The author contends that Donald Trump's victory wasn't due to specific policy failures by the Democrats or flaws in the campaign strategy, but rather a deep-seated desire among voters for Trump's brand of populist politics. Voters were drawn to his rhetoric of rage and resentment, not policy specifics.
The article suggests several reasons why voters chose Trump, including:
The author rejects the notion that policy adjustments could have swayed the outcome, arguing that Trump's appeal lies in his personality and his appeal to voters' frustrations.
The author believes Trump's goal is to consolidate power and evade legal accountability. He expects Trump to prioritize dismantling democratic norms and expanding his power, regardless of the impact on various demographics.
The author expresses concern about the implications of Trump's victory and its potential impact on the future of American democracy, comparing the situation to Russia's transition to authoritarianism in the 1990s, even while acknowledging differences.
The article concludes that Trump's win highlights a deep dissatisfaction among voters and emphasizes that changing voter preferences will not occur by addressing issues through traditional policy mechanisms.