REFLECTIONS ON THE 2024 US ELECTION: The Democratic Party's Struggles, Kamala Harris' Candidacy, And The Resilience of Trump

Some people may despise Donald Trump and the MAGA movement with every fibre of their being, but they must acknowledge the legitimacy of the election results. While many people may have reluctantly voted for Kamala Harris because of her opponent, rather than because she was an appealing candidate, the reality is that Harris was a subpar contender. She was often inarticulate and monotone, and when she did attempt to speak with conviction, it came across as awkward and disconnected. Listening to her speeches only seemed to breed more disdain. The criticism from Republicans about her tendency to deliver word salad wasn’t entirely unfounded. Initially, it seemed as if she was intentionally speaking in circles to buy time during interviews, but over time, it became clear that this was, unfortunately, her best effort, which, frankly, is not good enough for someone aiming to lead the country.

In contrast, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, during the 2nd Republic in Nigeria, began his concession speeches by quoting Abraham Lincoln's reflection on failure—that it’s not about falling, but about getting up and continuing the fight. Whether or not Harris will ever run for president again is uncertain, but one hopes that she can find a way to remain relevant in some capacity. After all, she did have her moments as a senator, particularly when she skilfully questioned nominees, officials, and CEOs during Senate hearings.

However, Harris and the Democratic Party suffered a decisive defeat in this election. Trump won not only all of his usual states but also secured key swing states, took both the popular and electoral votes, helped the GOP regain control of the Senate, and maintained a solid majority in the House. Beginning in January, the GOP's MAGA wing will control all three branches of government, which is concerning, as it could lead to profound changes in the country—not necessarily for the better.

While Harris certainly played a role in the loss, the lion's share of the blame should fall on the Democratic Party and Joe Biden. Biden ran as a moderate but governed with a distinctly left-wing agenda, and his mental and intellectual decline was apparent, even if he and the party tried to hide it. Though he accomplished much as president and arguably deserved re-election, his failure to be transparent about his cognitive health ultimately cost him the ability to run again. Biden had suggested in 2020 that he would not seek a second term, but party leaders did not hold him to that promise, which would have allowed other Democrats to compete in the primaries. By the time it became evident that Biden was no longer fit to run, party leaders imposed Harris as his successor, despite her lacklustre performance in the 2020 primaries. Harris failed to secure even a single delegate and dropped out of the race early. Selecting her as VP and then thrusting her onto the presidential ticket was a monumental mistake. She simply wasn’t ready for the national spotlight, and her lack of authenticity, particularly around her ethnicity, further undermined her candidacy.

Harris’s ethnic background became a point of contention during the campaign. While she tried to ride the wave of being a Black woman to the presidency, her refusal to fully embrace her Black heritage raised questions. Throughout her career, she identified more closely with her Indian background, rarely acknowledging her Black father. This lack of clarity on her racial identity created a credibility gap, especially when contrasted with Barack Obama, who unequivocally identified as Black despite some questioning of his background.

For many voters, Harris's reluctance to openly claim her Blackness felt disingenuous, and her attempts to avoid the issue—especially when faced with evidence from the Trump campaign—backfired. Her failure to directly address these concerns may have played a significant role in the outcome of the election.

In contrast, no matter how much people may dislike Donald Trump, they have come to respect his political tenacity. In 2016, no one thought he would secure the Republican nomination, let alone defeat Hillary Clinton, yet he did both. His mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic cost him re-election in 2020, but even after enduring a loss, civil lawsuits, a criminal conviction, and personal tragedies, he bounced back and decisively won the GOP’s nomination once again. Many people doubted his chances against Harris, but he proved them wrong. Despite concerns about what another Trump presidency may mean for the country, there is a begrudging respect for his ability to overcome challenges and defy expectations.

As for the Democratic Party, it has become increasingly unmoored from its traditional values, embracing a radical agenda that is out of touch with many voters. While they were suffering a humiliating loss at the polls, party leaders were celebrating the election of the first transgender woman to the House of Representatives. This illustrates the disconnect between their priorities and the concerns of everyday Americans, who, according to the election results, were not in the mood for progressive social experiments.

If the Democratic Party continues down this path, it’s not hard to imagine a Trump-like figure emerging in Canada, or other Western democracies, as the pushback against ultra-liberalism grows. It’s a dangerous trend that deserves a decisive reckoning.