On November 5th, the 2024 U.S. presidential election concluded with former president Donald Trump elected to lead a second term, marking a turning point for American politics. Trump received a total of 312 electoral votes including all seven swing states, and Kamala Harris received 226 electoral votes and around two million votes less. The New York Times stated, “There were 93 electoral votes at stake among the seven swing states. Mr. Trump needed at least 51 electoral votes from these states to secure the presidency.” The margins were close in the popular vote. However, after securing Pennsylvania, Trump’s victory was foreseeable through the electoral college.
A Ramapo High School junior stated, “I was really surprised that all seven swing states went to Donald Trump. It was unexpected especially because some of the swing states including Pennsylvania have been known to vote blue in the past. I heard that a lot of people were focused on his economic policies and taxation.”
The Republican campaign was fueled by economic policies that appealed to a majority of Americans who felt Trump’s re-election would bring necessary change. Others saw his win as a threat to democracy and the beginning of reinstating traditional values.
Many criticized Harris for running her campaign about identity politics and failing to advocate for strong foreign policy and opportunities for domestic change. However, her ability to raise $1 billion in funds throughout less than four months, advocating for people of color and middle class families, was extremely promising for those who were voting for Harris (Aljazeera.com).
According to BBCNews, Trump has claimed multiple times to have strict policies regarding immigrants and confirmed he will begin his plan of deporting illegal immigrants by the thousands on his first day in office, January 20th 2025. The Trump administration voiced concern over the correlation between immigration rates and an increase of crime rates.
According to Pew Research, “Mexico has long been, and remains, the most common country of birth for unauthorized immigrants.” These statistics have fuelled the Trump campaign to act against immigration especially from Mexico arguing that illegal immigration shall not be tolerated while there are opportunities for legal documentation. Trump confirmed on social media that he will use the U.S. Military to carry out his deportation plan as illegal immigration, especially from Latin America, is at the top of their priority list.
Kamala Harris’ campaign focused on restoring abortion rights and preserving women’s healthcare rights as well as making economic decisions to help lower-class and middle-class families struggling with financial needs. Her taxation plan appealed to working class families which focused on raising taxes by 4.1% percent for those in the top 1% income range and in turn, lowering taxes by 7% for the poorest 20% of the nation (ITEP.org).
Trump’s political agenda for his four years as president include strengthening foreign relationships and promising action regarding the war in Ukraine. He vows to “govern by a simple motto: Promises made, promises kept. We’re going to keep our promises” in his post-election victory speech (BBC.com).
AP U.S. history teacher at Ramapo High School, Ms. Sibilia, praised both the Democratic party and Republican party for their efforts through a rough campaign year. She says, “I thought the Democratic party’s overall message of unity, hope, and optimism was a positive message that resonated with many American voters and the Republican Party really addressed American citizens’ concerns about inflation and the overall well-being of the economy. This was a difference maker in the final election results.”
The eventful months leading up to the election were clear signs that both parties were working towards a strong campaign. Based on the votes of this election, it was apparent that Donald Trump’s key issues resonate with voters more than Harris’ political agenda did.
Attention now shifts to the new administration’s policies and their potential impact on the nation. Many also question what the last stretch of Joe Biden’s presidency will bring to the political climate today.
