50 Of The Internet’s Hilarious Reactions To The USA Presidential Election
When it seems like there’s only so much stress a person can take, the 2020 presidential election has proved the sky is the limit. Americans have spent the past couple of days glued to their screens and live election trackers in hopes of ending their sleepless nights and curbing their impending sense of doom.
The wait for the voting results has bent time and space. Hours seem longer than ever, days go in slow-mo, and ballot counting feels like an IV drip, painfully long and needlessly exhausting.
But the internet is a magical place, and whatever happens in the world around us, both the good and the bad find shelter here. That’s why people are taking to social media to share their election reactions, which is becoming a kind of meme in itself. From people saying they’re pulling up to Nevada to count the ballots, to checking the map every 5 minutes to see if the votes have changed, this has been an ultramarathon in anxiety and people are still rolling.
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To find out more about what it’s like for Americans to wait on the election results, Bored Panda reached out to Twitter user @strawbearysal, who tweeted one of the funny election reactions with the caption “This is everyone checking the map every 5 minutes to see if the votes in Nevada changed.”
@strawbearysal told us that waiting was absolutely nerve-wracking. “I’m a college student and I found myself not being able to focus on schoolwork because of how anxious I was waiting for the results.”
The Twitter user also told us that there have been 100 emotions that they've gone through during this time. In fact, @strawbearysal has been on the edge of their seat since November because “Anything could happen during the vote-counting period.”
Luckily, “The memes help a lot in keeping calm.”
On the other hand, @strawbearysal believes that this is going to be a historic election. “The voter turnout and states that are usually red turning out to be blue this year. People are ready for a change.”
At this boiling point of the vote counting, @strawbearysal suggests staying positive. “It doesn’t matter what’s happening right now—all votes will be counted and we will receive fair election results soon,” the Twitter user concluded and we can’t agree more!
When it seems like there weren’t enough things to worry about these days, the US presidential election has surely added fuel to the fire. A recent survey conducted by the American Psychological Association and Harris Poll found that 68% of American adults say that the current election has caused significant stress in their lives. In comparison, ahead of the 2016 election, only 52% of Americans said the same thing.
Interestingly, the findings also indicated that the increased stress levels were present and consistent across the political parties: 76% of Democrats, 67% of Republicans, and 64% of Independents reported election-related stress.
The American Psychological Association suggests a couple of tactics for easing that tremendous sense of election anxiety. Avoid dwelling on worst-case scenarios, because fear breeds negative emotions. Make sure you have a voting plan and an election day plan ready, so that you have some emotional support from friends and family to help you through the nerve-wracking wait.
And lastly, try to control your use of social media, because focusing on things that you can control may be soul-soothing. “If following the news, watching the debates, or scrolling through social media is causing you stress, limit your media consumption,” writes APA.
Exactly: 4.6 million MORE of your neighbors voted for tRump this year than did in 2016 - message to: POC, LGBTQ, women, Jews, Muslims, native populations, latinos, immigrants? Approximately 66 million Americans voted against your right to exist freely and equally in this country - THAT is what Biden/Harris and the rest of us are really facing.
In the end, try staying active because “Moving helps us release the energy we experience when we feel stressed.” So at this point, there’s no better thing to do than taking your corgi out for a walk. I mean, when was the last time you turned your head to see the sky?
A true American hero, the late great Senator John McCain, is surely smiling while his home State of Arizona just gave the proverbial "thumbs down" to President Trump.
Remember when Trump said John McCain was "not a war hero" and that Trump "like(s) people who weren't captured..." ?
Maybe Cindy McCain's endorsement of Biden turned this whole election.
It is incredibly poetic that John McCain's home State is the one that turns this election for Biden.
EXACTLY! This is the best tweet thus far... I'm going out to twitter to find this and re-tweet!
Seriously... I also love how all those "Christians" lined right up behind this damaged human being whose existence violates every principle and belief Jesus had and preached. SMFH
That is what makes me realise that this isn't a victory or an end to the division. Either way it's four (and more) more years.''
