A packed Islington bar marked the 2024 US Election with their first live watch party in eight years, and as Donald Trump claimed victory, NELondoner went along to see how it unfolded.
The Lexington saw around 500 people come through the doors to watch broadcasts of the CNN and BBC coverage from 10pm to 5am, and offered a range of American fancies, including specialist bourbons.
Passionate Kamala Harris supporters led the crowd’s energy in the first few hours of the watch party, but as Trump’s chances increased, the atmosphere drastically shifted.
Lily Ston, a Boston, Massachusetts student studying abroad in London, said: “I just feel for every woman everywhere in the world, regardless of their politics.”
The calling of the likes of Vermont, Maryland and Connecticut in the early stages were met with thunderous applause and optimism from Democratic hopefuls.
Anais Tran Ngoc, a French American who was at the event with her boyfriend, said: “I don’t think you can support Trump with any coherent argument behind it.”
However, Trump supporters maintained their optimism and soon their energy was the only one felt in the room.
Robert Salihi from Shepherds Bush was one of the punters proudly wearing a MAGA hat.
He said: “I think that Trump, as he’s got older, has toned down his rhetoric and has been able to appeal to a variety of different demographics, age groups and races.
“I think a lot of people are upset with the wars, natural disasters and the economy, and Trump answers those questions.
“I’ve spoken to people who were anti-Trump in 2016, who have now voted for him in this election, which is a good sign.”
As the tone of the night changed, Harris supporters departed for the night, and the few red MAGA hats that seemed drowned out in the early hours ruled the room.
The Lexington’s booking manager Matthew Hall said that in 2016 they had to pass out tissues to crying members of the crowd after Trumps win and eventually kick them out, and he had a sinking feeling that was going to happen again this year.
Trump made huge gains nationwide, taking key swing states including Pennsylvania and North Carolina before the event ended at 5am.
Featured image credit: Alexandra Snow
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