The dust has settled on one of America’s most memorable elections, marking Donald Trump’s historic return to the presidency as only the second commander-in-chief to serve non-consecutive terms, following Grover Cleveland who served as both the 22nd and 24th U.S. president in the late 19th century. This election presented Americans with the possibility of either witnessing this rare historical achievement or inaugurating our first female president, both scenarios promising to leave an indelible mark on American history.
Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign strategy revealed a crucial tactical error that may have cost the Democrats dearly. She could have taken a page from Ned Lamont’s playbook in the 2018 Connecticut gubernatorial race, where he skillfully created distance between himself and then-unpopular Governor Dannel Malloy. John McCain also did a nice job of distancing himself from president George W. Bush in 2008. Instead, Harris remained tethered to Joe Biden’s policies and presidency, leading many voters to view her candidacy, as noted by Chris Cuomo, a reportor at NewsNation, as essentially a second term of Biden. This perception, combined with widespread economic concerns, significantly influenced voting patterns.
The Biden administration’s delayed exit from the political stage represents another critical misstep. Had President Biden stepped aside earlier, the Democratic Party could have conducted a robust primary process, potentially finding a candidate better positioned to address voters’ concerns. This decision to hold onto power until late in the process effectively denied the party the opportunity for other candidates.
While inflation has indeed been a global issue, largely beyond any U.S. president’s direct control, voters ultimately cast their ballots based on their personal financial situations. This economic reality, despite being part of a worldwide trend, shaped the electoral outcome significantly.
Looking forward, there are reasons for optimism about Trump’s second term. The American economy has shown remarkable resilience throughout its history, and the potential for positive change remains strong. However, this election also reminds us of the ongoing journey toward greater representation in American leadership.
The absence of a female U.S. president remains conspicuous, especially when considering the successful leadership of women in other nations. From Margaret Thatcher’s transformation of Britain to Jacinda Ardern’s crisis management in New Zealand during the pandemic, and Angela Merkel’s steady guidance in Germany, the global stage has demonstrated that gender bears no relation to leadership capability. These examples should inspire Americans to continue pushing for greater diversity in our highest office.
As we move forward, it’s crucial to remember that while this election marks another milestone in American political history, it also highlights the work still needed to achieve full representation in our democracy. The dream of a female president remains alive, and if international examples are any indication, it’s not a question of if, but when America will join the nations that have benefited from women’s leadership at the highest level.
This election, while historic in its own right, serves as both a reflection of our current political climate and a reminder of the progress yet to be made. As we prepare for another Trump presidency, the hope for continued evolution in American leadership remains strong, even as we acknowledge the complex factors that brought us to this moment in history
