It’s an epidemic. Among the cohort of my friends and relatives who consider themselves liberal, there is an almost universal reaction to the 2024 election: “I just can’t look at the news.” Conversations overheard in town express the same sentiment. The voice and image of the president-elect are so repugnant to many people that they can’t bring themselves to tune in.

I have had a similar reaction, which is a problem for someone who has spent his career as a news professional and who still writes about politics from time to time. It made me think about what is different between 2016 and 2024.

The election of 2016 was a shock, and the reaction to it was distinctive. The day after Donald Trump’s inauguration in January 2017, Vermonters gathered in what may have been the largest protest demonstration in the state’s history. The Women’s March in Montpelier brought thousands to the steps of the State House, motivated in part by Trump’s history of abusive behavior toward women and his crass, misogynistic language. Similar demonstrations occurred throughout the country. And there were other issues of concern. Trump was planning discriminatory immigration policies, which led to his so-called “Muslim ban,” which in itself produced huge protest demonstrations.

Now Trump has been re-elected despite the fact that he has been found liable in civil court for defaming the woman he was found to have raped. So much for the ardent feminism of the Women’s March. In fact, he was re-elected despite a long catalogue of crimes and misdemeanors that led to two impeachments. So much for liberal outrage.

Thus, as events unfold over the next few years, it will be hard for people to remain impervious to the news. At the same time, it will be all the more important for people to hold closely to the democratic values that eschew violence and promote equality and fairness. The news is going to happen, and attention must be paid.