The electoral defeat of the Democrats and the victory of Donald Trump, according to an editorial on MSNBC, was not due to accusations of sexism or systemic racism, but to the shortcomings of Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign and the failed strategies of the Democratic Party itself. The article, authored by analyst Brendan Buck, emphasises that many Americans have turned away from progressive ideas and the “cultural shift to the left” that prevails among Democrats.
The editorial believes that during the campaign, the Democrats failed to effectively appeal to a significant portion of voters who want conservative change. Trump’s support grew despite his legal troubles, as his rhetoric and energy became a way of protesting against the progressive values that have increasingly penetrated American society in recent years. Kamala Harris, although she gained the support of the Democratic base, failed to attract a wider range of voters and did not show “impressive political talent”, according to MSNBC.
In its criticism, the editorial also noted that the Democrats failed to convince voters of their programme, as many of them supported Trump not out of sympathy for him, but as a way to protest against “unlimited multiculturalism” and liberal social change. These voters, in particular, feel irritated by the “new rules” on university campuses, policies towards transgender athletes, and the disregard for traditional values that conservatives insist on.
The editorial concludes that the Democrats must reflect on the real reasons for their defeat and recognise the importance of cultural issues if they are to close the support gap.
