Autopsy of a Democracy: It’s the Economy, Stupid – Lessons Learned from the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election

 The 2024 U.S. presidential election stands as a pivotal moment in American political history, underscoring the enduring truth that economic concerns are paramount in the minds of voters. The phrase "It's the economy, stupid," coined during Bill Clinton's 1992 campaign, resonates profoundly in this context, highlighting how economic issues can decisively influence electoral outcomes.

The 2024 U.S. Presidential Election will go down in history not just for the political battle waged but for the deeper revelations about a Democratic Party increasingly out of touch with ordinary Americans. While the Democrats once prided themselves on representing the working class, their strategies, rhetoric, and policies in this election cycle revealed a party entrenched in elitism, dismissive of dissent, and blind to the realities faced by everyday citizens. The Republican victory, spearheaded by Donald Trump, emerged not just as a political win but as a referendum against this detachment.

This analysis unpacks how the Democrats’ tactics, reliance on identity politics, weaponization of institutions, and disconnect from core American values led to their resounding defeat. It also explores the factors behind Trump’s unexpected success, achieved despite overwhelming odds, and what this means for the future of American politics.

In the lead-up to the 2024 election, economic issues dominated voter priorities. A Pew Research Center survey revealed that 81% of registered voters considered the economy a very important factor in their voting decision. Key concerns included inflation, housing costs, and the overall economic trajectory.

The U.S. economy had been grappling with persistent inflation since 2021, exacerbated by global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain disruptions. Although inflation rates had begun to decline by 2023 and 2024, the lingering effects continued to impact consumer confidence and spending power

Economic issues dominated voter priorities in 2024, with inflation, housing costs, and stagnating wages at the forefront of public concern. A Pew Research Center poll found that 81% of voters ranked the economy as a decisive factor in their decision-making. Despite marginal improvements in inflation by 2023, the lingering effects of years of economic instability—compounded by global supply chain disruptions and domestic policy missteps—left many Americans disillusioned.

The candidates presented sharply contrasting economic visions:

• Kamala Harris emphasized progressive economic reforms, including eliminating medical debt, capping prescription drug costs, and offering subsidies for first-time homebuyers. However, her proposals to raise taxes on corporations and high earners alienated some middle-class voters who feared trickle-down effects on jobs and wages.
• Donald Trump doubled down on his 2017 tax reforms, advocating for further cuts to individual and corporate taxes while proposing a 10% baseline tariff on imports to protect American industries. His emphasis on "America First" trade policies and deregulation resonated with voters concerned about job security and economic sovereignty.

Despite Harris’s detailed proposals, the perception that her policies catered to elites rather than the working class eroded her support. In contrast, Trump’s straightforward, populist message of economic revival struck a chord with millions of Americans, reinforcing his image as a champion of the forgotten voter.

The Democratic Party’s habit of vilifying opponents and dissenters played a significant role in alienating potential voters. By labeling Trump supporters as "Nazis" or "fascists," the Democrats inadvertently pushed moderates and independents away. This rhetoric ignored the diversity within Trump’s base and failed to account for facts, such as the large Jewish community in Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort—arguably home to more Jews than parts of Tel Aviv. The accusation that Trump and his supporters espouse Nazi ideologies became laughable, particularly to those who understand Trump’s strong ties to Jewish individuals and organizations.

President Joe Biden’s infamous "garbage" statement further highlighted this elitist mindset. By dismissing voters with differing perspectives as irredeemable, Biden alienated a significant portion of the electorate. This rhetoric underscored a Democratic Party that increasingly portrays itself as morally superior while disregarding the views and struggles of ordinary Americans. For many, the Democrats no longer represented inclusion and understanding but condescension and intolerance.

Once heralded as a champion of the poor and disenfranchised, the Democratic Party has now cemented its reputation as the party of the elites. Barack Obama, who initially rose to prominence as a voice for the working class, epitomizes this transformation. Since ascending to wealth and status, Obama’s priorities have shifted, and his messaging reflects a detachment from the struggles of ordinary Americans. His recent comments, branding black men as misogynistic rather than engaging with their concerns, further alienated key demographics.

