By Majid Maqsood
The results of the U.S. 2024 election are still unfolding, but one thing is already clear: Donald Trump, with 301 electoral votes, has emerged as the newly elected President of the United States, defying the expectations set by many polls and predictions. With 80% of forecasts forecasting a win for Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate, the outcome came as a surprise to many, particularly given that Trump had previously lost the 2020 election. To win the presidency, a candidate needs 270 of the 538 electoral votes, and Trump secured 301—a remarkable turn of events, given the polarized political climate and widespread predictions to the contrary.
The United States is a two-party system, dominated by the Democratic and Republican parties, which represent distinct ideologies and priorities. The Democratic Party, with its history of holding the presidency 40 times, advocates for human rights, democracy, immigrants’ rights, and issues like abortion and LGBT rights. It has traditionally leaned toward liberal policies, with a focus on global engagement and social reforms. However, it has faced criticism in recent years, especially regarding immigration and the increasing government spending on global military interventions. Many argue that these policies have fueled inflation, contributing to a surge in the cost of living that disproportionately affects ordinary Americans.
In contrast, the Republican Party, represented by Trump, has built its platform around conservatism and nationalism, emphasizing the welfare of American citizens and advocating for a reduction in foreign involvement. Trump’s slogan, “Make America Great Again,” resonated with a significant portion of the electorate, particularly as Americans grappled with rising inflation and the effects of global conflicts. The Republican stance on immigration, with a focus on restricting illegal immigration and reducing the strain on U.S. resources, found favor among many voters. Additionally, Trump’s opposition to foreign wars and his economic nationalism, including imposing tariffs on Chinese products to boost American industry, appealed to voters concerned with domestic economic issues.
One of the driving factors behind Trump’s success was his ability to connect with ordinary Americans who were struggling with inflation. What was once a thriving middle-class economy now faces the reality of skyrocketing prices. Essential goods that were once available for a dollar now often cost six or seven dollars. This shift in pricing deeply affected those in lower-income brackets, making them more susceptible to the promises of change that Trump offered. In comparison, Kamala Harris’s campaign, largely focused on personal attacks on Trump’s character, failed to address these issues with the same directness and urgency. Rather than providing solutions to inflation, her campaign characterized Trump as corrupt and out of touch with the needs of the working class.
Trump’s message about reducing inflation, reforming immigration, and putting American jobs first resonated across multiple demographics. It’s often assumed that Trump’s supporters were primarily white Americans, but this oversimplifies the reality. In fact, a substantial portion of the Indian-American community, including those with Pakistani roots in Texas, voted for Trump, many of them citing his stance on foreign policy and his promises to assist in securing the release of Pakistani leader Imran Khan. Trump’s outreach to these communities was a strategic move that paid off, further solidifying his appeal among a diverse range of voters.
Another significant factor that influenced the election outcome was the international context. The ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict, the brutal attacks on Palestinians, and the continuing violence in Yemen and Iran led to disillusionment within the Muslim community, which largely voted against the Democratic ticket. This was compounded by the broader discontent with U.S. foreign policy, which many felt had exacerbated international tensions while failing to address the domestic challenges faced by average Americans.
Looking forward, Trump faces significant challenges as he begins his second term. Reviving the U.S. economy will be his top priority. He is expected to focus on reducing America’s reliance on imported oil and gas by tapping into domestic reserves, particularly in Texas, which would lower gasoline prices and help curb inflation. Trump may also take a more isolationist approach to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, possibly scaling back U.S. aid to reduce government spending. In the Israel-Palestine conflict, while Trump is unlikely to make drastic changes, he could push for temporary ceasefires as part of his broader agenda to de-escalate global tensions.
As Trump prepares for his swearing-in on January 20, his first 100 days in office will be pivotal. He will need to take immediate action to address the economic concerns that dominated the election, delivering on promises to provide relief to Americans grappling with rising costs. The question remains: will he succeed in this ambitious agenda, or will the challenges of global conflicts and economic pressure prove too great? As we await the unfolding of Trump’s second term, one thing is certain: the world will be watching closely to see how this unpredictable leader navigates the complex issues facing the United States.
(The writer is a senior analyst social, political, and geopolitical scenario, can be reached at news@metro-morning.com)
