MAGA Women and Latino Vote Knockout Kamala Harris And Democrats: Black America Responds To Trump Win

Kamala Harris faced an intense struggle in the 2024 election, as issues like iNFLation, illegal immigration, and cultural concerns weighed heavily on voters. The race ended in a harsh defeat for Harris, with the Latino vote, working-class discontent, and a powerful response from MAGA women contributing to Trump’s win. Black Americans and other groups across the political spectrum are now assessing the future of the Democratic Party as they navigate the impacts of another Trump presidency.

Trump has won the majority of white women voters for the third time in a row, The New Republic reports. Despite his role in overturning abortion rights, being found him liable for sexually abusing E. Jean Carroll, 52% of white MAGA women once again backed Trump.

Inflation and Economic Concerns

Trump constantly pounced on Biden’s economy, and many voters said they were financially better off under the MAGA era. Harris’ team tried to address these issues, but her alignment with Biden’s policies made it hard to separate herself.

Harris’ Uphill Battle Against Trump’s Cultural and Religious Appeals

Trump managed to win over conservative and religious voters, despite losing a mega lawsuit over sexual assault. He played up on concerns over transgender rights and progressive policies, and portrayed Harris as being anti-traditional values.

A Missed Opportunity for the Democrats: No Competitive Primary

Biden, originally considered a transition figure, remained in the race too long, Reuters reported. Harris’ late-stage takeover of the campaign, following Biden’s withdrawal, limited her time to craft a compelling new message.

Foreign Policy Missteps and the Muslim Vote in Michigan

Foreign policy, especially the Biden administration’s actions in Ukraine and Gaza, added to Harris’ struggles. Key segments of the Democratic base, including Muslim voters in Michigan, felt alienated. Trump capitalized on Harris’s association with Biden’s support for Israel, appealing directly to disillusioned voters, The New Republic reported.

Campaign Criticisms and Strategic Missteps

Insiders cited organizational issues within Harris’s campaign as a major concern. Aides felt there was insufficient outreach to critical voter blocs, particularly in battleground states. And some felt Harris’s choice of running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, did not bridge the gap with key demographics, Reuters reported.

Black and Union Support Falls Short

Although Harris sought to energize Black and union voters, she was met lukewarm responses. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, a long-time Democratic ally, for example, withheld an endorsement for the first time since 1996, Politico reported.

Trump’s focus on economic grievances resonated more strongly with union members and blue-collar voters, and by late October, polls showed a substantial gender gap, with Trump gaining more male support.

A Divided Democratic Party Reflects on the Loss

Analysts say the party must better connect with voters on economic and cultural issues, and strengthen its outreach to diverse communities.

A shift among Latino voters paved Trump’s path to victory; he garnered about 13 percent of Black voters and 45 percent of Latino voters nationwide, as reported by CNN exit polls. In 2020, he won just 8 percent of the Black vote and 32 percent of the Latino vote, marking a significant increase in 2024, USA Today reported.

Trump also achieved a historic win in a Texas border county with a 97 percent Latino population, breaking a Democratic voting streak that had held since 1896, The New York Post reported.

This result underscores Trump’s rising popularity among Latino voters, particularly men.

The loss was a blow to Harris and the Democratic Party.