A Reflection on Austin’s Response to a Divided Nation
AUSTIN, Texas – Texas has long been a major player in presidential elections, consistently leaning Republican since Jimmy Carter's 1976 victory. So, it was no surprise when Donald Trump easily claimed the state’s 40 electoral votes on Tuesday.
Yet, here in Austin, a progressive pocket amid a deeply conservative state, the aftermath of the election feels distinctly different. For those of us watching from this city, Austin presents an opportunity to reflect on how America—divided politically and ideologically—might begin to heal and move forward. There are many legitimate concerns about the future under a president who has been convicted of a crime, who has voiced authoritarian tendencies, and who has taken aggressive stances on everything from immigration to women's rights. But alongside these concerns, there is also a critical question: how did we, as a country, reach this point? And, as journalists, how can we take responsibility for the role we played in shaping the public’s understanding of the election?
Interestingly, in Austin, the post-election discourse seems to be, well, almost absent. People aren’t openly discussing Trump’s victory. Whether this is due to a uniquely Texas sense of personal space or a deliberate choice to avoid confrontation, the conversation around the election has been muted. There’s no denying the deeper political tensions at play, but Austin's atmosphere feels marked by a kind of civil coexistence—an attitude of mutual respect that can often be absent in more polarized parts of the country.
This spirit of civility might be partly explained by the city’s unique local journalism landscape. The Texas Tribune, a respected news outlet, provides comprehensive and trustworthy coverage of the state and local issues, something that is increasingly rare across the U.S. as local news organizations face closures at an alarming rate. In a time when the media landscape feels fragmented, the Tribune’s ability to foster informed dialogue and bridge divides is something worth emulating.
Moreover, Austin is a city of contrasts, which mirrors the broader cultural and political divides in America. At the heart of this city is the University of Texas at Austin, a prestigious academic institution founded with oil money in a state that now leads the nation in renewable energy usage. In the streets of Austin, you’ll encounter old-school oil executives rubbing shoulders with young tech entrepreneurs riding scooters. Just a few minutes away from the campus is Elon Musk’s sprawling Tesla factory, a symbol of modern industry in the very state that once built its wealth on fossil fuels. Musk’s move to Austin, despite the controversy it stirs, has undeniably contributed to the city’s economic growth, with Tesla creating jobs and reinvigorating local industries.
Despite the technological titan’s polarizing influence, there’s no denying that Austin thrives on its blend of old and new—conservative and progressive—energies. This is also evident in the political landscape, with figures like Attorney General Ken Paxton, a right-wing powerhouse, and progressive leaders like Beto O'Rourke, who continues the legacy of the late Ann Richards, the former governor who brought a spirited, unapologetic liberalism to Texas. Even in the wake of the election, Austin’s people seem more focused on getting things done—whether that means construction projects or launching startups—than on indulging in national political anxiety.
I spent time here listening to construction workers laboring on major downtown road projects, talking to young tech executives, and chatting with local musicians and ordinary citizens in the lobby of my hotel. Not once did anyone ask me for my thoughts on the election, or if I was worried about the future of the nation, as seems to be the case in many more polarized regions. There’s a sense here that, though the election results were consequential, life must go on, and there is room for cooperation amidst disagreement.
Perhaps Austin offers a model for the rest of America—a model where people with competing ideologies can still engage in constructive dialogue and coexist peacefully. The local news plays a crucial role in facilitating this exchange. The Texas Tribune and other local outlets provide much-needed transparency and give diverse voices the space to be heard. And beyond the news, there’s a palpable sense that people in this city—while politically diverse—are united in a desire to move forward together, not tear each other apart.
One anecdote I find particularly telling comes from a professor at the University of Texas who, despite her progressive views, opted for an unconventional way of processing the election results. Instead of obsessing over the outcome, she and some academic friends hosted a “no-watch” party. They skipped the election coverage and instead watched A Hard Day’s Night by the Beatles, making cocktails and sharing laughs. Her perspective sums up the local ethos: “I understand the stakes, but I’m not sure endlessly talking about it helps,” she said. “We want to focus on teaching journalism that brings people together, not divides them.”
In the wake of such a consequential election, Austin’s example of calm, measured engagement—without resorting to hysteria or tribalism—stands out. Perhaps this city, with its remarkable ability to balance competing visions of America, can help point the way forward for the rest of the country. If we’re to bridge the deep divides between us, we’ll need more local journalism that fosters trust and understanding—and a willingness to engage with those we disagree with, even if we don’t have all the answers.
America
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