In a very eventful presidential election that captivated the nation, Donald J. Trump emerged as the winner against Vice President Kamala Harris on November 5, 2024. President-elect Trump has promised a new era of political authority that prioritizes issues like the status of the economy, abortion laws, and immigration. Voters turned out in record numbers, and the results reflect a clear future direction for the country. There were many challenges for both candidates but there are far more layers that tied into Donald Trump’s victory over the Vice President.
The Campaign
Through the 2024 campaign, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump each honed in on highlighting the issues that were central to their policies and platforms. The Harris campaign, along with running mate Tim Walz from Minnesota, emphasized the importance of social equity, healthcare, climate change, and at the top of the list, women’s reproductive rights. Her goal was to appeal to the voters with progressive visions for inclusivity. Trump, on the other hand, concentrated on the growth of the economy and his controversial border security policy. It was clear that Trump was trying to recapture his 2016 voters that made him the victor. Trump’s campaign being led by manager Susie Wiles suggested that Trump took a strong marketing stance. Appearing on various podcasts such as the Joe Rogan Experience certainly seemed to be one of the driving factors that got a lot of young people out to vote. Although Harris created an organized and clear approach to her campaign, Trump’s campaign strategy seemed to have the upperhand and propelled him towards victory.
Analyzing The Results
Donald Trump won the 2024 presidential election with an Electoral College tally of 312 to Kamala Harris’s 226. His victory was largely secured by winning all seven key swing states: Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. These provided a strong boost in electoral votes. This outcome reflects a successful effort by Trump’s campaign to connect with undecided voters in these pivotal regions, especially on issues like the economy and national security. Harris’s support remained strong in urban and coastal areas, however, Trump’s widespread appeal in swing states ultimately determined this election. This result highlights ongoing division in the country, with significant differences in priorities between urban and rural voters.
JCHS Reactions
After taking time to meet with some of the students around JCHS, it was clear that there are significantly differing views on the election results as a whole. Speaking with star football player Cole Bazerman, he stated that he is “a little disappointed in the outcome, but I am just hoping for the best for the new president.” However, for other students like prodigy lacrosse player Riley Daniolowicz, he is “happy with the result and am excited for the future of America over the next four years.” Despite these differing views, there are still some students like Senior Chris Irwin who stated he “doesn’t watch the news” and asked, “Is Donald Trump the president? Is Donald Trump from Ohio?” It is important to spread awareness of such national events that change the future of this very country and the basis of every person’s rights.
What Happens From Here?
The 2024 election showed a clear divide in the country. Trump’s win in all swing states gave him a strong victory, showing his message resonated with many Americans. Harris’s support in cities highlighted a continued push for progressive values. As Trump takes office, the country faces the challenge of bringing together different viewpoints to navigate towards a brighter future.
