resources where they belong: supporting people, not padding profit.
Step 7: Show Up—Your Voice Matters
Getting involved with local groups is a powerful way to take action. Here are some ideas for connecting with grassroots and political groups that will benefit from more hands on deck:
Indivisible: Indivisible groups are local, volunteer-run organizations focused on progressive values, building community, and holding representatives accountable. They also connect members with campaigns, protests, and events.
Democratic Socialists of America (DSA): For people looking for a more left-leaning community, DSA chapters work on everything from local electoral campaigns to economic justice and labor organizing. DSA’s reach has been growing, and they can be an impactful option for mobilizing.
Local Political Parties and Community Groups: Local Democratic Party groups are great for getting involved in precinct-level efforts, and there are often opportunities to join committees, attend town halls, and volunteer at community events. Local community organizations, like neighborhood councils, are always looking for engaged people to help with advocacy and community projects.
Swing Left: For those in swing districts (or who don’t mind a drive!), Swing Left connects volunteers with key races and grassroots efforts to flip seats. You can sign up for canvassing, letter-writing, or phone banking efforts that help support local candidates.
Local Nonprofits Working on Social Justice: Beyond political organizations, there are nonprofits in every city addressing issues like housing, criminal justice reform, and education access. Volunteering regularly with groups like Habitat for Humanity, local housing rights organizations, or advocacy groups can build community and offer hands-on impact.
Step 8: Yes, 2025 Elections Matter (Like, Really Matter)
Don’t sleep on the local elections. These are the places where we can put in progressive, thoughtful leaders who care about their communities. MAGA might be too busy high-fiving themselves to notice what we’re doing on the ground level. Perfect time to make some serious progress.
Step 9: Watch the Midterms (The President’s Party Usually Loses Seats)
There’s a reason presidents often lose big in the midterms. In two years, we’ll have the chance to flip some seats and regain some power. Trump’s policies? They’re not popular with the average American. Overturning Roe woke people up, and as Republicans keep trying to roll back rights and freedoms, they’ll feel the backlash. We’re poised to make gains—let’s do it.
Step 10: Lame-Duck Trump
After the midterms, we may just get a Trump without Congress. By then, his influence within his own party might even start to crumble. He’s nothing if not a self-saboteur. Hang tight—the power shift is closer than it feels.
Step 11: The Rise of J.D. Vance (But...Everyone Hates J.D. Vance)
Look, if Trump tries to groom Vance as his successor, we’re not exactly quaking in our boots. Vance is... well, let’s just say he doesn’t have the magnetic appeal. We’ve got an incredible roster of Democratic candidates waiting to take the stage, and that’s our moment to reclaim the narrative.
Step 12: Remember—Trump Doesn’t Represent the Majority of Americans
While we’re still waiting on the final turnout numbers from 2024, here’s an important perspective: Trump doesn’t actually represent a majority of the country. When we look at the past few elections, only a fraction of eligible voters have ever voted for him. In 2016, Trump received votes from just 27.27% of eligible voters, and in 2020, this rose only slightly to 30.85%.
For context, the average voter turnout over the last four elections has been about 57.1%, with a major spike in 2020 when 65.9% of eligible voters turned out. This high turnout was driven largely by accessible voting options and heightened political engagement, particularly among Democratic-leaning groups. For Trump, higher voter turnout has historically posed a challenge, as his support tends to thrive when fewer people make it to the polls.
In other words, while Trump may have a loud and loyal base, it’s not representative of the country as a whole. There is, in fact, a strong anti-MAGA majority, and it’s growing. Our task now is to keep that majority mobilized, motivated, and ready to participate. Supporting organizations and causes that fight for accessible, inclusive democracy is one way to ensure that the voices of the majority don’t get drowned out.
Step 13: Don’t Lose Sight of the Pendulum
Remember, after the chaos of George W. Bush, we got Obama. The pendulum swings, always. Trump’s return may feel overwhelming, but history is on our side. We’ll come out of this, and when we do, it’ll be with the chance to push forward meaningful, progressive change.
Four years is a long time. We’re going to need a lot of patience, resolve, and, let’s be honest, maybe a few more bottles of wine. But the path is here. How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. Let’s get to work.
