Reasons Behind Kamala Harris’s Loss in the U.S. Presidential Election
1. Foreign Policy and War: The Biden administration’s foreign policy stance impacted the Democratic Party’s standing among voters. With the U.S. indirectly involved in multiple conflicts, including military and financial support for Ukraine in its war with Russia and assistance to Israel in Gaza, there was significant public disapproval. Polls in swing states revealed that many voters felt that former President Trump would have managed relations with Russia more effectively. Additionally, Biden’s perceived weakness in handling China and his inability to control Israel’s actions in Gaza fostered discontent among American Arab communities.
2. Economic Issues: Economic challenges like inflation, recession, and rising living costs became major concerns for American citizens. Many criticized the Biden administration for prioritizing foreign aid, especially to Ukraine, over domestic issues, which caused dissatisfaction, especially in rural areas. Trump’s strong support among rural voters and his promises to stabilize the economy were seen as factors that swayed key states like Iowa, Georgia, and North Carolina in his favor.
3. Biden’s Influence and Age: Biden’s decision to run for another term despite his age and health concerns contributed to a lack of enthusiasm among voters. Even though Harris was put forward as the Democratic nominee, Biden’s influence loomed large, affecting public perception of her candidacy. Voters associated her with Biden’s policies and decisions, which affected her credibility on issues like economic recovery and new approaches to governance.
4. Kamala Harris’s Campaign Challenges: Despite her success in fundraising, Harris struggled to resonate with voters. Compared to Trump’s direct and assertive campaigning, her speeches were often viewed as vague, leaving people dissatisfied with her responses on critical issues. In one instance, when asked about her potential differences from Biden, she reportedly failed to provide a clear answer, which left Democratic supporters disappointed.
5. Trump’s Aggressive Campaign: Trump’s approach to immigration and cost-of-living issues hit home with voters. He repeatedly highlighted rising immigration numbers and increasing living costs, claiming Biden’s policies were to blame. He gained support from white voters and previously Democratic-aligned labor unions, who were struggling with higher living expenses. Additionally, Trump gained sympathy from multiple assassination attempts, which seemed to resonate with young voters.
These factors combined to impact Kamala Harris’s chances, leading to a significant setback for the Democratic Party in the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election.
