This election doesn’t prove that America is racist, sexist, or anything like that. It demonstrates that people are more concerned with real, immediate issues and want someone they believe can solve them.
One of Trump’s biggest advantages is that he seems genuinely human. He speaks plainly, which resonates with people. This quality is also why politicians like Bernie Sanders, Andrew Yang, and others appeal to younger voters. Yet, Democrats often overlook this. They seem to assume their constituents need to be “guided” on what’s best, while Republicans, especially Trump, are more straightforward. Clearly, this is what the typical American responds to.
Take the economy. Trump talks about building a strong economy, a message people can rally behind, whereas his opponents focus on other areas, like military strength. When it comes to social issues, Trump has publicly said he supports state rights regarding abortion, and though Harris has suggested he might ban it outright, Trump has indicated he would veto a federal ban. This difference in approach makes Trump feel less extreme to some voters.
Then there’s the approach to media. Harris chose to go on Call Her Daddy, a popular but niche show, instead of broader platforms like The Joe Rogan Experience or Theo Von. It felt like she was reaching in a direction that missed her core audience while also attempting to appeal to Republicans by associating with Liz Cheney. It’s puzzling—why align with a Cheney, someone so unpopular among core Democrats?
The results we’re seeing aren’t new. In 2016, Americans chose to “reject the system” with Trump. Biden’s term reminded them why they initially felt that way. Now, here we are again. But I don’t believe Trump’s upcoming term will be as extreme as some fear. Much like his first presidency, he’ll likely achieve less of his promises than anticipated.
For the Democrats, the lesson here is clear: they need to refocus on young and middle-ground voters. They’ve spent too much energy trying to win over Republicans loyal to their party while alienating Democrats who drift to the center or even vote Republican. In 2020, many people didn’t vote for Biden; they voted against Trump. This time, the vote feels like it’s against the Democratic Party as a whole.