I disagree. The result of this election will affect the rest of the world too.
I see the results turning out badly whichever way it turns out. I predict that The riots and violence happening right now will be nothing compared to whats to come. It won’t help that Trump will fuel the fire ESPECIALLY if he loses. I am scared for America.
Dear World: We in the US understand the concept of multi-party elections. We simply have two parties that dominate b/c they have the $$$$. Donate to the other parties if you want to see it change. Love, An American
Note: this post originally had 105 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.
As a non-american, I am just looking with shock to what is happening. Apparently, about 70 million people voted for a president who – ignoring anything that has been before – has been spreading nothing but lies ever since the votes closed, much of which shatters the trust in the institutions of democracy itself. And his followers do not seem to mind that he has no evidence, or even worse, he does not even have real accusations. He simply states facts about irregularities as to his own pleasure. This is disgusting, shameful, and very dangerous. I am not entitled to judge the American people, but I feel entitled to wish them brighter days.
I agree, it's so alarming to see an entire party and its followers do everything they can to undermine the very democracy that they claim to be so proud of. The lengths that they are trying to go to to win at any cost. The Trump administration has exposed just how weak American democracy is. At this point, I'm very worried about the future of the country, as Trump has proved that you can lie, cheat, play the system and there's not a damn thing anyone can do about it.
Correction: there’s not a damn thing the Republicans in power were willing to do about it.
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Damn all i see is a bunch of damn pussys grow a pair will ya? Lmfao f**k trump but man ya'll ignorant as heeck saying he did nothing for the country well s**t what did Obama do? Build the cages? Well yeah he did what else?obamacare?which is total garbage what else? Literally what else? Trump lowered taxes so yall can live better lol whats biden gonna do? Make them higher ooohh thats gonna be good i bet ✌ man i cant wait for america to crumblr under biden all you SJW should never have a right to vote this world is based on facts and reality not on feelings lmao...speaking of destroying the usa...The left was destroying america not long ago? Lol?
Asvat ?
Shattering trust in democracy is the first best step to fascism. Trump studied that. It's how he ran business. ANd he runs the country like he does businesses.... And we could use some better days, thanks!
As an American, judge away, Hans. You ain't wrong.
Hans - shocking isn't the world for it. It's terrifying, demoralizing and other "izing" words I'm just too tired to come up with. It's been a loong four years.
Just make sure it never happens in your country. :( Regardless of outcome, I'm moving to the UK next year, and I see some of the same trends happening there as well and it scares me a bit. It could happen to any country.
Doubleheader easy
I have to agree, I live in the UK and I can see the gradual slide towards where America is, admittedly it's more subtle than the batsh1t crazy orange slaphead but it's there. The problem here seems to be down to cr@p politicians that no one wants to vote for, the result being that we get people not fit for office that are voted in solely because they aren't as bad as the other candidates, although there are more and more pig ignorant racists coming out of the woodwork. Just remember they're in the minority and hopefully that clueless blond mop in charge of the UK will be out next election (the left actually have a decent centrist candidate who has his head screwed on, I've never voted Labour in my life and fully intend to vote for him next election).
Hans, I could not agree with you more. I cannot fathom how people can vote for someone who supports and glorifies racism, misogyny, homophobia, etc. It both baffles and terrifies me when more than 234K people have died of C-19 in the United States and their president has not taken action or offered any type of empathy-- yet blind followers still vote for him. Trump's presidency has shown just how divided the United States is, and has exposed so many issues that have always been festering under the surface. In what world do people think that intimidating voters and a president suing a state and demanding recounts is normal?
Edward thinks that because politicians lie once in a while it is okay for Trump about everything. Humans and politicians both lie but are not even on the same planet with the amount lies that come from Trump. Also you trying to justify his lies by saying they are bandstanding (whatever that word means) means that we should just ignore everything the most powerful person in the world says and accept that strange reality. You are a clown!
I feel you Hans. Both candidates are probably shady as hell, but one has already had his chance (and blew it) so give the other guy a shot. If he also blows it, bring in a new person.
