I would like to address and possibly rebut a column recently published in the Sun-Gazette. In the aftermath of a heated election, a familiar narrative, espoused even here in this very paper, has taken hold: Trump won because voters were misled, duped by a stream of misinformation about the Biden administration. This view, though comforting to those seeking justification for a surprising outcome, misses the complexity of voter motivations–particularly those of Independent voters. It’s time to look beyond these simplistic explanations and appreciate the nuanced choices that tens of millions of Americans made at the ballot box.

First, let’s examine the claim that Trump’s victory rested solely on a diet of falsehoods. While it’s true that the political landscape is washed in hyperbole and exaggeration, to assume that millions of voters, especially Independents, were entirely misled is to do them a disservice. Independent voters are not the inept, stupid, uneducated buffoons this elitist view assumes they are. Independents often make choices based on lived experiences, current realities, and specific issues that matter to them. While campaign narratives about economic struggles or border security might be slightly amplified, these are not creations of fiction pulled from thin air, they are reflections of concerns that voters see and feel in their own daily lives.

For many, the economy is more than an abstract talking point; it’s the price at the pump, the grocery bill, and the stability of a paycheck. Independent voters, often seen as a bellwether in elections, may have voted for Trump not because they bought into “unvarnished lies” but because they believed their personal and economic interests aligned better with his policies than with those of the current administration.

Second, let’s examine the claim that “Voters are to blame”. Well, are the voters not to “blame” for the outcome of every election. Is that not the expected outcome of a country run by the people?

To argue that the Democratic Party and the Harris campaign were blameless in their loss oversimplifies the situation. Successful campaigns are not built only on having the “right” policies but also on effective communication, outreach, and the ability to resonate with voters. Trump’s messaging, like it or not, strikes a chord by distilling complex issues into impactful soundbites. If segments of the population, including Latino men, married women and suburban Independents, shifted in his favor, it can not simply be reduced to misinformation, misogyny, or racism; it reflects a failure of the opposing campaign to counter opposition policy effectively or to address voters’ priorities in a way that resonates.

Independents seek authenticity and practical solutions. If these voters did not feel heard or adequately represented by the Democratic campaign, they might have leaned toward what they saw as the alternative–an option that promised disruption or change, even with its known drawbacks or perceived shortcomings.

Third, let’s touch on the growing disillusionment among the public regarding politics. Many Americans view political processes with mistrust, believing them to be inherently “dirty” or “dishonest.” This isn’t limited to one party; it is an overarching skepticism about politics as a whole and is even the reason I am a registered Independent after leaving the Republican party almost a decade ago. This perspective often drives Independents to support candidates who seem like outsiders to the entrenched political machinery. Independent voters are sick and tired of the duplicity of poor choices between elitist establishment politicians. For these voters, Trump’s identity as a businessman and outsider still holds appeal, suggesting a break from what they see as a stagnant system.

This dynamic isn’t rooted in superficial reductionist reasoning, like simply seeing Trump on TV and thinking he “must be good.” It’s about a deep-seated belief that traditional politics isn’t working and that an outsider might deliver the shake-up needed to make progress. After all, the definition of insanity is repeating the same actions, while expecting different results.

These warnings of fascism and the potential impacts of Trump’s policies on marginalized groups and social programs are questionable at best if not manipulative propaganda itself. As if we don’t already have 4 years of a Trump administration to reference and see with our own eyes. Voter decisions are inherently about prioritization. When faced with a choice, people often weigh immediate issues against long-term outcomes. For some, concerns about inflation or job security today might outweigh projected policy consequences in the future.

Blaming voters for not acting in what one perceives as their “best interests” assumes a one-size-fits-all metric for what those interests are. Many voters have diverse reasons for their choices, including their economic, cultural, and social perspectives. A single narrative cannot capture this complexity of what’s best for entire groups of people.

Lastly, the call for more education and fact-checking is essential, but it must go deeper than simply reprimanding voters for their choices. To strengthen our democratic processes, media literacy should be emphasized across the political spectrum. People should be encouraged to think critically about information, but that also means understanding why certain messages resonate so strongly and addressing those root concerns.

Political discussions should aim to bridge divides rather than reinforce them. It’s not enough to say one side fell for lies; it’s about understanding why those messages resonate and finding ways to reach common ground. This is not just a task for the voters but for political leaders, media, and community voices who seek to elevate discourse.

Finally, labeling voters as misinformed or dismissing their choices as rooted in manipulation ignores their agency and the real, nuanced reasons they vote as they do. For an Independent voter, elections are not just about party allegiance or succumbing to misleading narratives–they are about evaluating which policies, candidates, and promises align most closely with their values and priorities. Understanding this complexity is key to meaningful political engagement and progress. Every conceivable demographic shifted in this past election, not everyone can simply be cast in the “willful idiot” bin. Perhaps some self-reflection is far overdue!

A lifelong resident of Muncy, Michael Clayton is an independent journalist and the co-host of “Between The Lines” an independent political podcast.