On Tuesday, November 5, 2024, President Donald Trump won the election against Vice President Kamala Harris. He not only won the Electoral College (312-226) but also the popular vote in a first for a Republican candidate since George W. Bush in 2004. You may be wondering why this is significant: it marks the beginning of the Republican revival. According to Brookings.edu, President Trump increased his share of Black voters from 12% to 20% and among young voters from 35% to 42%. Furthermore, he made strides amongst male voters, particularly African American and Latino males. President Trump reduced the Democratic advantage among independents from nine points in 2020 to only five points this year.
President Trump’s campaign tactics paid off. He relied on his personal bond with his supporters to get his vote, he ensured he negatively reflected Harris’ stance on transgender rights, had appealing economic plans, and clearly stated his viewpoint on abortion early on (being that each state should decide). Now, many factors worked against Vice President Harris, starting with Biden waiting so long to leave the race. She put reproductive rights at the center of the campaign, in hopes of attracting female voters; but women’s voters only rose marginally from 2020. It is important to note that Harris’ total number of male voters for the democratic party dropped 5% from 2020, which may or may not have correlated to her abortion beliefs. People hoped she would show some level of independence in her campaign to show she was not a far-left radical, but many believed she failed to achieve this. Lastly, Harris avoided media interviews, so it appeared to the general population that her responses were scripted and she was afraid to think on her feet. Although many of these claims are harsh and negatively portray Kamala Harris, they are representative of some ideas on why Donald Trump won the popular vote and Electoral College.
The 2024 election signaled a dramatic shift in the American political landscape, underscoring the Republican Party’s ability to expand its coalition and redefine its messaging. While Trump capitalized on targeted campaign strategies and his existing base, Harris struggled to connect with key voter groups and differentiate herself from her party’s progressive wing. The results will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of both parties, prompting deep reflection and recalibration as they prepare for the challenges ahead. The 2024 election serves as a pivotal moment in modern American politics, marking the resurgence of the Republican Party under Trump’s leadership and highlighting the challenges Democrats face in strengthening their base of support. As the nation moves forward, the lessons from this election will likely redefine campaign strategies and political priorities, shaping the future of governance and voter engagement in the years to come.
