Despondent Democrats view Donald Trump’s astounding victory as a sign of the apocalypse, with their beachhead of White House power suddenly engulfed by a tidal wave of angry populism. Triumphant Republicans, on the other hand, feel energized and exultant over the electorate’s unexpected right turn, with newly mobilized hordes surging to the polls to power GOP victories at every level.

In the midst of such emotional reactions to the recent contest, both sides should take a few deep breaths and pause for a closer look at the actual numbers that emerged from the election. These figures provide little reason for Democratic desperation, and scant basis for swelling Republican confidence in facing the future….

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