These Little Town Blues (and Reds)

“Just 2,500 people live in Haines — a small town in southeast Alaska surrounded by water. The scenery is incredible, with snowy mountains and lush green forest beyond. The city center is just a few blocks, with several bars, a few restaurants and a beautiful, award-winning library.” It all sounds pretty idyllic, until you hear this stat: “In the 2016 presidential election, Haines split right down the middle: Hillary Clinton eked out a four-vote margin of victory over Donald Trump, getting 374 votes to his 370.” Welcome to a small, politically-divided town that serves as a metaphor for the whole country.