By Kyle Arjoonsingh
The 2024 presidential race concluded with former President Donald Trump securing the 270 electoral college votes needed to win, making him the 47th president-elect. Vice President Kamala Harris, along with her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, ultimately lost both the popular vote and the race for the White House. Despite early optimism for the Harris-Walz campaign, many voters were left questioning what went wrong.
A major factor in the campaign’s struggles stemmed from President Joe Biden’s delayed
decision not to seek re-election. Though Biden’s exit was understandable from both personal and strategic standpoints, it left Harris and Walz with little time to establish themselves as the clear frontrunners for the Democratic nomination. As a result, Harris, who gained national recognition as Biden’s 2020 running mate, faced challenges in distinguishing her platform from his. Her hesitation to critique Biden’s policies–driven by loyalty–led to confusion among voters about her vision for the future. Additionally, Biden’s declining popularity cast a shadow over Harris’s campaign, with many voters attributing the struggles of the Democratic Party to his leadership, raising doubts about whether Harris could overcome those perceptions.
In addition to these internal struggles, Harris’s selection of Tim Walz as her running mate failed to energize key voter blocs. While Walz was widely praised for his charm, his appeal didn’t extend far enough to galvanize the Democratic base or secure crucial swing states. Many argued that Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro might have been a more strategic pick – particularly given his popularity in a key state. Although the world may not need more male representation in leadership, men remain a significant voter bloc, one that the Harris-Walz ticket struggled to engage effectively. In contrast, the Trump campaign placed a strong emphasis on targeting male voters, particularly in key battleground states. By not addressing the concerns and priorities of such a large demographic, Harris and Walz missed an opportunity to broaden their support, which could have helped solidify a stronger path to victory.
Despite high-profile celebrity endorsements from figures like Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez and Taylor Swift, Harris’s campaign struggled to connect with a broader, more diverse electorate. These endorsements undoubtedly boosted visibility, but they also contributed to a perception of elitism, distancing Harris from the working-class voters she aimed to represent. While many Americans admire celebrities, it can be difficult to relate to their lifestyles, especially when a candidate is expected to address the concerns of everyday people. This sense of disconnect, combined with Harris’s tightly controlled media appearances, further alienated voters who felt she was out of touch with their realities.
Although the campaign’s setbacks delayed Harris from making history as the first female president, the future may still hold promise. The lessons learned from her 2024 campaign could serve as stepping stones for growth — paving the way for a potential comeback in future election cycles.
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