Trump win draws mixed reaction on the streets of Toronto

People on the streets of Toronto reacted with a mix of shock, happiness and bewilderment this morning at news that Donald Trump will be the next U.S. president after last night's shocking victory over Hillary Clinton. 

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Jensen Deroche is elated about Trump's win. The Toronto resident says he's been a close follower of Trump's career since the 1970s.

"He's not as bad as people say he is, he's actually good guy."

Deroche said he predicted Trump's victory "two years ago" and has collected on bets made against friends who didn't think the bombastic businessman and reality TV star stood a chance against a seasoned political veteran like Clinton.

"I just won two bottles of Texas mickeys from people who said he would never be a presidential candidate and that he would never make it as president."

Deroche said Trump's victory will help the U.S. economy — but acknowledged it will likely hurt Canada's.

'It's just mind-blowing'

Kathleen Caruso stayed up much of the night watching the results roll in. To say she was unhappy when Trump was declared the winner is an understatement.

"I am horrified," she said. "I just can't believe the States elected somebody that is so openly racist and has really rude things to say about women. It's just mind-blowing." 

Before dawn Wednesday Matt Rindinella, also not a Trump fan, told CBC Toronto that his win "kind of ruined my day."

"The States are screwed as far I'm concerned," Rindinella said. "[Trump's] an idiot."

Mike Belet was more ambivalent about the news.

"I don't care, because we're Canadian," he said. "I don't care about American politics."

Evan Houston admits he's worried about Trump winning the White House, but said he remains optimistic. 

"I'm a little afraid but I hope he proves us wrong," he said.

Trump's win came as a shock to most pundits and pollsters and Houston admitted he's "a little surprised" by the result.

"When I went to bed it was kind of up in the air either way," he said.

Mark Long, who is visiting Toronto from England, said he's somewhat fearful of what Trump's presidency will mean for his country.  

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​"It's quite worrying because he's got some strange ideas," he said. 

Roanna McFarlane also expressed fear of what Trump's policies might mean for Canada. 

"It's going to be interesting to see what he's bringing for Canada," she said. "Who knows, he might want a wall for Canada, too."