Why Kamala Harris Misplaced and How Donald Trump Gained: A Deep Evaluation of the 2024 US Election(OPINION)

By Ifeanyi Abraham

World PR and Communications Strategist; Co-Founder The Numerous Enterprise and Tech Summit, FindBlackExperts, Techsoma and Co-Founder, Findexperts. X: @IfeanyiAbraham. Instagram: @IfeanyiAbraham_

In the present day I’m mourning, however this too shall favour me—Donald Trump’s victory and Kamala Harris’s loss carry classes for us all. She joined the race simply 107 days in the past, dealing with a former president who started his marketing campaign journey almost eight years prior. No simple feat.

In 2016, I wrote an article for HuffPost titled ‘5 Fast Classes From The 2016 US Election Outcomes – What A Donald Trump Win Tells Us.’ Again then, I explored what a Trump victory signified for democracy and the way it mirrored the individuals’s energy to rise above societal expectations and media narratives. Democracy, in its uncooked type, had spoken, and I accepted the outcomes as a lesson within the resilience of alternative—even when these decisions could also be bewildering to some.

As I course of the lack of Kamala Harris on this election, I discover myself in a well-recognized place. Solely this time, my emotions are deeper, extra private. I used to be wholeheartedly pro-Kamala as a result of I believed her ascent to the best workplace was a chance for america to rise above its historic misogyny, to embrace progress, and to validate the goals of numerous girls and other people of coloration who see themselves mirrored in her story.

Shedding this opportunity looks like a setback. However, as I reminded myself in 2016, democracy generally challenges us to simply accept outcomes we didn’t count on or need. But, in each loss, there’s a lesson, a seed of transformation ready to bloom.

The journey towards equality and justice is rarely a straight line. And whereas as we speak’s outcomes might not mirror the progress we hoped for, they don’t erase the strides made or the trail ahead. Kamala’s affect, her imaginative and prescient, and her voice stay, and so does the combat for an America that lives as much as its beliefs.

So the place did issues go improper, and why, regardless of all the things stacked towards him, did Donald Trump handle to safe a win as soon as extra?”

The place Kamala Would possibly Have Gotten It Unsuitable

1. Disconnect with Key Voter Considerations: Kamala’s marketing campaign leaned closely into points like reproductive rights, social justice, and healthcare reform. Whereas these are undeniably essential to many People, they might not have resonated as strongly with voters whose major considerations had been financial stability, nationwide safety, and border management. With rising inflation, job insecurity, and worries over crime, many People felt an acute want for financial and private safety. In distinction, Kamala’s emphasis on progressive social insurance policies might have appeared much less related and even disconnected from these fast, on a regular basis considerations. Moreover, her concentrate on points that resonate with city and coastal areas might have alienated rural and working-class voters, who felt neglected or misunderstood by the marketing campaign.

2. The Elon Musk, X, and Former Democrats Issue: The affect of figures like Elon Musk, together with platforms like X (previously Twitter), created a brand new dynamic within the political panorama. Musk’s outspoken criticisms of progressive insurance policies and endorsement of extra centrist or libertarian values resonated with former Democrats and independents who had grown disillusioned with the get together’s route. His assist at no cost speech and critique of “woke” tradition resonated with voters who felt that the Democratic Party had strayed too far left. Musk’s platform, X, grew to become a outstanding area for these discussions, amplifying voices that criticized Harris and the Democratic institution.

3. Considerations Round Her Notion of Ascension: When President Biden stepped apart, Kamala Harris was swiftly positioned because the pure successor—a transfer that got here with each advantages and pitfalls. Whereas it solidified her because the get together’s standard-bearer, it additionally raised questions on whether or not the Democrats had shielded Biden’s well being and cognitive points for too lengthy. Some voters felt blindsided, questioning the transparency of the administration. The fast transition to Kamala’s candidacy, although comprehensible given the necessity to rally rapidly, left little room for a radical exploration of other Democratic candidates who may need appealed to a broader base.