I cannot even say something about Biden, and I should not as an external. However, what Trump does lets all autocrats, all anti-democrats rejoice. He in fact battles the freedom that his followers claim to seek.
@Wendillon: there are a people on here who are tired or in the middle of something so they can’t fight for their ideals as fervently as they want. Your words are still absorbed even if you didn’t plan to promote change. So I thank you and the many others who decide to leave poignant, kind, and/or helpful comments instead.
Wendillon: What kind of BSABSVR s#!t is this? Both candidates are not shady as hell. One of them is referred to as “Individual 1” and the other is Joe Biden.
A lot of Americans "reason" and present arguments based on false information and made up nonsense. I am convinced that they like seeing someone like that in office. The problem is that countering false information with expertise requires logic on the part of the speaker -and- the listener. His followers are brainwashed by alt right news stations (no, I don't mean Fox News). It isn't the same Republican Party it was in even 2012. I find the Democrats too conservative as a rule, so I was certainly never a Republican, but the party was once run by competent individuals. I disagreed with them, but I could debate because the majority recognized facts, logic, and professional expertise. There was a grudging respect between parties. Now anything a person does not want to hear is "fake news" and dismissed out of hand regardless of the source. It's the six year old mentality that is so disturbing. "I want X, so I will believe X regardless of any new data." I don't know if we can fix this.
Jenna Good response!
Thank you we need all the help we can get.
Sometimes you choose to vote for who is the least worst. Biden is not the perfect candidate either.
Pervinca ?
homeboy imagine how we democrats feel.
You say "He simply states facts about irregularities as to his own pleasure" and this strikes me as a deeply untrue statement....he does NOT state facts...he makes statements he pretends are factual but are based on his own pleasure. There are no proven facts in his statements. Just to clarify (I know it's pedantic, but facts matter) ~
Surly Gale what
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Yeah, I know. A politician lying. It’s never happened before and it is explicit only to Trump.
So...because other politicians lie it's okay for Trump to lie? There's a lot wrong with that way of thinking friend. Regardless of what type of people the candidates are, the fact is that Trump had a chance to show the world what he could do and he blew it. Logic dictates that Biden should now be given his chance. If he also blows it, then a new person should be given a shot. Keep trying new presidents until one actually keeps their promises instead of defending the ones that keep breaking them.
Edward, darling, I don't particularly care whether or not my comments are pointless. I'm a random stranger on the internet sharing my opinion, not some activist trying to promote change. You really think I'd be on BoredPanda if I was trying to impact something?
@Edward: you pretty much illustrate one apparent side of this problem. I do not take a political position, I merely criticise obviously unethical behaviour of a politician. Whatever name he might have. You do not even try to counter my claims but actually even acknowledge them (you implicitely agree that Trump lied) but try to justify it. Why would anyone justify the behaviour of a politician, save maybe for a fanatic? Why, even worse, justify what you likely has been raised to condemn (lying)?
The point is that, we are not talking about other politicians right now. We are talking about Trump. And two wrongs don't make a right.
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Wenddilion and Hans: You’re both disingenuously ignoring the reality. Intelligent, rational people recognised his statements as grandstanding which would impact nothing. No one believes him now or at the time. Your comments are pointless (Hans even said he was taking no position) rhetoric.
I think issues like abortion play a much bigger role in these decisions than people are willing to acknowledge. If pro-life is the hill you're willing to die on and Republicans are representing you in that, you're gonna vote for Trump even if you disagree with his everything. If your whole family and town's income hinges on mining fossil fuels, you're gonna vote for the people who promise not to eliminate it. There's too many issues to be represented by just two parties, and small upstarts like the Green party won't be able to make headway against the political juggernauts we have now. We need to deliberately split the parties down so people can more fully vote in keeping with their beliefs instead of having to choose one make-or-break issue to hinge all political decisions on.
Those "pro-life", one issue trump supporters conveniently ignore the fact they've had the presidency, the Senate and House (for two years), plus a 5-4 majority on the Supreme Court and nothing was done about abortion. Republican politicians love the abortion issue - no other issue gives them so many unearned votes - why get rid of it?