This elitist mentality is also evident in the behavior of liberal media personalities and celebrities who back the Democratic agenda. ABC’s The View has become a prime example of this disconnect. Hosts like Whoopi Goldberg, who once resonated with a broad audience, now embody the privilege and arrogance of the liberal elite. Goldberg’s unfounded accusation against Holtermann’s Bakery in Staten Island that they refused her order for political reasons exemplifies the Democrats’ tendency to frame every disagreement as politically motivated. Such incidents reflect a broader pattern of elitist behavior, where Democrats fail to engage meaningfully with critics and instead resort to baseless accusations.

Contrary to claims that Trump's policies favor the wealthy, the election results demonstrated that his support predominantly came from working-class individuals. In contrast, Democratic rallies were often attended by affluent individuals and celebrities, further emphasizing the party's shift toward elitism. One of the most striking contrasts between the two campaigns was the composition of their supporters. Trump’s rallies were filled with working-class Americans, many of whom felt ignored by the Democratic Party. In contrast, Democratic events were dominated by wealthy donors and celebrities. The claim that Trump’s victory would benefit the rich was particularly ironic, given that most affluent voters supported Kamala Harris. This disparity underscores the Democrats’ failure to connect with the very people they claim to represent.

Assertions by figures like Mark Cuban, who claimed that Trump harbors animosity toward strong women, are contradicted by the presence of influential women in Trump's administration. For instance, Susie Wiles, Trump's chief of staff, is recognized for her competence and leadership, challenging the narrative of misogyny. Mark Cuban’s assertion that Trump hates strong women is both baseless and hypocritical. Cuban’s claim that Republican women are “dumb” and incapable of independent thought is not only offensive but also demonstrably false. Trump’s Chief of Staff, Susie Wiles, is a strong, intelligent woman whose accomplishments far surpass Cuban’s dismissive characterization. Wiles’ leadership and strategic brilliance played a crucial role in Trump’s campaign success, undermining the narrative that Trump is inherently misogynistic.

In the aftermath of the election, several liberal celebrities, including Ellen DeGeneres, expressed intentions to leave the U.S. due to the election outcome. The reaction of liberal celebrities like Ellen DeGeneres to Trump’s victory in 2024 further underscores the disconnect between the Democratic elite and ordinary Americans. DeGeneres, like many Hollywood figures, declared her intention to leave the United States, yet offered no tangible support for those who might wish to join her. If these elites truly believed in their cause, they would provide resources or opportunities for like minded poor individuals to “escape” Trump’s America. Instead, their empty proclamations highlight their performative activism and detachment from the realities faced by everyday citizens.

The liberal media, particularly networks like MSNBC, CNN, ABC, CBS, and NBC, played a critical role in the Democrats’ downfall. Their coverage often lacked substance and credibility, focusing on demonizing Trump rather than addressing voters’ concerns. For instance, MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow has become synonymous with relentless anti-Trump commentary, but her content rarely goes beyond surface-level attacks. Despite being one of the network’s highest-paid anchors, Maddow’s analysis has been criticized as lacking depth, further eroding trust in liberal media outlets.

The American public's growing skepticism toward liberal media outlets became evident as they chose alternative sources of information. The perceived bias and elitism of networks like MSNBC, ABC, CNN, CBS, and NBC led many to seek news from platforms they considered more aligned with their perspectives. The employees of liberal media like MSNBC, NBC, ABC and CNN are often portrayed as thought leaders in liberal media, have increasingly shown themselves to be more aligned with elitist views than the perspectives of everyday Americans. Their inability to think critically or independently is evident in their rigid adherence to Democratic talking points. It is surprising that many of these individuals are even considered qualified for their positions. Instead of offering meaningful analysis or nuanced perspectives, MSNBC’s anchors echo partisan rhetoric, alienating large segments of the population who feel their concerns are dismissed by an insulated liberal elite.

The liberal media’s response to Trump’s victory has been marked by denial and obfuscation. Outlets like MSNBC and CNN have focused on the narrow margin of victory, attempting to minimize the significance of the Republican mandate. This narrative ignores the extraordinary nature of Trump’s win, including his ability to secure votes in unexpected places. According to Glenn Greenwald, Trump won a higher percentage of voters in New York City than any Republican since 1988 a remarkable achievement that the liberal media has largely ignored.