This accelerated timeline and sense of inevitability surrounding Kamala’s candidacy might have alienated voters preferring a major course of that offers a wider area a good shot. With different Democratic contenders neglected or sidelined, some voters felt that the get together’s choice was extra about sustaining the established order than refreshing its management. Consequently, Kamala’s marketing campaign started with a notion of entitlement—an “ascension” moderately than a aggressive win—leaving her weak to criticisms of being out of contact with on a regular basis People who valued humility and felt their voices weren’t absolutely thought-about within the course of.

4. Perceptions of Competence and Authenticity: Kamala’s previous as a prosecutor introduced combined perceptions. For some, her file on prison justice points conflicted together with her progressive stances, resulting in questions of authenticity. The “prime cop” label, usually utilized by critics, created a picture that didn’t align seamlessly with the values of the Democratic Party’s left-leaning base, who prioritize prison justice reform. Concurrently, accusations of being “out of contact” with working-class People added to this notion. Despite the fact that she grew more practical as she campaigned, her preliminary challenges in regarding center America and rural voters left an enduring impression.

5. The Jill Stein, Nikki Haley, and Independents Issue: The presence of unbiased and third-party candidates similar to Jill Stein and Republican Nikki Haley launched new dynamics that sophisticated Kamala’s marketing campaign. Candidates like Stein appealed to disenchanted progressives who felt that Kamala was not progressive sufficient, pulling votes from the left. In the meantime, Nikki Haley’s enchantment to reasonable conservatives and independents added stress from the best, attracting voters who valued a extra measured conservative method. This splitting of the voter base on each side left Kamala with much less room to consolidate assist, particularly amongst independents who had been disillusioned with the Democratic and Republican institutions alike.

6. Electability and Gender Bias: Kamala confronted a persistent double commonplace, rooted in deeply ingrained biases about gender and management. Girls in politics are sometimes held to the next commonplace of “likability” and perceived energy. Kamala, particularly, confronted questions on her capacity to deal with the presidency with the identical assertiveness historically anticipated of male candidates. Voters might have unfairly scrutinised her for showing “too formidable” or not “powerful sufficient,” a criticism hardly ever levelled at her male counterparts. This bias not solely influenced perceptions of her competence but in addition performed into narratives that questioned her capacity to guide in occasions of disaster.

Why Donald Trump Gained Regardless of Controversies

1. Message of Financial Energy and Stability: Regardless of enhancements within the broader financial metrics below President Biden—similar to decreased inflation, inventory market positive factors, and job development—many People remained unconvinced. For them, the financial system wasn’t measured by inventory efficiency or authorities knowledge however by the cash of their pockets, the costs at grocery shops, and a sense of economic safety. Trump’s messaging zeroed in on this hole, emphasizing how he would “make America affluent once more” in a method that spoke on to the day by day experiences of working People. By framing the financial system when it comes to fast, tangible outcomes moderately than advanced indicators, Trump received over voters who felt that financial restoration hadn’t reached their wallets.

2. Immigration and Border Management: Immigration proved to be one of the vital decisive points for voters on this election. Trump’s hardline stance and frequent concentrate on securing borders struck a chord with voters involved about nationwide safety and financial alternative. His rhetoric painted immigration as an pressing risk to American stability, framing it when it comes to job competitors, elevated crime, and useful resource pressure. This focus performed significantly properly in states and communities the place anti-immigrant sentiment was already sturdy, amplifying voter considerations that weren’t absolutely addressed by Harris or the Democratic marketing campaign. Trump’s willingness to embrace the immigration debate, even when it was controversial, attracted voters who felt unheard on this situation by the institution.

3. Polarizing But Relatable Persona: Trump’s persona as an “outsider” and a disruptor made him relatable to a big portion of the citizens that feels disillusioned with profession politicians. His blunt, usually brash type—and his willingness to push towards conventional decorum—resonated with People who considered polished political figures as inauthentic or out of contact. Trump’s unfiltered, usually controversial method looked like authenticity, endearing him to voters who prioritize a “tell-it-like-it-is” perspective. For a lot of, he got here throughout as a frontrunner keen to combat towards the elite on their behalf, which helped him energize a loyal base that noticed him as genuinely dedicated to their values.

