Tonight’s results around the country, but especially in the heartlands, are really bad for our movement.

After a spirited campaign by thousands of activists over many weeks, this will be a tough pill to swallow. But the most important ramifications fall to those outside the party. Another five years of the Conservatives will mean more attacks on unions and working-class people, our public services, and the people who rely on state assistance to live.

It is important at moments like these to try to find perspective in history. The labor movement in this country has had deep defeats — and it has bounced back from them.