Trump Wins - Shocks The Democrats. Here's Why

11/7/2024

Some Thoughts About Why Trump Won

In a Contest Against High-Minded Ideals, Conservative Culture Triumphs

In a dramatic shift, former President Donald Trump is returning to power, buoyed by widespread discontent with the political left in America.

Many find themselves stunned, questioning how this could happen, yet the signs were there for months.

Trump’s resurgence wasn’t unforeseen. While polls suggested a dead heat, a silent trend was emerging: for the first time in decades, more Americans identified as Republicans than as Democrats. Even as Trump faced 34 felony counts, a liability for sexual abuse, and occasional incoherence on the stump, Americans continued, in record numbers, to align with his party. In states like Pennsylvania, traditional Democratic voter registration advantages dwindled.

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It’s challenging to argue that the GOP has suddenly become more appealing, with both parties maintaining relatively low favorability. Trump didn’t offer a comprehensive plan to address his party’s issues; instead, he offered a rejection of the perceived leftward shift and a stake in conservative culture.

This election might be the most asymmetrical campaign of our lifetimes.

‘Petty tyrant’: Panel Reacts to Trump's Continued Rhetoric Towards Harris

The defeated Democratic candidate, Vice President Kamala Harris, ran a traditional campaign: rally the base and appeal to swing voters. Though she provided an energetic start, a flawless convention, and a successful debate, it wasn’t enough. Despite her shift to the center, it didn’t resonate.

Trump, by contrast, clearly represented his base. Eschewing traditional coalition-building, he turned out new voters — often young and male — who found him entertaining and Democrats uninspiring. He ran on grievances and cultural issues, building his support through sheer consistency.

It’s crucial to note that Trump’s victory should not be viewed as a broad affirmation of his character. Many voters chose him to express frustration over perceived leftward shifts in politics, media, entertainment, and education.

For millions, the vote was a message: not just for border security, but against limitless multiculturalism, against journalists advocating for Harris, against controversial campus policies, and against the anti-Trump Republicans they saw as supporting the left.

Democrats, in turn, warned of Trump as a threat to democracy. But after nearly a decade of similar warnings, these arguments did little to sway undecided voters. They cared more about how plans would tangibly impact their lives.

Trump understood this connection to culture. As the late conservative icon Andrew Breitbart once noted, “Politics is downstream of culture.” This ethos was central to Trump’s campaign. While culture war politics may be divisive, it has proved effective for Trump once again.

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The Aftermath

With a close election and an evenly divided nation, declaring victory is premature. Democrats might overlook the lessons from this loss, focusing on resentment toward Trump supporters instead of reflecting on their party’s brand. This would miss the core issue.

Whether Trump remains in the picture or not, the Democratic Party faces a challenge that extends beyond any one candidate. Culture is as influential as policy, and recognizing this now may be crucial in preventing further migration toward the Republican Party.

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