Democratic voters wrestle with Harris’ loss to Trump: What went wrong?

Many Democratic voters expressed disappointment but not surprise at Vice President Kamala Harris’ loss to Donald Trump, citing a lack of economic messaging and lingering racism and sexism within the party. Reasons for her defeat included a rushed campaign, a shift too far left on social issues, and bias against her as a woman of color. Trump’s focus on economic concerns resonated with voters, and his campaign effectively reached out to young men and Latino voters. Some voters, particularly in battleground states, were also influenced by issues such as the war in Gaza and concerns about the economy. The need for Democrats to broaden their base and connect with rural voters was highlighted, along with the challenge of breaking through with their economic agenda. Harris’ historic potential as a female president, especially a woman of color, was noted by supporters, but some expressed doubts about whether the electorate was ready for such a change. The loss of Harris in the election was seen as significant, particularly among voters of color, and it emphasized the need for Democrats to retain their base support. Some individuals, like Park, are critical of Joe Biden for not stepping aside earlier and allowing Kamala Harris to take the lead. Others, like Pastor Luis Cortés, believe that Trump was able to connect with men in inner cities, particularly Black and Hispanic men, in a way that Harris did not. Cortés suggests that Harris did not focus enough on economic development and that recent controversies, such as a racist joke made at a Trump rally, may have pushed some Latinos towards supporting Trump instead of Harris. This highlights the importance of addressing key issues and concerns to connect with voters effectively.