Trump’s gains in blue states, coupled with his ability to overcome massive financial disadvantages, demonstrate the depth of his support. The Harris campaign, despite its $2 billion war chest, failed to connect with voters. Instead, it spent exorbitantly on celebrity endorsements, including appearances by Oprah, which ultimately fell flat. This extravagant spending, now revealed to have left the campaign $20 million in debt, highlights the Democrats’ misplaced priorities and lack of fiscal responsibility. If you cant be fiscal responsible of a mere campaign how could Kamala Harris be competent enough to handle a whole nation´s finances, this clearly shows how naïve her voters and supporters were. Unsurprisingly, MSNBC has seen a 46% decline in viewership since Trump was re-elected, reflecting a growing mistrust among Americans.

The liberal media´s inaccuracy of pre-election polls, which often underestimated Trump's support, can be attributed to several factors. Many Trump supporters, being part of the working class, had limited time to participate in polls. Additionally, there is a perception that some liberal media outlets manipulated poll results to discourage Trump supporters from voting, further questioning the reliability of these polls.

Reports indicate that major media networks like CNN and MSNBC are facing potential sales due to their declining relevance and failure to connect with viewers. Their persistent focus on elitist narratives, rather than addressing pressing issues, has resulted in a significant loss of credibility and audience trust. Both CNN and MSNBC, once pillars of the liberal media establishment, are now struggling to stay relevant. Reports that these networks are up for sale underscore their disconnection from the realities faced by ordinary Americans. Their relentless focus on partisan narratives, rather than addressing substantive issues, has led to plummeting viewership. CNN and MSNBC have become echo chambers for elitist ideologies, unable to adapt to a media landscape where voters increasingly seek alternative sources of information.

Their failures are emblematic of a broader crisis within the Democratic Party and its media allies: an inability to engage meaningfully with the electorate. Until these networks shift their focus away from parroting Democratic talking points, they will continue to lose credibility and influence.

Despite the overwhelming influence of liberal media outlets like MSNBC, ABC, CNN, CBS, and NBC, the American electorate proved its resilience and intelligence in 2024. Voters rejected the biased narratives and fearmongering that characterized much of the pro-Harris coverage. Instead, they embraced Trump’s optimistic message, which resonated across ideological and demographic lines. This election was a testament to the power of common sense over elitism, and it highlighted the growing irrelevance of traditional media in shaping public opinion.

The Democratic Party’s reliance on identity politics proved to be a major liability in the 2024 election. While Republicans focused on universal themes like economic growth and national security, Democrats doubled down on divisive rhetoric. MSNBCS´s Joy-Ann Reid’s claim that the Democratic loss was due to "uneducated white women" epitomizes the elitism and identity-driven narratives that repelled many voters. Rather than addressing substantive issues, the Democrats used identity politics as a crutch, alienating not only white working-class voters but also minorities who felt patronized. Instead of addressing policy failures or voter concerns, Democrats sought to scapegoat demographic groups, further driving away the very voters they needed to win. While identity politics may energize a narrow base, it fails to resonate with the broader electorate, contributing to apathy and distrust. This clearly shows us that the democrats are the responsible for the “division” in the  “divided nation” which has been present since 2020. This elitist attitude, where only a select few are deemed “smart” enough to voice opinions, has driven many to seek representation elsewhere. For instance, Reid’s dismissive rhetoric toward critics exemplifies the snobbish behavior that alienates voters who value dialogue over condescension.

Black liberal elites also contributed to this alienation. Figures like Jonathan Capehart, Joy-Ann Reid and Al Sharpton, once influential voices, now appear disconnected from the realities faced by ordinary citizens. Sharpton’s transition into wealth and privilege has made him less relatable to the communities he once championed, while Jonathan Capehart, and Reid’s dismissive attitude toward dissenting perspectives has further divided the electorate.

The Democrats’ attempt to weaponize the justice system against Donald Trump backfired spectacularly. By pursuing indictments against Trump, they inadvertently galvanized his base and positioned him as a martyr of political persecution. For many Americans, the prosecutions appeared insincere and politically motivated, reinforcing perceptions of a rigged system. Trump’s ability to win the presidency despite being labeled a convict by liberal media speaks volumes about the public’s mistrust of Democratic institutions.

This mistrust extended to agencies like FEMA, which were accused of politicizing disaster relief. Reports of FEMA employees allegedly withholding aid from Trump supporters, coupled with leaked text messages revealing bias, further damaged the Democrats’ credibility. Such incidents underscored the perception that the Democratic Party prioritizes politics over people.