Steve Armstrong love
Writing from and for a US audience: There was a great heaviness I felt while viewing the “Beyond Midnight: Paul Revere” exhibition. I suppose it’s a combination of different fears and trepidations sprinkled with disappointments. Our (US) founding fathers fought for freedom from tyranny, for “no taxation without representation.” That’s the simplest and romantic sentence I could possibly write in the moment. There’s always money and self-interests involved. To hold the title of citizenship and the power to cast your vote were supposed to mean something. We’ve been told every vote matters. That it’s our duty as adult citizens of our country. To deny counting of the votes, when the ballot is already completed, mailed by the election date is to go back on the basic ideals we hold dear. Whether you’re blue, red, rainbow, whatever ... this can’t be condoned. If anyone wants to chime in about citizenship in the ancient world and voting privileges. Let me get on bended knee and swoon.
I think my BIL summed it up best. People who voted for Trump be like - tAxEs, GoVerNmeNt, tHE bLaCks. (And we were talking about our own parents.)
K. - There is a pandemic. I am not spending the holidays with anyone but my husband. I can't trust that my family has been safe - since they are traveling and going to restaurants like it is nothing. In previous years, my younger sister just shuts the political talk down immediately. She is very adept at it.
K. - It is really hard to stay away. Especially when some of them are getting together. But my parents are all in their 60s. If they won't be careful, I have to be careful for them. And I think your sweatpants idea sounds lovely. I may join you in that.
@Tabitha: I’m struggling with the same thing. Being part of a family where people are divided. And not trusting that they have been careful. I will be spending the holidays alone, FaceTiming them and in my biggest sweatpants. Your younger sister is a wise woman.
Good luck during the holidays if you’re trying to spend it with family. Loving people who you disagree with over politics is hard.
We have become the laughingstock of the cosmos.
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I think you’re ignoring most of the world if you say that. It’s bad here sure, but I wouldn’t trade it for more than a few countries around the globe.
Ben Smith no
Ben Smith good
Yep. Money and self-interest. ANd yet, from their self-serving words grew great hope and great possibility for so many others, that it is phyiscal pain to me to see anyone say "votes shouldn't count despite the law". Without rule of law, without counted votes (no matter who gets them), there is no "America" as we wish and hope for it to be. IMHO. signed, American citizen.
Yes, it’s been hard to wrap my head around these last few months. The last four years in fact. “Great hope and great possibility for so many others.” There are so many people fighting the good fight. I’m just going to rest for a bit before getting back up. Becoming jaded is worse for me than being tired.
As a non-american, I am just looking with shock to what is happening. Apparently, about 70 million people voted for a president who – ignoring anything that has been before – has been spreading nothing but lies ever since the votes closed, much of which shatters the trust in the institutions of democracy itself. And his followers do not seem to mind that he has no evidence, or even worse, he does not even have real accusations. He simply states facts about irregularities as to his own pleasure. This is disgusting, shameful, and very dangerous. I am not entitled to judge the American people, but I feel entitled to wish them brighter days.
I agree, it's so alarming to see an entire party and its followers do everything they can to undermine the very democracy that they claim to be so proud of. The lengths that they are trying to go to to win at any cost. The Trump administration has exposed just how weak American democracy is. At this point, I'm very worried about the future of the country, as Trump has proved that you can lie, cheat, play the system and there's not a damn thing anyone can do about it.
Correction: there’s not a damn thing the Republicans in power were willing to do about it.
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
Damn all i see is a bunch of damn pussys grow a pair will ya? Lmfao f**k trump but man ya'll ignorant as heeck saying he did nothing for the country well s**t what did Obama do? Build the cages? Well yeah he did what else?obamacare?which is total garbage what else? Literally what else? Trump lowered taxes so yall can live better lol whats biden gonna do? Make them higher ooohh thats gonna be good i bet ✌ man i cant wait for america to crumblr under biden all you SJW should never have a right to vote this world is based on facts and reality not on feelings lmao...speaking of destroying the usa...The left was destroying america not long ago? Lol?
