November 6, 2024
In an election that many believed would come down to the wire, President-elect Donald Trump secured a decisive win over Vice President Kamala Harris, with Republicans also reclaiming control of the U.S. Senate. This election not only marks a return to the White House for Trump but also signals the end of the establishment Republican Party, as Trump takes it in a new direction focused on inclusivity, blue-collar support, and entrepreneurship.
Harris’s Campaign Struggles with Radical Rhetoric and Policies
Throughout her campaign, Harris attempted to make the race a referendum on Trump, intensifying her rhetoric by calling him a “fascist,” “unstable,” and even comparing him to Adolf Hitler. This approach, however, appeared to alienate voters across the political spectrum, who viewed her statements as unpresidential and overly combative. Pollster Frank Luntz criticized the strategy, saying, “Kamala Harris lost this election when she pivoted to focus almost exclusively on attacking Donald Trump.” Voters wanted to hear more about her own plans and vision for the country, rather than rehashing well-known criticisms of Trump.
In addition, Harris’s embrace of radical policies—especially regarding transgender rights for young children—failed to resonate with many Americans. Her stance on issues like increasing regulations on businesses and raising taxes also fueled concerns among entrepreneurs and middle-class voters worried about economic stability. Harris’s alignment with progressive policies was particularly polarizing, with many perceiving her as more interested in promoting ideological agendas than addressing the practical needs of the American public.
Failed Attempt to Distance from Biden’s Unpopularity
A key weakness in Harris’s campaign was her inability to distinguish herself from President Joe Biden, whose approval ratings remained low throughout his term. During an appearance on The View, Harris famously struggled to outline how she would differ from Biden’s administration, even admitting, “Not a thing that comes to mind.” This alignment with Biden, coupled with her reputation for flip-flopping on issues, left voters questioning her consistency and leadership.
Moreover, the circumstances of Harris’s nomination left some Democrats uneasy. After Biden’s departure from the race, many felt the DNC quickly rallied behind Harris without fully considering other candidates. Harris became the nominee without receiving a single primary vote, leading to skepticism about the legitimacy of her path to the nomination.
Lawfare Against Trump and Concerns About Democracy
A significant issue raised during the election was Harris’s support for the Department of Justice’s investigations and legal actions against Trump. Many viewed this as an attempt to weaponize the DOJ against a political opponent, drawing troubling comparisons to authoritarian tactics. Republicans and moderate voters alike questioned the fairness of these actions, and some saw it as an affront to democratic principles and the rule of law.
Declining Support Among Key Voter Demographics
In an outcome that surprised many analysts, Harris underperformed among Black and Latino voters, critical Democratic constituencies. Exit polls showed her support among Black voters at 86%—a notable decline from Biden’s 92% in 2020. Harris also struggled to connect with Latino voters, securing only 53% of their support, compared to Biden’s 65% four years ago.
Harris’s loss among minority groups is a wake-up call for the Democratic Party. Her inability to mobilize these communities—combined with diminishing support in traditionally Democratic suburban areas—reveals the party’s growing disconnect with voters of color and the working class. Trump, on the other hand, successfully expanded his appeal among Black males and other minority groups through targeted outreach and a message focused on economic opportunity.
Economic Concerns Favor Trump
Economic issues remained top of mind for voters in 2024, with 31% of Americans identifying it as their primary concern. Harris struggled to overcome Trump’s perceived advantage on the economy, with 51% of voters trusting Trump over Harris to handle economic matters. Many Americans were willing to overlook Trump’s controversial record in favor of his economic policies, which they believed could restore prosperity and stability.
Harris’s campaign highlighted abortion rights, which were important to many voters. However, the issue did not have the same mobilizing effect as it did in the 2022 midterms. Harris won female voters by a margin of 54%-44%, but even this fell short of Biden’s performance in 2020.
A New Direction for the GOP
Trump’s win marks a pivotal shift in the Republican Party, signaling the end of the establishment GOP and the dawn of a new coalition built around inclusivity, support for the working class, and economic empowerment. Trump’s campaign succeeded in reaching out to communities previously overlooked by Republicans, including blue-collar workers, minority voters, and small business owners.
This election has demonstrated that Americans desire a change from both the extreme rhetoric and progressive policies that dominated Harris’s campaign. Her loss is a clear call for the Democratic Party to reconsider its priorities and reconnect with moderate and working-class voters.
As Trump prepares to enter the White House for a second term, Democrats face a period of introspection. They must decide whether to double down on progressive ideals or shift toward a more centrist approach that embraces the country’s foundational principles, including the rule of law and constitutional rights.
Democrats Reassess Future After Harris’s Defeat
The 2024 election outcome is a defining moment for the Democratic Party. Some within the party are already calling for a return to centrist values and policies that appeal to a broader swath of Americans. As Democratic leaders analyze what went wrong, questions about Harris’s nomination and campaign strategy are likely to dominate the conversation. Moving forward, Democrats will need to bridge the gap between their progressive base and the moderate voters they risk losing permanently.
As the nation looks to the future under Trump’s renewed leadership, there is a palpable sense of a political reset. Trump’s victory not only signifies the public’s preference for his policies but also suggests that the American people are ready for a new direction—one focused on economic growth, stability, and respect for the rule of law.