4. Single-Difficulty Voters on Social and Cultural Points: Social and cultural points similar to abortion, non secular freedom, and gun rights proceed to drive a good portion of the citizens. Trump’s open assist for conservative values in these areas made him a stronghold for single-issue voters who noticed him because the steadfast alternative to guard their values. Many conservative voters, for instance, felt that Trump’s Supreme Courtroom nominations and stance on abortion had been straight aligned with their very own priorities. For these voters, his private controversies had been far outweighed by his dedication to conservative social insurance policies, making him the clear option to uphold what they view as American values.

5. Media Affect and Mistrust: One in every of Trump’s strongest methods was his capacity to leverage mistrust of mainstream media. Trump reframed media assaults on him as assaults on his supporters, fueling a way of solidarity amongst his base. This loyalty insulated him from many controversies, as his supporters grew to see vital media protection as biased and even malicious. For these voters, criticisms of Trump solely strengthened their assist, additional fueling his base’s enthusiasm. This mistrust towards conventional media allowed Trump to sidestep controversies that may have impacted a extra typical candidate.

6. Embracing Non-Typical Media to Amplify His Message: Trump took an revolutionary method in reaching potential voters by embracing non-traditional platforms like podcasts and long-form discussions. In contrast to many politicians who rely totally on main networks or structured marketing campaign rallies, Trump reached voters straight by showing on common podcasts throughout political and cultural spectrums, interesting to audiences that will not have tuned in to conventional information sources. These appearances allowed him to clarify his positions in-depth, unfiltered, and in a mode extra conversational than combative. By adopting these codecs, Trump expanded his attain and tapped into a various viewers, resonating significantly with youthful, unbiased voters who frequent these platforms and examine long-form content material as extra genuine than sound bites.

What Trump Would possibly Truly Do Proper from a World Perspective

1. Strengthening Financial Ties By Strategic Commerce Agreements: Trump has traditionally favoured bilateral commerce agreements over multilateral ones, aiming to safe offers that straight profit the U.S. financial system. His concentrate on “America First” commerce insurance policies might present alternatives for revitalising manufacturing sectors, defending mental property, and creating jobs domestically. By placing balanced, mutually useful offers with allies and rising markets, Trump couldn’t solely bolster U.S. financial affect but in addition encourage truthful commerce practices worldwide. With strengthened financial ties, the U.S. can be positioned as a extra steady associate for world commerce, probably fostering nearer alliances and lowering dependency on single massive economies like China.

2. Addressing China’s World Affect: Trump’s hardline stance on China stays a defining function of his international coverage method. Whereas his administration’s tariffs and sanctions towards Chinese language items had been met with combined reactions, they underscored a dedication to countering what he perceives as China’s unfair commerce practices, mental property theft, and regional aggression. Trump’s insurance policies might encourage different nations to affix the U.S. in adopting a extra strong, unified stance towards China’s financial monopolisation, particularly in expertise and infrastructure. A robust U.S.-led coalition might press China to stick to truthful commerce requirements, selling a extra balanced world financial system and checking China’s increasing affect in areas like Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia.

3. Encouraging Vitality Independence and Technological Innovation: Trump has constantly advocated for vitality independence, traditionally specializing in fossil fuels. Nevertheless, this time period provides a chance to develop into different vitality sources. By supporting funding in renewables, nuclear energy, and applied sciences like electrical autos and carbon seize, Trump might place the U.S. as a worldwide chief in sustainable vitality options. Such developments wouldn’t solely scale back reliance on Center Japanese oil but in addition create new avenues for world partnerships in clear expertise. If Trump embraces innovation alongside conventional vitality sources, the U.S. might drive a brand new period of sustainable financial development and supply management in addressing world environmental considerations.