Asvat ?
Shattering trust in democracy is the first best step to fascism. Trump studied that. It's how he ran business. ANd he runs the country like he does businesses.... And we could use some better days, thanks!
As an American, judge away, Hans. You ain't wrong.
Hans - shocking isn't the world for it. It's terrifying, demoralizing and other "izing" words I'm just too tired to come up with. It's been a loong four years.
Just make sure it never happens in your country. :( Regardless of outcome, I'm moving to the UK next year, and I see some of the same trends happening there as well and it scares me a bit. It could happen to any country.
Doubleheader easy
I have to agree, I live in the UK and I can see the gradual slide towards where America is, admittedly it's more subtle than the batsh1t crazy orange slaphead but it's there. The problem here seems to be down to cr@p politicians that no one wants to vote for, the result being that we get people not fit for office that are voted in solely because they aren't as bad as the other candidates, although there are more and more pig ignorant racists coming out of the woodwork. Just remember they're in the minority and hopefully that clueless blond mop in charge of the UK will be out next election (the left actually have a decent centrist candidate who has his head screwed on, I've never voted Labour in my life and fully intend to vote for him next election).
Hans, I could not agree with you more. I cannot fathom how people can vote for someone who supports and glorifies racism, misogyny, homophobia, etc. It both baffles and terrifies me when more than 234K people have died of C-19 in the United States and their president has not taken action or offered any type of empathy-- yet blind followers still vote for him. Trump's presidency has shown just how divided the United States is, and has exposed so many issues that have always been festering under the surface. In what world do people think that intimidating voters and a president suing a state and demanding recounts is normal?
Edward thinks that because politicians lie once in a while it is okay for Trump about everything. Humans and politicians both lie but are not even on the same planet with the amount lies that come from Trump. Also you trying to justify his lies by saying they are bandstanding (whatever that word means) means that we should just ignore everything the most powerful person in the world says and accept that strange reality. You are a clown!
I feel you Hans. Both candidates are probably shady as hell, but one has already had his chance (and blew it) so give the other guy a shot. If he also blows it, bring in a new person.
I cannot even say something about Biden, and I should not as an external. However, what Trump does lets all autocrats, all anti-democrats rejoice. He in fact battles the freedom that his followers claim to seek.
@Wendillon: there are a people on here who are tired or in the middle of something so they can’t fight for their ideals as fervently as they want. Your words are still absorbed even if you didn’t plan to promote change. So I thank you and the many others who decide to leave poignant, kind, and/or helpful comments instead.
Wendillon: What kind of BSABSVR s#!t is this? Both candidates are not shady as hell. One of them is referred to as “Individual 1” and the other is Joe Biden.
A lot of Americans "reason" and present arguments based on false information and made up nonsense. I am convinced that they like seeing someone like that in office. The problem is that countering false information with expertise requires logic on the part of the speaker -and- the listener. His followers are brainwashed by alt right news stations (no, I don't mean Fox News). It isn't the same Republican Party it was in even 2012. I find the Democrats too conservative as a rule, so I was certainly never a Republican, but the party was once run by competent individuals. I disagreed with them, but I could debate because the majority recognized facts, logic, and professional expertise. There was a grudging respect between parties. Now anything a person does not want to hear is "fake news" and dismissed out of hand regardless of the source. It's the six year old mentality that is so disturbing. "I want X, so I will believe X regardless of any new data." I don't know if we can fix this.
Jenna Good response!
Thank you we need all the help we can get.
Sometimes you choose to vote for who is the least worst. Biden is not the perfect candidate either.
Pervinca ?
homeboy imagine how we democrats feel.
You say "He simply states facts about irregularities as to his own pleasure" and this strikes me as a deeply untrue statement....he does NOT state facts...he makes statements he pretends are factual but are based on his own pleasure. There are no proven facts in his statements. Just to clarify (I know it's pedantic, but facts matter) ~
Surly Gale what
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This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
Yeah, I know. A politician lying. It’s never happened before and it is explicit only to Trump.