Donald Trump Returns. What Now?
The Political Scene | The New Yorker
Deep Dive
Why did Donald Trump win the 2024 U.S. presidential election despite his controversial past?
Trump's ability to resonate with voters' economic anxieties, particularly regarding cost of living and inequality, played a significant role. His simple message of control, complaint, and resistance appealed to a broad spectrum of voters, including those who felt the Biden administration was slow to address economic issues.
How did Trump manage to win over independent and low-frequency voters in the 2024 election?
Trump's campaign focused on a straightforward message of control, complaint, and resistance, which resonated with voters who felt a sense of deep inequality and anti-incumbency. His ability to voice the resentments of economically disadvantaged voters was a key factor.
Why did the Democratic Party struggle to connect with economically disadvantaged voters in the 2024 election?
The Democratic Party, despite its self-image as the champion of economic issues, failed to effectively communicate a narrative that addressed the defining economic fact of reduced social mobility and growing inequality. This disconnect was evident in the party's inability to galvanize support around economic grievances.
What role did misogyny play in the 2024 election, particularly against Kamala Harris?
Misogyny was a significant factor, with Trump running a highly misogynistic campaign that targeted Harris directly. The daily insults and attacks on women, including Harris, highlighted the ongoing power of sexism and misogyny in American politics.
How did the Democratic Party misjudge the political landscape after the 2022 midterms?
The party overestimated its coalition's strength on issues like democracy and the impact of the Dobbs decision. This misjudgment led to a catastrophic misreading of the electorate's mood, contributing to the party's failure to effectively counter Trump's narrative.
What are the potential consequences of Trump's second term on the U.S. Supreme Court?
Trump could replace two conservative justices, potentially creating a Supreme Court dominated by conservative ideology until 2045. This shift could further erode post-Watergate norms and expand executive power, significantly impacting American democracy.
How might Trump use his control over the Justice Department in his second term?
Trump is likely to push for the prosecution of political opponents, a move that would break democratic norms and traditions. His history of demanding investigations into his rivals suggests he will continue to weaponize law enforcement for political gain.
What impact might Elon Musk's support for Trump have on American politics?
Musk's alignment with Trump could create an oligarchic arrangement where policy and profit are deeply intertwined. This fusion of influence and transaction could further corrupt the political process, making it more difficult to separate policy from personal gain.
How did Trump's foreign policy stance during the 2024 campaign resonate with voters?
Trump's campaign effectively blamed Biden for global conflicts, such as Putin's invasion of Ukraine and Hamas's attack on Israel. This gaslighting ploy resonated with a significant chunk of the electorate, particularly those who pay less attention to foreign policy.
What challenges does the Democratic Party face in reconnecting with voters after the 2024 election loss?
The party needs to address its disconnect with economically disadvantaged voters and reconsider its messaging on economic issues. There is also a need to balance the influence of the progressive left with a more inclusive and economically focused narrative.
- Trump won both the Electoral College and popular vote, a first for a Republican since 2004.
- Economic inequality and the Democrats' inability to address it were significant factors.
- Trump appealed to independent and low-frequency voters with a message of control.
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