Donald Trump’s unexpected 2024 presidential win has stirred shock waves across the United States. Kamala Harris’s campaign is scrambling to understand what went wrong, while U.S. media pundits attempt to explain how Trump achieved what seemed improbable. Wall Street analyst Charles Ortel offers insight, pointing to three main reasons for Trump’s victory: economic dissatisfaction under Bidenomics, a surge in crime, and disillusionment with the Democratic ticket. Together, these factors provided Trump with a strong foundation to reclaim the White House.
1. The Economic Fallout of “Bidenomics”
According to Ortel, the failure of Bidenomics was a pivotal factor in Trump’s victory. Despite unprecedented borrowing and spending, Biden’s policies have not translated into prosperity for the average American. “Americans vote thinking first about their economic welfare and prospects,” Ortel told Sputnik. The benefits of the Biden-Harris administration seemed limited to connected political insiders and high-profile donors, leaving many Americans struggling with stagnant or declining wages after inflation and taxes.
For middle- and working-class Americans, the 2024 election was largely about finding relief from the economic squeeze. Trump effectively tapped into this dissatisfaction, promising a return to economic policies that focus on deregulation, reduced taxes, and reinvigorating domestic industries. His message resonated with private sector workers, a core voting bloc whose economic security felt increasingly threatened. The narrative that Bidenomics benefited the elite at the expense of the everyday worker provided Trump with a compelling rallying point, one that ultimately paid off.
2. Rising Crime and the Fallout of “Defund the Police”
Soaring crime rates, particularly in urban areas, played a significant role in shaping the 2024 election. Ortel argues that the Biden administration’s “open borders” policy, coupled with the influence of George Soros-backed district attorneys and the “defund the police” movement, created a surge in violent crime that worried both moderates and first-time voters. As neighborhoods across the country experienced increased rates of crime and drug trafficking, voters grew increasingly concerned about public safety.
This fear propelled many voters toward the MAGA movement, which advocates a strong stance on law enforcement and border security. Trump positioned himself as the candidate committed to restoring law and order, a stance that resonated widely. His promises to support the police, secure the borders, and address crime head-on won over voters who had grown weary of perceived leniency in the justice system. Many saw Trump as a candidate with the resolve to protect communities and prioritize the safety of Americans.
3. Disillusionment with the Democratic Ticket
A common critique of the Democrats’ 2024 campaign was their perceived lack of authenticity. Ortel highlighted how the Democratic ticket headlined by Kamala Harris and her running mate Tim Walz failed to connect with voters in meaningful ways. The campaign seemed even less competent than Hillary Clinton’s 2016 run or Joe Biden’s 2020 bid, Ortel claims. Harris and Walz, he argues, came across as “inauthentic” and struggled to connect with likely voters, while Trump showcased a diverse “Dream Team” of “authentic heroes.”
Trump’s appeal to key demographics especially Black, Latino, and women voters, traditionally aligned with Democrats underscored his growing appeal. His message of opportunity and empowerment, free from celebrity endorsements that often alienated the average voter, struck a chord. Trump appeared more in touch with the struggles facing American families, a stark contrast to a Democratic ticket that seemed disconnected.
The Road Ahead: Domestic Issues Over Foreign Entanglements
Ortel believes that Trump’s immediate priority will be to “clean house” by cutting government inefficiency and putting “government actors” on a “rigorous diet.” He suggests that prominent business figures like Elon Musk could help streamline government functions and bring a private-sector perspective to public service. Trump’s cabinet choices, Ortel says, will be essential to restoring American confidence in institutions like the Department of Justice, IRS, and judiciary, paving the way for renewed domestic investment and job creation.
According to Ortel, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. might play an instrumental role in reforming healthcare, addressing what Ortel describes as “an absurdly expensive healthcare mess.” The Trump administration may also focus on reducing educational costs, dismantling political indoctrination, and prosecuting fraudulent charities.
Restoring Confidence and Economic Revival
A critical part of Trump’s vision is restoring confidence in American institutions. Once this trust is reestablished, Ortel believes that trillions of dollars in private investment could return to the U.S., fostering a surge in valuable private-sector jobs and stimulating economic growth. This focus on a domestically centered policy, driven by entrepreneurial figures like Musk, aims to reestablish the U.S. as a hub of innovation and economic stability.
In summary, Trump’s victory in 2024 signals a clear shift in priorities for American voters. By emphasizing economic reform, a robust stance on crime, and a strong, relatable leadership team, Trump resonated with voters disillusioned by the Biden administration’s policies. His vision for a government focused on domestic prosperity over foreign entanglements has struck a chord with many Americans, setting the stage for a transformative new chapter in U.S. politics.
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