2024 United States presidential election

The 2024 Presidential Election: A Battle of Titans

On November 5, 2024, the United States witnessed a historic election that would shape its future for years to come. The Republican Party’s ticket—Donald Trump and JD Vance—defeated the Democratic Party’s ticket—Kamala Harris and Tim Walz. This outcome was not just a political shift but a seismic change in American politics.

But how did we get here? How did Kamala Harris, who initially ran for re-election, find herself on the sidelines while Donald Trump secured his second term? The answer lies in a complex web of events, from primary elections to debates and beyond. Let’s dive into the details that led to this pivotal moment.

The Road to Nomination

Major party candidates seek nomination through primary elections, where voters choose their preferred candidate. For the Democrats, Joe Biden initially ran but withdrew after a poor debate performance in June 2024. Kamala Harris was then chosen as the party’s nominee and her running mate was Tim Walz. The Republicans had a more straightforward path with Donald Trump securing his nomination early on.

Donald Trump faced opposition in the primaries, but remained the frontrunner for the Republican presidential nomination. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis initially viewed as the main challenger to Trump but dropped out of the race after Iowa caucuses. Trump continued to win all four early voting contests and became the presumptive Republican nominee.

The General Election Campaign

As the general election approached, both candidates focused on key issues such as immigration, healthcare, and the economy. Kamala Harris framed her campaign around ‘freedom’ and ‘the future,’ while Donald Trump emphasized his achievements and promised to continue them in a second term.

The debates were crucial moments that could sway voter opinions. The first debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump was characterized as a ‘disaster’ by most media outlets, leading to speculation about replacing Biden as the Democratic candidate. Kamala Harris’s performance in her debate with JD Vance was seen as strong, but it wasn’t enough to turn the tide.

The Election Results

On election day, Donald Trump secured 312 electoral votes to Kamala Harris’ 226. The Republican Party’s victory was significant, especially considering that Trump won all 50 states and DC for the first time since 1976. This was also the oldest person ever elected U.S. president, with JD Vance being the first Millennial to be elected vice president.

The election results were a reflection of broader trends in American politics. The Republican Party’s gains among Hispanic voters, particularly in South Florida and the Rio Grande Valley, were notable. However, Democrats performed better in downballot races, keeping Republican margins extremely narrow in the House of Representatives and winning Senate elections in Arizona, Michigan, Nevada, and Wisconsin.

The Aftermath

Following Trump’s victory, some Harris supporters on X shared election denial conspiracy theories claiming that millions of ballots were ‘left uncounted’ and there being something ‘not right’ with the election. This highlights the deep divisions in American society and the challenges faced by both parties in moving forward.

The 2024 election was not just a victory for Trump but also a significant shift in American politics. It marked an extraordinary comeback for a former president, with crisis services seeing a sharp increase in usage from the LGBTQ+ community during the election week. Democrats had split reactions to Harris’ loss, with differing views on why she lost.

The election results were a reflection of broader trends in American politics. The Republican Party’s gains among Hispanic voters, particularly in South Florida and the Rio Grande Valley, were notable. However, Democrats performed better in downballot races, keeping Republican margins extremely narrow in the House of Representatives and winning Senate elections in Arizona, Michigan, Nevada, and Wisconsin.

The 2024 election was a complex and multifaceted event that reshaped American politics. It highlighted the challenges faced by both parties and the deep divisions within society. As we move forward, it is crucial to understand these dynamics and work towards a more united future for all Americans.

Condensed Infos to 2024 United States presidential election