The verdict is in: Donald Trump has been elected. He will therefore be the 45th President of the United States and will be invested in the White House on 20 January 2017. A victory against all odds that stunned all political observers around the globe.
Currently on a mission to Hawaii to write the next guide to the destination, we attended the election results at the Democratic HQ in Honolulu, Barack Obama's birthplace, on November 8, 2016
The story of an evening that turned into a nightmare for Hillary Clinton's supporters, many of whom live in Hawaii, a traditionally Democratic state
In the United States, citizens usually watch election results at home, with their families, in front of their television screens. So when we started asking the locals where the political parties of the two candidates were going to meet for the election results, no one was able to answer us.
So to get the right information, we went to the Democratic Party HQ as soon as it opened at 9:00 a.m. in downtown Honolulu. There, one of the activists kindly invited us to the HQ election party that was to be held at the Japanese Cultural Center in Honolulu.
Invitation paper in pocket, we know we'll have to be there at 6:00. The results will start to come in at that time.
17h30
We take an Uber in Waikiki to go to the Japanese Cultural Center and watch the Democratic results. Very quickly, we explain to the driver where we're going. The young Hawaiian man, mixed like many locals, supports Hillary. As far as he's concerned, Trump can't win the election.
When suddenly a news flash comes in: Trump has just won Ohio, a key state. He's in shock. "No, that's not possible, it's not true. Ohio is huge. That's a bad sign. Frankly, if Trump is the next president of the United States, I'm leaving the country and going to live in New Zealand. "It is true that New Zealand is only a few hours' flight from Hawaii..
At the same time, Hillary Clinton tweets "Whatever happens tonight. Thank you all for your support. "Not exactly a winning tone.
18h
We arrive at the Japanese Cultural Center. Direction the Manoa Ballroom, the room on the 5th floor, where the headquarters of the Democratic Party met for the evening.
And now, it's stupor. The room is almost empty, the audience is sparse. Faces are worried and closed. The mood is really not in the party. Still, the room looks like a fair. Hawaii Together with Hillary" banners are everywhere, a large free buffet is offered to the guests and artists parade on stage.
But when we arrived, not even the music was happy. The singer sings the famous "My Way". Not exactly a victory song either..
However, one of the activists tells us "All is not lost, if Hillary wins a few key states like Florida, she can still win. »
7:00-9:00 p.m
But as the evening progresses, the results are not good. Hillary loses many key states, including Florida. Looks like she's losing her way.
Activists have tears in their eyes. On stage, a new music group tries to put balm in the heart of the activists but sadness sets in. The tension is palpable on the faces.
Some of the activists even leave the room, displeased.
At approximately 7:30 p.m., Hawaiian Democratic Senator Brian Schatz speaks. He's very moved, his eyes are misty. He made a speech in which he expressed his sadness and amazement, "Tonight we realize with horror how many citizens of this country do not share our values of tolerance and respect for minorities. "He also thanks all the activists with great emotion.
The games aren't over, but it's clear that Hillary's defeat is imminent. One activist takes her head in her hands and seems stunned by the results: Trump is rounding up most of the American states, including key states. It's a disaster.
Even if Hillary Clinton's defeat is not finally made official until a few hours later, everyone already knows that she lost
When we run into the activist who invited us to the party, we ask, "So do you think she can still win? ». "It's almost impossible now. She's definitely gonna lose. "he says, holding back his tears.
And, indeed, Hillary Clinton lost.
And, even though the Democrats won the state of Hawaii, Trump's victory truly stunned those activists who still can't get over it.
9:00-9:00 p.m
We're leaving Democratic HQ and heading back to Waikiki.
Here too, a kind of end-of-the-world atmosphere reigns in paradise. Bars like the Duke, which are usually bustling and where all the tourists are slumming it while listening to ukulele music, are almost empty, as if the Hawaiians were in mourning.
In front of such a heavy atmosphere, we finally settle down on the beach of Waikiki to breathe a little. Suddenly you see Buddhist monks playing in the water. Yes. A surprising, surreal image. And, apart from the Trump fans we didn't meet, these monks seem to be the only ones having fun tonight in Waikiki.
Intrigued, we ask these monks about their presence here..
They came to present their film at the Honolulu Film Festival which is currently taking place in the Hawaiian capital.
It is a documentary "1000 hands of the guru" that tells the story of their work to preserve the sacred arts in their country. For them, it's a consecration to be here and jump into the crystal clear waters of Waikiki. One of them even knows how to surf, he's ecstatic.
Trump? They don't think about it. You can even feel it's the least of their worries.
So this meeting was a real valve in such a tense evening. A moment of zenitude with monks from a country that has made happiness one of its national priorities.
