Experiencing loss is never easy. Being consistently reminded of it can be exceptionally harsh.As the media and political strategists departed from Washington Dulles International Airport, unsettling reminders of a challenging week lingered in the air.
Merchandise featuring Kamala Harris was prominently advertised with a 50% discount.Red ‘clearance’ stickers were evident on Joe Biden’s products.Such is the nature of politics.
Kamala Harris’ merchandise was prominently advertised at 50% off.Political turbulenceThe Democratic Party finds itself grappling with significant political turbulence.
Many are reeling from an election result that struck a heavy blow to Democrats.
Kamala Harris lost the presidential race to a former president and now convicted felon who has been impeached twice by the House of Representatives.
There is a strong possibility that Republicans will dominate both houses of Congress.
Shockwaves course through the party as long-standing incumbent Democratic Senators like Jon Tester and Bob Casey face the reality of losing their positions.
Donald Trump made history as the first Republican candidate to win the Latino-majority Miami-Dade.
Democrats are not just losing seats; they’re losing their supporters.
Donald Trump has diminished Democratic dominance in traditionally blue Chicago.
He also achieved the milestone of being the first Republican to seize victory in Latino-majority Miami-Dade, Florida.
The GOP gained traction in nearly every state, marking what has been characterized as the most significant red wave since Ronald Reagan in 1984.
So, what went wrong?
The Economy
Kamala Harris’ vision for the nation’s future, particularly regarding the economy, failed to connect with voters.
Polls consistently indicated that a majority of Americans placed greater trust in Donald Trump for economic matters.
The exit polls from states like Georgia revealed that the economy was voters’ top concern.
The Vice President’s proposals to assist those facing the cost-of-living crisis—such as a child tax credit, no tax on tips, and support for first-time buyers—did not convince voters that life would improve under a Harris administration.
While inflation rates have eased, Americans continue to grapple with high prices at stores and gas stations.
Many feel they are losing ground.
Kamala Harris’ vision for the future of the US fell flat with voters.
For numerous individuals, the current state of affairs is unsustainable.
A recent poll from the New York Times showed that a significant portion of Americans believed the government was not serving them and desired substantial change regarding the economy and inflation.
Donald Trump effectively capitalized on that discontent, framing the narrative that Democrats prioritize their own interests and those of the elite.
Kamala HQ mingling with celebrities did little to alleviate concerns.
High-profile endorsements were unnecessary in the campaign’s final moments.
What voters needed was a clear and actionable path forward.
They clearly held Kamala Harris accountable for the current economic situation.
With the shortest presidential campaign in American history, she hesitated to distance herself from Joe Biden and establish her own candidacy.
Was it due to a lack of time or a sense of loyalty? Likely a combination of both.
Closing Arguments
A part of Kamala Harris’ closing argument centered around an attack on Donald Trump’s character, labeling him a “fascist.”
Some anti-Trump Republicans expressed concern about this approach.
They feared that the economy and immigration were not prioritized on her agenda.
The shift of working-class voters and the disconnected Democratic Party has aided Trump in securing another term.
On the eve of the election, Ariel Hill-Davis from Republican Women for Progress conveyed to RTÉ’s States of Mind podcast: “My gut feeling right now… I’m slightly apprehensive they’ve leaned too heavily into fascism.”
“We’ve known all of these things for a while. The remarks from his former cabinet members and close associates haven’t swayed many voters in the past, so I’m unsure if that’s the focus she should maintain right now.”
Her emphasis on abortion also underperformed.
The topic failed to galvanize the necessary turnout as other issues took precedence.
Only 14% of voters identified abortion as their primary concern in the presidential race.
Joe Biden
Concerns regarding Joe Biden’s capacity to serve a second term had been voiced long before the election.
When he ran for president in 2020, he committed to being a one-term leader—a transitional figure moving away from the chaotic years of the Trump administration.
This was meant to provide the Democrats time to nurture and position a new party leader.
Whether due to Biden’s stubborn ‘Irish streak’ or his genuine belief that he was the sole candidate capable of defeating Donald Trump, his delay in stepping aside as the Democratic nominee put Kamala Harris at a disadvantage.
Donald Trump took months to connect with relevant podcast hosts, influencers, and online personalities, heeding advice from his youngest son, Barron.
Joe Biden’s indecision in stepping down as the Democratic nominee hampered Kamala Harris’ efforts.
Once in the race, a seemingly hesitant Kamala Harris was unable to catch up.
One-on-one interviews with major media outlets were scarce until the final weeks of the campaign.
Negotiations for an appearance on the Joe Rogan podcast fell through at the last moment.
This podcast host has a larger viewership than the combined audiences of CNN, MSNBC, and ABC.
The blame game started before election day.
Brett Bruen, who worked under Barack Obama, remarked during the week: “Obviously, many of us were concerned that Biden simply lacked the stamina for another four years.”
“If Harris loses this election, it will be attributed to Biden’s prolonged stay in the race.”
Leadership and Reflection
Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders stated that Democrats lost because they neglected working-class voters.
He noted, “It should not be surprising that a Democratic Party that has abandoned working-class individuals would see those voters abandon them.”
“While the Democratic leadership defends the status quo, the American populace is frustrated and seeking change. And rightly so,” he expressed in a statement.
“Straight-up BS” is how Democratic chair Jaime Harrison responded to his comments.
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John F. Kennedy famously said that “leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.”
Hillary Clinton continues to blame James Comey, the FBI, and Russia for her loss in 2016.
Her defeat resulted from Donald Trump providing rural and small-town working-class voters with representation in the Republican Party.
The reconfiguration of working-class voters and the disconnected Democratic Party has ultimately aided Donald Trump in securing another term in office.
Kamala Harris should not attribute her loss to external factors.
To regain leadership, the Democratic Party must acknowledge and learn from its missteps.
It can all begin with a straightforward admission: It’s not you, it’s me.
