For more than two years, we’ve been asking pretty much everyone we meet a version of the same question:Who are you going to vote for and why?And on Wednesday morning, we had the answer to that question. Or at least the first part.Donald Trump easily won the electoral vote, and as of early Thursday, he’s on track to win the popular vote too.The second part of the question — the why of 2024 — is a little more complicated. It will take time to answer in its entirety.But we wanted to start small, by talking with one Michigan voter. She came to mind on election night, when it became clear that it was going to be a Trump victory and that the sweep of his support was telling a new story about this country.  Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

The Run-Up

One Voter to Understand Trump’s Win

For months now, “The Run-Up” has been traveling around the country talking with people, trying to ensure that when today came, whatever happened wouldn’t feel like a surprise.So as people go to the polls to cast their vote for Kamala Harris, Donald Trump or someone else, we wanted to return to the place where we started almost exactly a year ago.Clallam County, in the northwest corner of Washington State.It’s the last true bellwether county in America. Voters there have correctly picked the president every year since 1980.Last year, what we found in Clallam really did match the mood of the country.Democrats were worried about Joe Biden’s age. Some Republicans were hoping they might have an option other than Donald Trump. And overall, people expressed frustration with their options and both political parties.On Election Day, we return to Clallam to hear what’s on the minds of these voters — people whose feelings and decisions could reflect how the country votes. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

A Final Dispatch From America’s Bellwether

“The Run-Up” is your guide to understanding the 2024 election. Host Astead W. Herndon talks to the people whose decisions will make the difference. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Listen to this podcast in New York Times Audio, our new iOS app for news subscribers. Download now at nytimes.com/audioapp

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The Run-Up

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