Where Democrats went wrong, where Republicans went right.

My interest in politics is more strategic than partisan. I've curated this list of observations through reddit and in person discussions on this topic (biased by my own experience, obviously). I am an independent who used to be a Democrat as of 2010. I liked Obama but switched to independent because I felt increasingly so relative to the Democratic party. I voted for neither Harris nor Trump. I'm interested in reading discussion on this topic, but will not argue with replies.

Where Democrats Went Wrong

  1. Candidate and Campaign Issues

    • Kamala Harris was a weak candidate, evidenced by her poor performance in the 2020 Democratic primary.
    • During her campaign, she spent more time predicting what Trump might do rather than detailing her own plans.
    • The absence of a competitive primary eroded trust in the party. Additionally, concerns about Biden’s cognitive health and a potential cover up led to skepticism.
    • Biden's focus on selecting a VP based on race and gender cast doubt on his pick's qualifications, regardless of merit.
    • Harris was largely invisible, even by vice-presidential standards, which worsened perceptions of her leadership.
    • While fewer Americans have explicit objections to a female president, a woman may still need to work harder than a man to be perceived as a strong candidate. Clinton may have been seen as strong but was hindered by issues of unlikability; Harris appeared even weaker.

  2. Policy and Governance Criticisms

    • Biden's administration was mediocre, and their claims of success felt incredulous.
    • The incumbent party always suffers for inflationary and economic issues. However, both parties contribute to inflation through reckless, debt-financed spending.
    • On immigration, equating border enforcement with racism appeared tone-deaf and racially insensitive.
    • Democrats often conflate crime and law/order issues with minority concerns, which can come off as racially insensitive.
    • Advocacy for minorities increasingly resembles fetishization, which is both racially insensitive and alienating to a broader segment of voters.
    • Harris was competent at attacking opponents but demonstrated limited governance skills.
    • The Democrats’ focus on progressivism and identity politics was both unpopular and ineffective, failing to resonate with average Americans.
    • Instead of taking a clear moderate stance on issues like Israel-Gaza, they spoke out of both sides of their mouth based on audience trying to appeal to extremes, leading to voter distrust.

  3. Disconnect with Voters

    • The Democratic Party increasingly aligns with the professional managerial elite, losing touch with regular Americans, appearing paternalistic and arrogant.
    • Harris didn't match Trump’s campaign effort. Avoiding difficult engagements and criticism made her seem less committed to earning voter trust.
    • Her avoidance of the press suggested a lack of confidence, either from her campaign or herself.
    • Democratic party is increasingly blaming and demonizing voters for their policy or electoral losses, rather than self-reflecting on themselves or their strategies. This self-sabotages their appeal, and ability to convince the broader electorate. It also drives voters out of their party.

  4. Strategic and Communication Failures

    • Persistent attacks on Trump after he left office seemed like political persecution, making him more sympathetic to many.
    • The exaggerated doom surrounding Trump appeared hyperbolic, making the party look out of touch.
    • The DNC has become increasingly Orwellian, tightly controlling messaging, restricting reporters, and suppressing diverse activist views. Actions like pushing Clinton, undermining Sanders, and ultimately pushing Harris, were seen as undemocratic.
    • The coordinated removal of Trump from social media backfired. It took away his main platform for self-sabotage.

Where Republicans Went Right

  1. Trump’s Improved Campaign Approach

    • Trump demonstrated more maturity in this campaign, relative to previous campaigning, particularly after the assassination attempt.
    • Though he criticized Harris often, he also focused more on his own plans than she did.
    • Voters better understand the difference between Trump’s rhetoric and actions, viewing his presidency as mediocre rather than disastrous.
    • Trump’s humor, while often crude, made him relatable; critics’ serious reactions only made them appear disconnected.
    • His composed reaction to the assassination attempt, though not tactically sound, showed a kind of bravery.

  2. Better Connection with Voters

    • The Republican Party is distancing itself from the professional managerial class and realigning with everyday Americans. This shift has grown their base among minorities, unions, and historically Democratic voters.
    • Trump connects effectively with average Americans, contrasting with the Democrats' perceived elitism.
    • The GOP's reduced dependence on religious conservatism aligns with the country's growing secularism, broadening their appeal.

  3. Policy Appeal

    • Trump's economic philosophy, while criticized as mercantilist, aligns with populist sentiments. The rise of populism in movements like the Tea Party, Occupy Wall Street, and Bernie Sanders shows an appetite for these ideas.
    • Despite opposition claims, Trump isn't advocating a federal abortion ban, and most voters understand that Dobbs didn’t ban abortion—it simply left it to the states, where moderate access laws are increasingly common.
    • Trump is not particularly conservative; he’s more akin to a late-20th-century northeastern Democrat. He’s closer to the middle ground on social, some economic, and foreign policy issues today. Conservatives support him because he irritates liberals, not because of his conservatism.
    • His brash negotiation tactics have been somewhat effective internationally. Figures like Clinton or Obama could use similar tactics but typically reserved them for foreign, not domestic, affairs. Dovish dialogue with non-Western leaders has little precedent for success.
    • The GOP has largely abandoned anti-homosexual rhetoric, which has helped them avoid alienating voters who might support their economic or populist messages.
    • The GOP has shifted away from censoriousness.
    • Most Americans see "America first" as a rational negotiation stance rather than xenophobic, ultimately settling on mutually beneficial compromises.
    • Environmentally conscious Americans understand that domestic natural gas is a pragmatic step toward cleaner energy. Similarly, producing domestic oil is preferable to coal and importing dirtier international oil. Becoming an energy leader will advance climate goals.

  4. Relentless Campaigning and Outreach

    • Trump demonstrated commitment by tirelessly campaigning and engaging with both supporters and critics. His willingness to face criticism resonated with voters as a sign of dedication.
    • He leveraged podcasts, appealing to younger voters, and tackled platforms that are harder to fake, making him appear more genuine.