LUZERNE COUNTY, Pa. — With Donald Trump now elected as the 47th President of the United States, his reelection comes with historical milestones.
"It's unprecedented in our lifetime to have the former president even get to be the candidate, and like I said before, Grover Cleveland did it, but in our lifetime, that's an unprecedented thing," said Larry Cook, a presidential historian.
Aside from Trump's inclusion in an exclusive group, presidential historian Larry Cook says this election cycle has had many historically rare moments, such as when President Biden decided not to run for reelection and Vice President Kamala Harris was chosen as his replacement.
"Last time that happened was when Lyndon Johnson chose not to run," said Cook. "Being a woman of color was unprecedented."
And when there were multiple assassination attempts made against Trump.
"Two is unprecedented, yes, for a presidential candidate."
However, Cook says that despite the unique nature of this year's election, much of the rhetoric used by the candidates is not unique today.
"Lincoln was called some terrible things. Teddy Roosevelt was known to speak out against people that were, at least for its time, rather bold."
What's different now is that more people see what's being said.
"I don't think that it's more tumultuous now. I just think that the rhetoric and the controversy— not just the controversy, but everything—is more accessible now."
But Cook says in the past, when tensions were high, they eventually came back down.
"Throughout history, as we had eras of good feelings and no wars and good economy, that would really tone down the rhetoric."
And he's hopeful that'll happen in the future.
"No matter who you wanted to win this presidency, I would hope that all Americans pray for success not only for the president but for this country."