What caused the Democratic Party's 2024 presidential campaign to implode so horrifically?
10.06.2025 05:41
Inflation: Americans were pissed at the cost of living…inflation basically, though declining, totaling 20% since 2021. Keep in mind that often prices went up much more than that, too. Insurance premiums went up by 30% and this doesn’t include the thousands of dollars resulting from the tariffs that were instituted by Trump in 2017…but also continued by Biden.
Harris loses…
Anybody listening?: Not sure how much this is related to the previous point…but Biden had a bad habit of not telling folks how much he was doing for them…inflation began to fall…but instead of calling a ‘weekly inflation update’…he was modest and didn’t say much. This could have been interpreted as ‘he didn’t care.’ or wasn't doing much.
You have to ask yourself, how could Don Trump ever win an election when he was reviled by 50% of the public and never won the popular vote in any election he ran?
Anybody home? Biden seemed increasingly frail and reacted slowly…whether this was due to his age, infirmity, or dispositon…Biden, both when running in 2020 and throughout his Administration, tended to react to events slowly, when it was revealed that he was actually infirm…other countries showed less respect for him, did what they wanted, and indirectly flaunted his physical weakness via a more aggressive foreign policy (Russia, Israel).
Let's not ignore the obvious: While other countries elected women leaders decades ago (Meir, Gandhi, Thatcher, etc.), many Americans still seem uncomfortable supporting a female candidate for Pres. So, Harris lost some voters from the 'get-go'.
So, why did Trump win, despite his flaws and criminality? Biden was a historically weak candidate who had unexpected health problems that he waited too long to address by withdrawing. Harris, despite some obvious skills, made a series of gaffes, didn't articulate her own policies—other than tax cuts—till it was too late…and she was running when nearly every factor or indicator said she’d likely lose. If the candidate had been anyone but the reviled Trump…she loses by 10 points.
Israel/Gaza: Harris alienates traditional democratic voting groups (students, Jews, Middle Eastern folks) concerned about foreign conflicts…Why? Because she had the character to say she supported Israel, but that they shouldn’t kill women and children while defending themselves. Instead of being praised for loyalty or compassion…she managed to alienate Jews as well as supporters of those in Gaza. A more seasoned campaigner might have been able to make her nuanced and compassionate stand on Gaza a strength…instead she lost blocks of voters in Mi, Pa, Wi, elsewhere. (And let’s face it, Netanyahu did her no favors by staging attacks during the last two weeks of the campaign…and never agreeing to any sort of ceasefire.)
Running Mate: Harris first major decision was to pick her own VP. She could have chosen Gov. Shapiro of PA…and perhaps that alone helps her carry that state and strengthen her bond to Israel/Jewish voters…but she picks Walz from MN…who loses his only debate and isn’t much help after that.
Why do men love boobs (irrespective of big or small)?
Harris gaffes: Once she steps in to run for Biden…she has several accomplishments. She wins her one-on-one debate with Trump, raises a ton of cash…and catches Trump in the polls by Aug…but then makes Biden’s mistake and doesn’t really talk inflation, says she wouldn’t (‘nothing I can think of’) change anything from their policies. In that moment, to many folks, her candidacy becomes 'more of the same' of Biden.
What Don Trump accomplished was incredible. He went from almost being in jail to winning the White House…where he may spend his golden years…while most criminals have an unpleasant end…he may avoid jail and go out on top.
Americans thought we were on the wrong track…70%. Usually, that results in a landslide for the other side. The only reason the dems had a chance in the 2024 election is because the reviled Trump was the opponent.
As historic as what Trump did is…Let’s take a moment and appreciate what Harris did, too. Over her 107 day campaign you saw her learn. She jumped in and took over for Joe Biden at the highest level in politics…on the fly. Not everyone would do that. Not everyone could. Ok. She was cautious and a bit scripted. But you also saw that she seemed to care and connect with folks, too. Toward the end, she developed an authentic and moving message. She deserves credit for giving the Dems a chance in the election. After Biden’s debate and his obvious weaknesses…he may have lost this contest by 20 points. She took Trump on, beat him in the debate, and inspired millions of Americans. VP Harris is a great role model for girls, women, and activists in this country. Regardless of what you think of her policies or if you agree with her.
The Devil himself would be jealous.
Paying Respect…