Seattle will work with Trump, but refuses to give up on empathy

The day after the election, local politicians in the Seattle area tried to rally their bases around northwest progressive values.

Seattle Mayor Ed Murray said the city has solutions for the things people are angry about. He’s talking about affordable housing and the minimum wage. But he said Seattle must also get ready to protect the rights of minority groups.

“To my own community in the gay, lesbian and transgender community, let me say this," said Murray to a crowd at City Hall, "the president elect has said he wants to turn back our rights. This city will do everything in its power to make sure that we don’t lose the rings that are on our hands.”

Donald Trump has said marriage equality should have been decided by the states.

Councilmember Kshama Sawant urged people to channel their frustration into action. “It is so important that we all move forward by building our own mass movements,” she said.

A lot of people showed up hoping to see some leadership from their elected officials. Crystal Reed was looking for that, and just to be around other people who shared her values. “I’m a young person and I’m a woman of color and gay. And I’m scared," she said, "and it was good to hear to channel that energy to do something more productive.”

Reed works for Washington Bus, a group that gets young people involved with politics. She says that gives her hope for the future.