4. Revamping NATO and Worldwide Protection Alliances: Trump has usually been vital of NATO allies for not assembly their protection spending commitments, however his stress has led to elevated contributions from European nations. Persevering with to push for fairer burden-sharing amongst NATO members might strengthen the alliance, making it extra self-reliant and ready to reply to safety threats. By fostering a extra balanced and succesful NATO, Trump might additionally improve world stability, reassuring allies in Japanese Europe and lowering dependency on U.S. army assets. This method would possibly assist solidify the West’s collective protection stance, significantly because it navigates advanced challenges just like the Russia-Ukraine battle.

5. Potential Position in Ending the Russia-Ukraine Battle: Trump has expressed intentions to dealer peace between Russia and Ukraine, claiming he might convey each side to the desk for negotiation. Whereas this declare is controversial, Trump’s distinctive relationship with Russia might allow him to leverage diplomatic channels which have remained closed to different leaders. If Trump had been to undertake a balanced, pragmatic method, he would possibly assist facilitate a ceasefire or peace talks, probably de-escalating one of many world’s most destabilising conflicts.

6. Partaking Israel and Center Japanese Politics with a Professional-Israel Stance: Trump has a well-established file of being pro-Israel, with selections like shifting the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem and recognising Israel’s sovereignty over disputed territories solidifying his assist. His administration championed the Abraham Accords, which led to historic normalisation agreements between Israel and a number of other Arab states. Given his shut alignment with Israel, it’s probably that Trump would proceed prioritising insurance policies that bolster Israel’s safety and financial pursuits.

Nevertheless, there’s a hope—particularly amongst Arab People and Lebanese People with whom he has not too long ago engaged—that he would possibly undertake a extra balanced method to the Israeli-Palestinian battle. Though Trump has but to indicate important curiosity in addressing Palestinian points, his latest dialogue with Arab communities means that he could also be open to listening to considerations from each side. Convincing Trump to prioritise Palestinian welfare or advance options that enhance Palestinian dwelling circumstances stays a problem, but there’s cautious optimism that his outreach to Arab People might convey some extent of elevated consciousness.

7. Shaping Center Japanese Coverage for Stability and Safety: Past Israel, Trump’s method to Center Japanese politics might concentrate on stabilising nations like Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon, the place ongoing conflicts have weakened state buildings and allowed terrorist teams to thrive. By fostering partnerships that promote financial help and counter-terrorism efforts, Trump might encourage a extra steady Center East. His sturdy relationships with leaders in Saudi Arabia and the UAE might allow a extra unified stance on points similar to combating extremism, countering Iranian affect, and supporting financial improvement initiatives in these nations. A strategically targeted Center Japanese coverage might scale back threats to U.S. pursuits, lower world oil value volatility, and stabilise a area that has lengthy been a hotbed of battle.

A World Path Ahead

Whereas Trump’s insurance policies are sometimes divisive, he has the chance to form a international coverage agenda that reinforces American energy and addresses pressing world points.

If executed thoughtfully, these efforts might foster a safer, economically steady world order that aligns with U.S. pursuits and values.

Assembling a Higher Crew: Leveraging Experience and Innovation

One in every of Trump’s key strengths in the course of the marketing campaign was his capacity to impress a various set of influential figures—individuals who had beforehand been vital of him or had vastly completely different political views. By uniting voices like JD Vance, Elon Musk, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Tulsi Gabbard, Trump constructed a coalition that appealed throughout a broad political spectrum, resonating with conventional conservatives, independents, and even disillusioned progressives.

JD Vance, as soon as a vocal critic of Trump, grew to become a strong advocate for his agenda, bringing credibility and assist from conservative grassroots. Elon Musk, a champion of free speech and unconventional pondering, discovered widespread floor with Trump’s anti-establishment messaging, aligning on points similar to authorities effectivity and financial innovation. In the meantime, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., identified for his sturdy views on public well being and authorities transparency, grew to become a priceless ally on points like reforming the FDA and supporting different well being views. Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democrat and critic of interventionist insurance policies, added to this coalition together with her anti-establishment stance, attracting independents and moderates searching for a candidate keen to problem conventional get together strains.

