In a surprising turn of events, Donald Trump triumphed over Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election, marking a historic political victory.
Fox News reported that Trump secured the presidency by winning crucial battleground states, notably Pennsylvania, and meeting the required 270 electoral votes, while Democrats began to question the Harris campaign's strategic decisions, specifically the selection of Tim Walz as her VP.
President-elect Trump managed to capture not only the nation's attention but also pivotal states, including Pennsylvania, which played a key role in his victory.
On Wednesday afternoon, Kamala Harris conceded to Trump through a formal call following the confirmation of the election results. With the conclusion of this election cycle, she is expected to address the nation later that day, offering her reflections and future plans.
A major focal point of the Democratic Party’s reflection centers around Harris's choice of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate.
This decision has sparked heated debates within the party, questioning whether different VP selection could have altered the election's outcome. Following President Biden's decision not to run for office again, Harris chose Walz as her vice-presidential pick, facing criticism that their ticket lacked strong appeal.
Among the Democrats who were considered but not chosen were Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, who many regarded as a powerful contender, potentially drawing more support in key states like Pennsylvania.
Harris's campaign drew skepticism from various commentators, with Lindy Li, a Harris-Walz campaign surrogate, emphasizing that many speculated Shapiro would have been a more strategic choice from the beginning.
Pennsylvania, recognized as a crucial battleground in this election, ultimately leaned toward Trump, much to the Democrats' disappointment.
Discussions about voter sentiment have been rife, with suggestions that Harris's previous defense of anti-Israel protests may have affected the Jewish vote, a vital demographic in influencing the state's electoral decision.
Former candidates such as Sen. Mark Kelly and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear were also considered for the vice-presidential slot. Kelly, known for his historic Senate victory in 2020, was reputed to be a favorable choice, while Beshear's centrist appeal might have offered an advantage. However, these potential candidates remained on the sidelines as Walz took the stage.
The Democratic camp featured several outspoken voices surrounding this contentious VP selection. Lindy Li openly speculated on what might have occurred if Shapiro led the ticket, hinting that his moderate stance could have benefitted the Harris campaign. Nate Silver added to the critique, asserting that the decision was a missed opportunity.
Republican voices also weighed in, with Sen. Ted Cruz questioning why Harris did not pick Shapiro, hinting at possible ideological divides within the party. Meanwhile, GOP representative Andy Barr praised Mark Kelly’s potential, indicating his name would likely surface in future political contests.
Now, as these discussions unfold, newly elected President Trump is poised to resume office amidst considerable excitement from his supporters and a GOP looking to solidify its hold on various facets of government.
Across party lines, many congressional and gubernatorial incumbents and candidates emerged victorious alongside Trump, signaling a varied yet fascinating political landscape for the coming years.
As Democrats analyze the election post-mortem, they face continuing debates over the selection process and ultimate outcomes that this election season has brought to light. Who would have been the best choice for vice president is a question that might linger in political circles for some time.
Tim Walz will now conclude his tenure as governor by 2027, albeit reflecting on his run on the national level, while the Democratic Party gears up to reposition itself in light of these outcomes. The broader conversation at play involves strategy adjustments, future candidacies, and ensuring alignment with voter priorities.
