Foreign Affairs Forum

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Key lessons in American politics from Donald Trump win

Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 presidential election marks a stunning political comeback and offers several key lessons about the current state of American politics. 

He stated in his victory speech’This will truly be the golden age of America, that's what we have to have.’

Time to make American great again. We have also taken control of senate ’

Here are some of the main takeaways from Trump’s win:

Resilience of Trump’s Base and Rural Support

Trump once again demonstrated his ability to energize and expand his base, particularly in rural areas. He not only maintained but increased his margins in solidly Republican regions compared to 2020. This highlights the enduring appeal of Trump’s messaging and persona to a significant portion of the electorate, even in the face of legal challenges and controversies.

Shift in Demographic Support

Gains Among Minority Voters

One of the most notable aspects of Trump’s victory was his improved performance among minority voters, particularly in the Latino community. In Florida, for example, Trump made significant inroads in traditionally Democratic areas with large Latino populations, such as Miami-Dade County. This shift suggests a potential realignment of some minority voting blocs and challenges the assumption that these groups are solidly Democratic.

Changes in Age-Based Voting Trends

Interestingly, Trump gained more support from younger voters compared to 2020, with over 40% of those under 30 backing him. However, his support among older voters decreased in some key states. This shift in age-based voting patterns indicates a complex and evolving electoral landscape.

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Suburban Voting Patterns

While Democrats had made gains in suburban areas during Trump’s previous term, this trend appears to have been inconsistent in 2024. Some suburbs continued to lean Democratic, while others swung back towards Trump. This suggests that suburban voters remain a crucial and volatile demographic in American elections.

Impact of Cultural Issues

Trump’s campaign strategy focused heavily on cultural issues and grievances against perceived leftward trends in American institutions. This approach seems to have resonated with many voters who felt alienated by progressive policies or rhetoric. The election results indicate that cultural concerns can be as powerful a motivator for voters as traditional policy issues.

Limitations of Traditional Campaign Strategies

Vice President Kamala Harris’s more conventional campaign strategy, which included courting moderate Republicans and focusing on traditional door-knocking efforts, appears to have been less effective than anticipated. This suggests that in the current political climate, organic enthusiasm and a strong message may be more impactful than traditional mobilization tactics.

Persistence of Trump’s Appeal Despite Controversies

Despite facing numerous legal challenges and controversies, Trump managed to secure victory. This demonstrates his unique ability to withstand political setbacks that would likely derail other candidates, and suggests that a significant portion of the electorate is willing to overlook or discount these issues.

Importance of Swing States

Trump’s victory was secured by winning key swing states such as North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. This reaffirms the critical role that a handful of competitive states play in determining the outcome of U.S. presidential elections.

Conclusion

Trump’s 2024 victory reflects a complex political landscape marked by shifting demographic allegiances, the power of cultural messaging, and the enduring appeal of Trump’s political brand to a significant portion of the American electorate. It also highlights the limitations of conventional political wisdom and the need for parties to continually reassess their strategies in an ever-evolving political environment. Trump in victory state stated “We had no wars. Except we defeated ISIS in record time. They said he will start a war. I will not a start war. I have come to stop war”