Donald trumps Kamala Harris: 5 big factors that decisively swung US election verdict

The big verdict in America on November 6 was a major jolt for pollsters who were almost unanimous in predicting a very tight race to the finish. In the end though, the much-hyped Harris surge never materialised, and the Democrat push just sputtered along for most of the counting day before eventually coming apart in the face of sustained dominance by Trump's Republicans.

New York: Donald Trump has won the 2024 US Presidential election, defying poll predictions that suggested a close race. Trump secured victory by tapping into economic anxieties, immigration concerns, and cultural divisions.

Economy

CNN's county-level analysis showed that wage growth lagged behind inflation in most of the US. This fueled voter dissatisfaction with the economy, despite positive economic indicators. Nearly 75% of Americans believed the country was headed in the wrong direction. Trump's promises to boost domestic manufacturing and implement tax cuts resonated with voters seeking economic relief.

Immigration

Immigration emerged as a pivotal issue. An AP analysis revealed that immigration was five times more important to voters in 2024 than in 2020. Trump's hardline stance on immigration, including his pledge for mass deportations, galvanized support across demographics. Notably, CNN reported that Trump's support among Latino men increased significantly compared to the 2020 election.

Men's vote

Exit polls indicated a stark gender divide, with Trump winning men by 10 points while losing women by the same margin. The New York Times suggested that Trump's blunt persona resonated with men seeking to "reassert their dominance."

Wokeness overdose

Trump benefited from strong turnout among white, Christian, and evangelical voters. His campaign capitalised on cultural anxieties by focusing on issues such as transgender rights. "The entire country moved to the right," observed the New York Times.

An Uninspiring Harris

Conversely, Trump's opponent, Kamala Harris, struggled to generate enthusiasm among voters. Analysts attributed this to a lack of charisma and a pervasive belief among some that a woman was not fit to lead the country.