P&J’s reporter Lindsay Razaq, in Detroit, Michigan
At the start of the Democrat election party in Detroit, the mood was optimistic.
The ballroom at the glitzy MGM Grand Hotel and casino was full of people confident that Hillary Clinton would become the first female president of the United States.
But a few hours in, the atmosphere changed and people began to leave in their droves as it emerged Donald Trump was going to win.
It was meant to be a celebration, but the organisers shut the event down even before the Michigan result had been called.
Many were in tears, shocked that the Republican billionaire businessman had triumphed.
Shonnette Nedbal, 50, from Detroit, said she was fearful not just for America, but the whole world.
The nurse added: “I feel this is going to take us back in time. We are going back 50 years. That is so scary. We can’t afford that as women, as minorities.
“He’s not stable and he certainly doesn’t have the experience. He has a bad temper and that’s what’s very scary.”
Special needs teacher Dorian Evans, 49, also from Detroit, said she was disappointed so many had voted for Mr Trump.
But she added: “I think we need to hear their voices, hear why they feel that he was the candidate of choice.”
In contrast, the night was one of jubilation for the tycoon’s supporters.
James Morrison, acting Washington bureau chief for conservative news operation NewsmaxTV who is descended from Western Isles Scots, praised Mr Trump’s “presidential and humble” victory speech.
He added: “Clearly the American people have spoken, especially those who felt they had no voice for so long.
“Now the hard work begins to make America great again.”
Northern Virginia-based retired US army colonel Patrick Murray said he was pleased it had been a “clean and clear victory”.
The former congressional candidate, who is descended from Dunbar Scots, added: “In addition to focusing on a successful transition and policy initiatives, we now need to work on healing the divisions in our country.
“I understand that while many of us are very happy, there are many Americans who feel bitter and angry. Trump must be a president for all Americans.
“I appreciated Hillary’s concession speech. I thought she was very gracious.”
He said he hoped the Obama administration would be helpful in the transition, which the outgoing president has indicated it will be.
