President Joe Biden’s former White House communications director, Kate Bedingfield, expressed that Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 election was a significant defeat for the Democrats, labeling it a “thorough shellacking.” She noted that there was an anti-incumbent sentiment not only in the United States but globally, and that this was reflected in Trump’s successful bid for re-election. Bedingfield also acknowledged that Vice President Kamala Harris faced challenges during the campaign.
The Associated Press called the election for Trump early on Wednesday morning after he secured key battleground states including Wisconsin, putting him over the 270 Electoral College votes needed to win a second term in the White House. Trump’s victories in swing states such as Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania, which traditionally make up the Democratic-leaning “blue wall,” significantly contributed to his win. He also secured wins in important states like North Carolina and Georgia after an intense campaign that involved substantial funding and resources.
A New York Times analysis showed that the Republican Party made significant gains across the country in the 2024 election compared to the previous presidential vote in 2020. Bedingfield emphasized the challenges faced by the Democrats in connecting with working-class voters, attributing it to a larger demographic shift and realignment that has been occurring in the country over the past decade. She noted that Harris’ underperformance was not attributable to one particular issue or region but reflected broader challenges within the party.
Harris’ campaign chief, Jen O’Malley Dillon, confirmed that the vice president had called Trump to offer congratulations on his victory and to ensure a peaceful transition of power. O’Malley Dillon emphasized the importance of working with President Biden to facilitate a smooth transition unlike the contentious process that followed the 2020 election. Harris faced criticism for not attending an election-night watch party at her alma mater, Howard University, as Trump appeared to be on the path to victory. She later returned to Howard and made a formal concession speech to address the election results.
Overall, the 2024 election represented a major win for former President Trump and the Republican Party, highlighting challenges faced by the Democrats in connecting with voters across various demographic groups. The election results underscored the need for the party to address these challenges and adapt to changing political dynamics in order to remain competitive in future elections. The peaceful transition of power and the need for bipartisanship were also emphasized as important factors in moving forward after the election.
