It’s a funny thing. When you listen to voters, they will tell you what they think. I have spent the last two years talking to voters about the election, the candidates, the messages, the attacks, and more. And based on everything I learned, I’m not surprised that Donald Trump clinched the presidency. The outcome of Tuesday’s election followed a predictable pattern, one that was clear to those of us who were willing to take a hard look at the signs.
From the outset, the writing was on the wall. Record-low satisfaction with the country’s direction, coupled with persistent issues like inflation and a struggling economy, painted a stark picture of discontent. Yet, the Biden-Harris administration spent much of their time spinning a different narrative—one that painted a rosy picture of a thriving nation. They pointed to academics and elites to validate how great things were, all while dismissing the kitchen-table concerns that most Americans faced day in and day out.
Anyone who dared question them—who believed things might have been better just four years ago—was labeled as a uneducated or ill-informed. If they dared to align themselves with Trump they would be called racist, misogynist, fascist, or, worse, a Nazi. That’s a hard sell to a frustrated electorate.
Vice President Kamala Harris started her campaign with a burst of energy, and an effort to turn the page on Joe Biden’s lack luster numbers and support. At first, all the signals and vibes made it seem that she had the potential to give Trump a real run for his money.
