AP photo Women for Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump show their support as he arrives to speak during a campaign rally at J.S. Dorton Arena on Nov. 4, in Raleigh, N.C.

(Editor’s note: This is the first in a three-part series.)

The results from Nov. 5’s presidential election revealed Donald Trump received about 3.5 million more votes than Kamala Harris and he captured over 300 electoral college votes to become America’s 47th president. As compared to Donald Trump’s 2016 and 2020 bid for president, the votes secured revealed an improvement in virtually all demographic categories, including that of women.

On Wed. Nov. 6, I reached out to women across America – from both political parties — and asked for their reaction, in two sentences or less, to the election results. Thirty-six women, from 24 states, replied to my inquiry. The response was so large that this column boomeranged from an intended singular op-ed to a 3-part series. Why? Most newspapers do not want op-eds to exceed 800 net words. Each op-ed of this three-part series will be approximately 725 net words.

Speaking of words, according to F. Willis Johnson, United Methodist pastor and freelance writer for The Fulcrum, they paint vivid pictures for reason, discourse, sometimes to unite or divide, and sometimes to inspire or inflame.

Johnson feels the words used by Harris in her campaign painted a picture of the nation reaching for its highest ideals and to “push forward even when the path ahead proved challenging.” He reasoned Trump’s discourse conjured “a world of grievance, division and nostalgia for a bygone era. Harris’ words were inclusive, Trump’s are exclusive” (The Fulcrum, Nov. 7).

You may disagree with Johnson’s assessment, but words have different meanings to different people. As you read the words expressed by 36 women featured in this 3-part series, try your level best to comprehend the feelings women are conveying as many historians have repeatedly said women have been the soul of America since our founding moment; for the long-term betterment of our nation we must listen to their words and personal story.

“I wonder if this is what it felt like in Germany in 1932. I wonder if anyone saw what was coming and why so many people in the United States do not.” — Anne

“Apparently there are women who still want to set the table rather than be at the table. Disappointing.” — Helen

“As a professional woman, I worked for years to overcome the glass ceiling and harassment just to have a president elected who has set me back 48 years based on his actions towards women. I also have a transgender niece and a gay niece who are being told that they don’t have the same rights as I do based on the Republican platform.” — Jen

“Oh, I could write a symphony on Trump’s blatant misogyny.” — Amy

“I am sickened by the voters who find it acceptable for women to die of sepsis or hemorrhage in a hospital parking lot, because the allure of saving a few bucks on their grocery bill is their more compelling priority. I find the lack of intelligence and critical thinking skills among American voters to be astounding.” — Jennifer

“I was absolutely shocked that an intelligent, competent, joy filled woman with extensive accomplishments lost to a man who is a liar, assaults women and is a felon on 34 counts. My next thought was fear for the future of my children, grand and great grandchildren.” — Irene

“The hardest thing for me to accept about the results of the election is that – hateful, hurtful false rhetoric, racism, misogyny, homophobia (need I go on) – is what my fellow Americans want. We know exactly what Trump is, and we endorsed it.” — Nita

“What do I have to say – I say my soul is crushed. I believe we have set in motion a vicious new world order of dangerous destruction, hate and greed.” — Maggie

“Why in the hell do men get to control our (female) reproductive rights? It’s not a political issue because it’s a women’s right to have control of her own body.” — Jane

“Helpless . . . hopeless . . . hidden . . . in this antiquated America of malignant masculinity.” — Devon

“I’ve always taught my children and students that `character matters.’ Heartbroken for the America I’d hoped to leave future generations.” — Jane

What are your thoughts about this sample of 11 women’s feelings about the election outcome?

Next up: Part two of this 3-part op-ed series will reveal what 12 additional women from across America are thinking about the election outcome. The sentiment of 13 women will be published in the third op-ed.

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Steve Corbin is a professor emeritus of marketing at the University of Northern Iowa.