Illegal immigration was a key concern for voters, yet the liberal media largely ignored it. Networks like CNN and MSNBC dedicated minimal airtime to critical issues like the Laken Riley murder trial, signaling to voters that their concerns were not a priority. Kamala Harris’s inability to address immigration effectively during interviews, instead deflecting to Trump, only deepened voter frustration. As a result, many Americans turned to alternative platforms like Elon Musk’s X and Joe Rogan’s podcast for unbiased news and analysis.

The Democrats’ refusal to acknowledge their defeat reflects a deeper unwillingness to adapt. Liberal media outlets like MSNBC downplayed and is till downplaying Trump’s win as a narrow victory, ignoring the significance of his performance. This denial is emblematic of a broader problem within the Democratic Party: a reluctance to engage in genuine introspection. This perspective overlooks the significant gains he made in traditionally Democratic strongholds, such as New York City, where he secured a higher percentage of votes than any Republican candidate since 1988. Meanwhile, Trump’s optimistic message resonated across red and blue states alike. Its often stupid to see democrats demonizing the words Make America Great Again, Who doesn’t want America to be great again? The Democrats’ failure to answer this question succinctly or sincerely cost them dearly. Until the party confronts its shortcomings and addresses voter apathy, it will continue to lose ground.
In the 2020 U.S. presidential election, President Joe Biden secured a decisive victory with approximately 81 million votes, surpassing former President Donald Trump's tally of about 74 million votes. Notably, in the 2024 election, Trump increased his vote count by 2 million, reaching approximately 76 million votes. This modest gain, juxtaposed with the previous election's higher turnout, suggests a concerning trend of voter apathy among the electorate.

Voter apathy was a significant factor in the Democrats’ loss, and much of the blame lies with the party itself. Many Democratic supporters were disillusioned by a campaign that prioritized celebrity endorsements and elitist rhetoric over substantive policies. Liberal media polls, which falsely predicted a Democratic landslide, further discouraged turnout by demoralizing potential voters. These inaccurate polls ignored the working-class Trump supporters who were less likely to participate in surveys, contributing to the Democrats’ complacency.

The Democratic Party's inability to effectively engage and motivate its base appears to have played a significant role in this phenomenon. Many potential supporters felt alienated or uninspired by the party's platform and messaging, leading to decreased voter participation. This disengagement not only reflects a disconnect between the party and its constituents but also underscores the critical importance of addressing voter apathy to ensure robust democratic participation in future elections.

Despite being outspent by Kamala Harris’s $2 billion campaign, Trump’s message of optimism resonated with voters across the political spectrum. His rallies, attended by working-class Americans, stood in stark contrast to Democratic events filled with celebrities and elites. Trump’s ability to make gains in traditionally blue states further demonstrated the appeal of his message. As Glenn Greenwald noted, Trump’s performance in New York City was unprecedented for a Republican candidate in decades.

Trump’s optimistic slogan, "Make America Great Again," continues to resonate because it appeals to universal values. In contrast, the Democrats’ narrative, which often frames America as irredeemably flawed, fails to inspire confidence.

The 2024 election serves as a stark reminder that the American people value common sense over elitism. This means abandoning divisive identity politics, addressing real issues like the economy and immigration, and engaging respectfully with dissenting voices. Until the Democratic Party addresses its disconnect from reality, abandons divisive identity politics, and stops alienating dissenting voices, it will continue to lose elections. Trump’s victory, achieved against overwhelming odds, is a testament to the power of a populist message that resonates with ordinary citizens. The Democratic Party’s refusal to acknowledge its failures reflects a broader unwillingness to adapt. Instead of addressing the issues that matter to ordinary Americans—such as the economy, public safety, and immigration—the party remains fixated on identity politics and elitist narratives. This denial not only alienates voters but also ensures that the Democrats will continue to lose elections unless they fundamentally change their approach.

The Democratic Party must decide: will it remain the party of the elite, or will it return to its roots as a champion of the working class? Until then, the phrase "It's the economy, stupid" will continue to haunt their electoral prospects. The American people have sent a clear message: they value authenticity, optimism, and policies that address real issues. If the Democrats fail to heed this call, they risk becoming a permanent minority in American politics.