Rue: (verb), to regret some act or course of action or fact about oneself and wish it undone or altered.

After the recent U.S. election, the question, ‘how to change my vote,’ surged on Google. Another common search was ‘how do tariffs work?’. Buzzfeed, a web site that defines itself as a social news and entertainment company is asking people, “Do you regret your vote for Trump? Tell us why.”

The winning side is expecting cheaper eggs and gasoline. That might not be what they get. In sales parlance we call that a ‘Bait and Switch’. When a buyer is happy with their choice they say, “Look what I bought.” When a buyer is unhappy they say, “Look what you sold me.”

I’m Canadian. Therefore, I should probably keep my mouth shut. But, to paraphrase Trudeau senior, it’s like we’re sleeping next to an elephant–we’re subject to every twitch and grunt. Like it or not, we’re going to experience repercussions from those votes, regardless of how many voter’s have remorse.

The next top google search should be, “So now what?”. When things are going well, voter turnout drops; people are comfortable and complacent. The 2024 election had the highest voter turnout since women gained the right to vote more than a century ago. Apparently, neither side is comfortable right now.

It is easy to be pessimistic. Optimism, on the other hand, is hard work; it requires energy, focus, and conscious redirection of thought. Optimism is a choice. Maybe, just maybe, voter remorse will provide a catalyst for more thoughtful dialogue and actions going forward.

Keep your joy.

Anne Milne is an every Sunday blogger, unless it’s a holiday weekend. Or summertime. Facebook or sign up for delivery to your email.