The article analyzes Donald Trump's decisive victory in the 2024 presidential election, attributing it primarily to widespread voter dissatisfaction with President Biden's economic performance. Exit polls revealed that a significant majority disapproved of Biden's handling of the economy, outweighing concerns about Trump's potential excesses.
Trump's gains were notable in both urban centers with diverse populations and working-class white communities, while Harris retained support in affluent suburbs, but with diminished margins compared to 2020.
Despite expectations, the gender gap was not significant, with women expressing similar levels of economic discontent as men. Trump made considerable inroads with Latino and Black voters, particularly men, and younger voters.
The abortion issue, which was expected to be a major factor, proved less influential than economic concerns. While a majority favored legal abortion, a significant portion of these voters still supported Trump.
Analysts suggest that voters, frustrated with perceived lack of control, favored Trump's promise of strong leadership. Many prioritized economic improvement, overlooking Trump's controversial rhetoric and policies.
The article notes that incumbent parties in numerous other democracies also faced electoral losses in 2024 due to economic issues.
The 2024 election is compared to the 1980 election, where Ronald Reagan's victory was also driven by widespread economic dissatisfaction.
The article concludes that Trump's victory, with potential Republican control of Congress, signifies an era of unrestrained political power for Trump, particularly in areas like immigration and law enforcement.
Finally, the article explores the possibility of a lasting shift in party allegiance among minority voters who voted for Trump in large numbers, but acknowledges the challenge of sustaining this support given his contentious policies.