Donald Trump has done what few anticipated: won the U.S. presidency for a second non-consecutive term, defeating Vice President Kamala Harris despite his legal controversies and convictions.
This surprising victory places Trump as the second U.S. president to serve two non-consecutive terms, following Grover Cleveland.
The race was notably close, and Trump’s supporters maintained faith he could win, even as many thought it unlikely.
Early Wednesday, after Fox News and Decision Desk HQ projected Trump as the winner of Pennsylvania—a critical swing state—the path to his victory became clearer.
University of Oxford presidential historian Laura Smith observed, "It looks like he’s managed to do the impossible—twice.
" Trump's campaign invoked Ronald Reagan's famous question, “Are you better off than you were four years ago?” A message that resonated with voters in swing states like North Carolina.
Harris, who began her campaign after President Joe Biden stepped down, faced significant challenges in gaining traction within a condensed timeline.
Coming from a middle-class family and building a career in law enforcement and politics, Harris has been recognised for her qualifications but struggled to connect with voters who felt removed from her vice-presidential role.
Sean Meloy, a Democratic National Committee member and advocate with the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund, reflected on Trump’s victory with frustration, citing Trump’s criminal convictions and history of controversial behaviour. "It’s shocking to see voters overlook the glaring issues in favour of promises,” Meloy remarked.
Political experts noted that Harris faced a unique situation. Her high qualifications were offset by public perceptions shaped during her vice-presidency, as historian Smith explained: “She was trapped between being experienced but not well known."
As the 2024 election results spread globally, international reactions were mixed. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy previously criticised Trump’s leadership, but acknowledged the “special relationship” between the U.S. and UK following Trump’s win.
Harris’s historic campaign as the first woman of colour to run for president on a major party ticket will remain a notable chapter in American political history, even as Trump’s renewed term promises to shift the political landscape dramatically.
Source:
The Metro
