In a political resurgence reminiscent of 2016, former President Donald Trump has claimed victory in the 2024 U.S. presidential election, prevailing over Vice President Kamala Harris.

Trump's victory, exemplified by triumphs in critical battleground states and a notable advantage among male voters, has incited reflection within the Democratic Party regarding Joe Biden's decision not to run, as Newsweek reports.

Trump's successful campaign saw him turning key states red, similar to his 2016 campaign. He was declared the victor early Wednesday, securing his return to the presidency.

Pennsylvania was among the states he reclaimed, a reversal from the 2020 election when it was won by Joe Biden. This win was pivotal for Trump as it helped dismantle what Democrats hoped would be a "blue wall" of state victories.

Waiting on Final Results in Arizona and Nevada

While results in Arizona and Nevada are still pending, Trump is currently leading in both, further bolstering his electoral count. The former president is expected to capture the popular vote, a feat not achieved by a Republican since George W. Bush in 2004, garnering over 71.8 million votes, which is approximately 4.8 million more than Harris.

Despite being the presumptive candidate for the Democratic Party, Biden withdrew from the 2024 race on July 21. In his public statements, he repeatedly emphasized his belief in his ability to defeat Trump. He previously declared to George Stephanopoulos, "I [am] the most qualified person to lead the Democrats against Trump."

Biden's Absence Felt Among Union Voters

Biden's strong connection with union voters was a significant factor in the previous election and contributed to his 2020 success. This support eroded under Harris, who faced challenges in garnering their backing.

Major labor unions such as the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and the International Association of Fire Fighters, which endorsed Biden in 2020, withheld endorsements from Harris, underscoring her struggle to appeal to these pivotal voters.

Harris faced significant challenges in attracting male voters, a demographic in which Trump had a notable lead, according to CNN exit polls. Trump led Harris by 10 points among men and by an even wider 23-point margin among white men. This trend was also evident among Black men, as Harris only secured 77% of their votes, a decrease from Biden's 92% in 2020.

Campaign Strategies and Late Efforts

Harris's campaign ramped up efforts in September, seeking to boost her profile by engaging with popular media channels and podcasts. However, this attempt to sway undecided voters came late in the campaign, suggesting strategic missteps that analysts said Biden might have avoided due to his well-established political presence and public familiarity.

The narrow victory margin in traditionally Democratic strongholds, like New Jersey, where Harris led by only six points, signaled potential weaknesses in her candidacy. Analysts pondered if Biden’s experience and established relationships with voters would have resulted in a more robust Democratic performance.

Democratic Leaders Reflect on Election Strategies

The question of whether Biden's withdrawal from the race was a misstep remains at the forefront of Democratic Party discussions. Political scientist Steven Schier suggested that the "deposing of Biden will remain a great source of controversy within the Democratic Party."

He posited that even with Biden's cognitive challenges, he "would have performed better than Harris in states like Pennsylvania."

Within the Republican Party, strategists such as Michael DuHaime noted that Harris "would have been a far better candidate" if she had undergone a rigorous primary process, emphasizing that such a contest might have strengthened both her candidacy and her appeal to the broader electorate.

Public Perception and Voter Concerns

Despite Harris's historic candidacy, public perception was challenging to manage, exacerbated by comparisons to Biden’s extensive political resume. According to Carter Wrenn, "Harris never established herself as a strong figure" able to address voter concerns, which was critical among undecided voters seeking change.

Though Biden chose not to run, his decision supported by John Conway, a strategist against Trump, reflected a pragmatic approach. Conway acknowledged doubts about Biden’s age but asserted, "Joe Biden made the right decision," highlighting substantial concerns voiced by voters about his debate performance.

Harris and the Future of the Democratic Party

Harris’s loss led to introspection within Democratic Party ranks, questioning if ensuring Biden's legacy and promise as a "transitional figure," as former Governor Chris Christie recalled, could have been better served with his candidacy.

The election outcome, marked by demographic shifts and strategic decisions, underscores the complexity of modern political campaigns and the evolving landscape of American politics.