Despite initially favorable polls and a growing polarization of the political debate, the Dems lost ground in several crucial areas, leading to defeat in the presidential election and the loss of seats in Parliament. But what were the main mistakes that led to this debacle?
The fiery red of the map published by The City NYC, represents well all the areas of progressive New York that have shifted to the right and preferred to vote for Trump this year than in 2020. The more red they are, the more they have shifted to the right, although it does not mean they are still in the majority-New York still remains Democratic.
There is, however, a segment of New York’s middle-class population that has turned, that is exhausted from paying for services it cannot receive because it is often not poor enough to be entitled to them, despite the fact that at the same time it is not so rich that it does not need them. And on top of taxes, the rising cost of apartments, rising expenses, and gas and electric bills that are a blow to the heart each month.
The Democratic Party has taken this segment of the electorate for granted, in big cities, for at least two decades. Maps like this one, and there are other examples in other liberal cities like Philadelphia, are screaming at the party that should be there to represent these people, that maybe it would be time to get back to doing something for them, not to mention the Fentalyn issue that is disrupting the lives of so many.
In fact, one of the Democrats’ main strategic mistakes has been exactly that.
Underestimate what the American wants, desires, strongly yearns for: economic capability, security, independence, not welfare. Not wild immigration. Not the lack of personal protection on the streets. There is a yearning for a hard, firm pulse.
And that was the mistake: underestimating the entrenchment and impact of Trump’s message, especially in rural areas and among the middle class. The popular vote shows this. Despite declining support among some demographic groups, the Trumpian movement has shown resilience and mobilization beyond expectations. The Democrats, on the other hand, focused on issues deemed more universal, such as social justice, women and environmental sustainability, and “Woke” policies that, while important, failed to fully capture the economic and labor concerns of less urbanized voters.
They have invested fewer resources in rural and industrial areas, where discontent with the economic situation is greatest.
Themes far removed from common feeling, as those suffering from their social condition feel alienated from issues such as climate change and the issue of ” rights,” perceived as primary to social and economic security.
In addition, Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw late from the race prevented the holding of primaries, making Harris’ candidacy appear to be a top-down choice without an internal democratic process.
The absence of a strong and unified leadership such as his, rushed into the field at the last minute to cover a chasm after Biden’s retirement, thrown into a campaign worth a minimum of northerners, further weakened the Democrats’ message. Unlike the Republican Party, which showed cohesion around the figure of Trump, the Dems also appeared divided between the progressive and moderate wings. This created a lack of clear vision, making it difficult for voters to identify with a consistent message.
Poor Youth and Minority Base Involvement is another aspect to consider.
