In a surprising turn, Americans have chosen to place their trust in Donald Trump for a second presidential term, seeming to hope that he has transformed from his previous tenure. They’re looking past his turbulent first term with the optimism that he’ll bring improvement.
Republicans now control the White House, Senate, and likely the House, giving Trump far greater latitude than before. Under his prior administration, millions faced job loss, and a staggering 400,000 lives were claimed during a pandemic he initially dismissed as a “hoax.”
With the Supreme Court ruling favorably on presidential immunity, Trump’s influence over the court raises concerns about the breadth of his potential actions in office.
Trump’s unique electoral path includes victories over two female opponents, but one male defeat
Trump’s infamous claim that he could commit a crime on Fifth Avenue without losing support seems truer than ever. Meanwhile, Kamala Harris’s story has taken a different path.
She fell short of making history as the first female president, but Trump achieved an unusual milestone, becoming the first convicted felon to assume the presidency and only the second president, after Grover Cleveland, to serve non-consecutive terms. His election history is unique: he defeated two female opponents but lost to his sole male rival.
Harris’s loss reflects her challenge in addressing the economic distress faced by working families burdened by rising costs. James Carville’s axiom, “It’s the economy, stupid,” proved prescient in this election.
Democrats need to pivot to policies that resonate with everyday Americans, as exit polls show Harris barely retained the support of low-income voters, traditionally a strong Democratic base—a reality that likely would have dismayed FDR.
Harris formally conceded to Trump at Howard University, delivering a spirited but bittersweet speech. While she is positioned to start the next Democratic campaign cycle with recognition and organizational strengths, her inability to overcome Trump’s track record may shadow her ambitions, with serious challenges expected if she runs again. Remarkably, her voter turnout lagged behind Biden’s 2020 numbers, including with women voters.
As 2028 approaches, Democratic hopefuls are preparing for primary contests. Governor Gavin Newsom of California is eager to jump into the race, alongside prominent figures like Michigan’s Gretchen Whitmer, Pennsylvania’s Josh Shapiro, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. The new vice president, JD Vance, will likely face these contenders, with the possibility of a wildcard candidate like Kentucky’s Governor Andy Beshear.
Democrats may also see a candidate emerge from the progressive wing, such as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who could present a more populist economic agenda. Trump’s influence and the threat to democratic principles underscore the urgency for Democrats to mobilize quickly, leaving little time for reflection.
