The win was decisive, Trump was able to win every single swing state. (Mich., Pa., N.C., Wis., Ga., Ariz., and Nev.) As well has being able to win the popular vote which the Republican candidate has not done since 2004 with President George H. W. Bush.
Many Democrats were lost and confused about how Trump was able to create such a decisive victory. Looking at exit poll data compared to 2016, 2020, and 2024 when Trump ran, he was able to get a significant amount of male voters, specifically Latino men.
Another area where Trump was able to get a small lead was with new voters. According to the CNN exit poll, he gained +13 while President Joe Biden had acquired +32.
I believe Vice President Kamala Harris lost this election because on too many issues she tried to run to the center instead of running on more progressive policies.
The war that is happening with Israel and Palestine was a huge motivator for people to get out and vote. The current Biden campaign has not done anything to stop spending military aid on Israel which pushed many voters away.
When Harris became the Democratic nominee, many expected her to distance herself from Biden on that issue. However, she had the same song and dance that many voters were tired of.
Issues such as immigration where both parties had a similar stance while only 15% of Democratic voters believe that immigration is a top 3 issue in our country. Both Trump and Harris wanted to see stronger border protections by having more officers and potentially a stronger wall.
The economy was also a sore spot for Harris as under a Biden presidency many working class people were feeling like the economy was not doing well. Senator Bernie Sanders believes the Democratic party has abandoned the working–class people.
Progressive policies even in red states have polled positively. Looking at policies such as raising the minimum wage in the US. Both Republicans, Democrats, and Moderates were all for raising the minimum wage.
Looking at free health care, while slightly lower polling in Republican bases 57% of Americans want to see free and public healthcare.
The end of the story is Harris lost, and Trump won. Many Democrats are wondering what to do now that there is going to be another Trump presidency.
The first step is to find a group of people who will support you through this. Remember that you are not alone, and people will be here for you no matter what happens in the next 4 years.
