U.S. President Joe Biden and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris walk to deliver remarks on gun violence in America, at the White House in Washington, U.S., September 26, 2024. REUTERS/Elizabeth Frantz/File Photo
On Wednesday morning, the Democratic Party began grappling with significant internal criticism and reflection after Vice President Kamala Harris was defeated by former President Donald Trump in the recent presidential election. Harris, who entered the race three months prior as a self-proclaimed underdog, lost to Trump in a manner that has prompted many Democrats to question the party’s strategy, transparency, and the future of its leadership.
Concerns Over Biden’s Health and Candidacy
The loss has spurred frustration and concerns within the party, with some members questioning President Joe Biden’s decision to pursue reelection despite questions about his cognitive health. Biden, who initially announced his reelection bid in April 2023, faced skepticism from Democrats regarding his mental fitness. A contentious televised debate with Trump in June further raised concerns, eventually leading to Biden stepping down in July, citing that he believed it was in the “best interest of the party and the country.”
While Biden maintained that he was capable of serving another term, critics within the party felt that his campaign concealed his health condition, leaving Harris with a difficult path. Donor and longtime Democratic supporter Bill Ackman publicly criticized the party on social media, expressing disappointment in what he saw as a lack of transparency with voters and the absence of a primary contest to identify a successor to Biden.
Challenges with Key Voting Demographics
Harris’ defeat highlighted a shift in support among key Democratic demographics, notably women and young voters. These groups, historically supportive of the Democratic platform on issues such as climate change and reproductive rights, turned out in larger numbers for Trump in this election, according to exit poll data from Edison Research. Trump’s support among voters under 45 and women increased by two percentage points from the 2020 election, and he made significant gains in suburban areas where Democrats previously felt optimistic about their influence.
The party’s strategy of emphasizing Harris’ inclusive vision for America and her progressive stance on social policies was met with a challenging reality as Trump’s messages resonated with a broader segment of the population.
Immigration and Economic Concerns
Trump’s stance on immigration, once again a central issue in his campaign, seemed to resonate with voters across traditionally Democratic regions, such as Connecticut and Massachusetts. The trend aligns with similar shifts observed in other liberal democracies, where immigration policies have been blamed for rising housing and living costs, prompting center-left voters to move rightward.
Trump’s broader economic platform, which includes tariffs on imports and a hardline stance on immigration, has sparked concerns from economists, who warn of potential disruptions to both consumer prices and certain industries. However, Trump’s focus on economic nationalism attracted a growing number of Latino voters, as well as a decisive turnout in swing states like Georgia and North Carolina, where Democrats previously saw competitive opportunities.
Impact of U.S. Foreign Policy on Domestic Support
Biden and Harris’ support for Israel in its recent conflict with Gaza created divisions within the Democratic Party, particularly among progressive members who advocated for a reduction in U.S. military aid to Israel. This division may have affected support for Harris among left-leaning voters, as calls for a shift in policy were not reflected in the administration’s approach, causing dissatisfaction within the party base.
Election Night and Campaign Reaction
Harris remained at her residence in Washington, D.C., on election night as supporters gathered outside her alma mater, Howard University, where a stage and media center had been set up in anticipation of a prolonged vote count. Her campaign co-chair Cedric Richmond took to the stage to assure supporters that the race remained competitive. However, as the evening progressed, the results confirmed Harris’ loss.
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