As Portland navigates the aftermath of a divisive presidential election, the city is finding ways to process, reflect, and move forward. From festive tunes to fostering understanding, the local response has been as unique as Portland itself.
Christmas Music as a Balm for Divisiveness
Radio104.1 The Fish took an unconventional approach to Election Day this year, swapping political discourse for holiday cheer. Beginning at 9 a.m. on Election Day, the station launched an all-Christmas music lineup to last through the holiday season.
Chris Kelly, the station’s program director, explained the decision: “Election Day often brings tension and division, so we thought it would be the perfect moment to share our message of comfort and joy through Christmas music.” The idea, Kelly noted, is to remind listeners of the unifying themes of the holiday season: family, faith, and togetherness.
Sue Wilson, the marketing and promotions director, added, “Holiday music helps us connect with a broader audience, and this year, we hope it serves as a comforting backdrop during a time when emotions are running high.”
Processing Election Results at the University of Portland
While some Portlanders turned to holiday jingles for solace, others sought deeper dialogue. At the University of Portland (UP), students gathered for a post-election “decompression session” to grapple with the emotional toll of the election. Vice President Kamala Harris may have won Oregon, but her national loss left many students feeling a mix of sadness, confusion, and frustration.
“I’ve been feeling like there’s a cloud over my head,” shared UP senior Sophia Barton, reflecting on her emotional investment in the election. For her and others, the results were more than political—they felt personal.
To address these feelings, UP offers courses like “Democracy and Diversity,” which emphasize constructive dialogue. Professor Anne Santiago, who facilitated the decompression event, explained the importance of understanding opposing viewpoints. “Constructive dialogue is about listening and curiosity—not about being right or wrong,” she said. Students like Barton are applying these principles to better understand and connect with people who hold different political beliefs.
For senior Tait Vigeland, whose conservative family celebrated the election results, this approach has been particularly meaningful. “I’m trying to focus on seeing people as more than their political choices,” Vigeland said. “One perspective doesn’t define who they are.”
A City Finding Common Ground
Portland’s response to the election highlights the city’s resilience and creativity in fostering unity. Whether through Christmas music or meaningful conversations, the city is seeking ways to bridge divides and promote understanding.
Impact on Local Businesses
This spirit of reflection and unity extends beyond personal relationships to Portland’s business community. For industries like legal services, including a Portland truck accident lawyer, the election’s aftermath offers an opportunity to connect with clients on a deeper level. As emotions run high and priorities shift, businesses can position themselves as compassionate and understanding partners.
In Portland, the season of giving—and listening—has begun in earnest, offering a glimpse of hope in turbulent times.
