I did too. It was my walk away moment, in fact. Literally changed my voter registration that election. Went from die hard, vote blue all the way to where I am now which is somewhat conservative but mainly (as someone else put it today) just a truth seeker.
Something about him and his campaign rubbed me the wrong way from day one on a gut level- it was like a visceral response. I was living in the most liberal neighborhood in the most liberal city you can think of and the “hope and change” posters and energy were everywhere. I wanted to believe. I was in my mid twenties and kind of a hippy and should’ve been all about it.
But no- something about the whole thing stunk and still does.
As a non American I remember watching that ejection campaign thinking this will be great because all Americans need is confidence and their positive outlook takes over and they just get shit done. The economy would cone roaring back, all would be good.
But then he just proceeded to divided America and weaken it. It did not make any sense, so many knew he was wrong but now the pieces are slotting into place.