On climate, immigration, and Israel’s war on Gaza, Kamala Harris ran to the right — alienating voters.

Unlike 2016, when his victory over Hillary Clinton came as a shock to many Americans, Trump was no surprise in 2024. The Democratic Party had the benefit of four years to ensure that this would not happen again. Yet as in 2016, Democrats appear to have failed to win over the electorate in a race against a uniquely unpopular candidate — this time one with multiple impeachments, indictments, and criminal convictions.

The short-lived Biden campaign and subsequent Harris campaign opted to try to beat Republicans at their own game, by tacking rightward on issues such as immigration, criminal justice, and climate. After President Joe Biden dropped out, the Democratic Party rejected calls to stop providing arms to Israel’s war on Gaza. Instead, Harris touted the endorsements of conservatives such as Liz Cheney. The strategy was a ploy to woo moderates and conservatives wary of a second Trump term, but it may have alienated key voting blocs.

    • @BlitzoTheOisSilent@lemmy.world
      1•2 months ago

      Liberals will do any amount of mental gymnastics to point the finger at anyone but themselves.

      Harris lost Michigan by less people than voted Uncommitted during the primaries. They might be a “fringe group,” but Harris sure could’ve used some of their votes, don’t you think?

      • @Rapidcreek@lemmy.world
        0•2 months ago

        If Harris would have won all the votes cast for Democratic Senators in each state, she would have won with 270 electoral votes.

        Fringe groups will do all sorts of mental gymnastics to make everything about them.