Donald Trump: 2024 US presidential election results: 11 reasons why Kamala Harris lost badly | World News

In the end it wasn't close at all. Donald Trump won all seven swing states and easily returned to the White House. Polls had suggested a neck-and-neck race, but Harris lost every swing state and even did worse than Joe Biden in every county. Trump's triumph signals the end of the liberal order established with Barack Obama's presidency in 2008, in which Democrats dominated the narrative and shaped much of American culture, from the media to Hollywood. Now that Donald Trump – a convicted felon – is back in the White House, the tide has turned. Trump achieved numerous firsts, including becoming the first president since Grover Cleveland to serve non-consecutive terms and tearing down the so-called “Blue Wall.”
1) No time to prepare
Planning a presidential campaign in just four months was a tall order, and Harris, stuck on Biden's team, struggled to articulate her message. She was forced to change her positions on key policy issues, including illegal immigration and gender-inclusive care, which undermined public trust.
2) Interview Doom Loop

Initially declining to be interviewed, Harris led the polls in the FiveThirtyEight polling average by 3.6 points. Silicon Valley investor David Sacks warned that she could be caught in a “loop of bad luck”: if her ratings plummet, she would be forced to do more interviews, further damaging her reputation. This turned out to be true, as shortly before election day their ratings fell from 3.6 to 1.4 points.
3) MSM plays Nero
The role of the media is supposed to be to inform the public, but for the last eight years the mainstream media has been busy attacking Trump. They frequently distorted facts, as evidenced by their misinterpreting Trump's comment about Liz Cheney as a call for violence rather than a criticism of their “war hawk” views. Even comedy shows leaned into anti-Trump narratives, reinforcing prejudice rather than encouraging critical discourse.
4) Rise of new media
As mainstream media misses its mark, alternative platforms that allow people to make independent judgments about Trump have gained traction. Platforms like X, owned by Trump ally Elon Musk, and podcasts like The Joe Rogan Experience have helped Trump redefine his image and distance him from labels like “fascist” and “fanatic.” In today's media landscape, where figures like Joe Rogan have as much influence as major celebrities, Trump's appearances in alternative media have counteracted the negative portrayals of traditional media.

5) Shrill surrogates
As Harris' ratings plummeted, her surrogates grew desperate. Hillary Clinton compared a Trump rally at Madison Square Garden to a Nazi rally, while Obama admonished black men for not supporting Harris. Figures like Tim Walz and AOC tried to turn a little Puerto Rican joke into a headline and make the issue seem like a bigger problem than it was.
6) Trump Minority Outreach
Trump expanded his reach to minority groups. His pro-business stance and ties to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to conservative Indian Americans. He exploited frustration among African Americans with the Democratic Party and lured young black men with the promise of economic opportunity. The endorsement of Arab American leaders in Michigan bolstered his support, particularly among those critical of U.S. involvement in the Middle East. His Hispanic support grew, although somewhat influenced by a Puerto Rican joke, because of his positions on economic issues, immigration and crime.
7) U-turn on key policies and a “no comment” policy
Kamala Harris' reluctance to commit to clear policy positions backfired. By avoiding a firm stance on previous progressive policies, she gave the impression of evasion, which angered voters. Conversely, Trump's direct, if polarizing, policy positions secured a loyal base and ensured him a clear victory. Harris' avoidance left her vulnerable to attack, and voters gravitated toward a candidate with a clearer agenda.
8) MAGA culture clash triumph
MAGA did more than just challenge the Republican establishment; It has put pressure on the liberal values ​​of the Democratic Party. Issues like the trans movement and identity politics have alienated some traditional Democratic voters, and MAGA has reframed debates about immigration as conflicts between illegal immigrants and minority communities. Figures like Kamala Harris symbolize this change, especially with her recent controversial statements and decisions.
9) Reverse Swing in Swing States
Kamala Harris struggled in key swing states, losing ground previously held by Joe Biden. Their failure to connect with working-class voters on issues like the economy and immigration cost them places like Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin. In Florida and Arizona, Harris' appeal failed with Latino voters who leaned toward Trump's stance on jobs and border security. Her campaign's missteps in these key states led to a complete wipeout of the swing states and blocked her path to victory.
10) The “DEI” candidate
Kamala Harris' rise to the Democratic nomination has drawn criticism. Some labeled her the “DEI candidate” — suggesting her rise was due to prioritizing diversity over electoral support. This narrative cast doubt on her qualifications and overshadowed her roles as attorney general, senator and vice president. Her campaign, burdened by these assumptions, ultimately failed to resonate widely and underscored the unique challenges faced by Black women in leadership positions, where their achievements are often undermined by questions of race and gender.
11) America's racist history
There is an unspoken reality in American politics that is underscored by historical and current facts. The United States has long had problems with racism and misogyny. Abraham Lincoln had to lead the country into civil war to end slavery. It was not until 1920 that women were given the right to vote, and it was not until 1965 that the right to vote was fully extended to all black citizens. Jim Crow laws continued to suppress black rights in every state long after the Civil War. The country has elected a black president only once and has yet to see a female president. For many American voters, perhaps including black voters, voting for a candidate who is both half Indian and half black may still feel like too big a step, regardless of the opponent. Even in 2024, this still seems a bridge too far.