Listed here are some methods he can profit from assembling a strong crew;

1. Driving Technological Innovation with Elon Musk: One of the impactful decisions Trump might make is involving visionary leaders like Elon Musk. Musk’s experience throughout varied tech sectors, from electrical autos and sustainable vitality to area exploration, might information Trump’s administration in adopting forward-looking insurance policies that place the U.S. as a worldwide chief in innovation. With Musk’s insights, Trump might speed up initiatives that assist electrical car adoption, renewable vitality infrastructure, and developments in area expertise, aligning financial development with technological progress. By harnessing Musk’s distinctive capacity to push boundaries, Trump might promote an agenda that not solely advantages American business but in addition addresses environmental challenges, driving the U.S. to guide in clear vitality and high-tech innovation.

2. Financial Coverage Grounded in Fiscal Duty with Ron Paul: One other priceless addition to Trump’s crew could possibly be Ron Paul, identified for his dedication to free-market rules and monetary conservatism. Paul’s emphasis on restricted authorities spending, low taxation, and private financial freedoms might present a stability to Trump’s extra populist, pro-business method. Paul’s affect might make sure that financial insurance policies are sustainable, with a watch towards lowering nationwide debt and stopping extreme authorities intervention. Together with Paul in an advisory position would probably enchantment to conservative voters who prioritise financial duty and small authorities, reinforcing insurance policies that encourage entrepreneurship, scale back bureaucratic burdens, and keep a concentrate on long-term fiscal well being.

3. Constructing a Cohesive Crew for World Affect: Past Musk and Paul, Trump’s administration may benefit from assembling a well-rounded crew of strategists and protection specialists to deal with advanced world challenges. Advisors with experience in diplomacy, cybersecurity, commerce, and nationwide safety might assist the administration navigate the intricacies of worldwide relations. This cohesive method might enhance America’s popularity overseas and bolster its affect in world boards, making a international coverage technique that’s each strong and adaptable.

4. Adapting to Shifting World Dynamics: With a crew of educated advisors from numerous fields, Trump might adapt to shifting world dynamics extra fluidly. Because the U.S. faces rising challenges in areas like synthetic intelligence, biotech, and knowledge privateness, advisors similar to Musk might inform insurance policies on tech regulation, whereas specialists in worldwide regulation and ethics might make sure that American technological developments align with world requirements.

Closing Reflections

In 2016, I wrote that democracy can shock us, generally forcing us to confront truths we’d moderately ignore. In the present day, I discover that this lesson nonetheless holds.

Whereas as we speak I mourn, I additionally recognise that this loss just isn’t the tip. America’s future stays unwritten, and Kamala’s marketing campaign—regardless of its end result—has left an indelible mark.

Ifeanyi Abraham’s Profile

World PR and Communications Strategist, Founding father of The Numerous Enterprise and Tech Summit, FindBlackExperts.com, TechSoma Africa and the Center East, and Co-Founding father of FindExperts

Ifeanyi Abraham is a seasoned PR and communications knowledgeable with over a decade of expertise shaping narratives for world manufacturers. Recognized for his thought management on range, expertise, and enterprise, Ifeanyi has led campaigns throughout sectors, connecting companies with impactful messaging and strategic visibility. Because the founding father of The Numerous Enterprise and Tech Summit, he champions inclusive innovation, bringing numerous voices to the forefront. His platforms, FindBlackExperts and FindExperts, bridge gaps between business and experience, selling illustration and entry. With a dedication to elevating world discourse, Ifeanyi writes usually for retailers like CNN, Forbes, and Huffington Submit, the place his insights encourage change and affect decision-making. Join with him on X: @IfeanyiAbraham and Instagram: @IfeanyiAbraham_.