Critique logo

Why did Kamala Harris lose the 2024 US presidential election ?

Can a woman access power ?

By Nathan FUNKPublished about a year ago 3 min read

Kamala Harris’ loss to Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election has raised many questions. While some were optimistic about the possibility of seeing the first female president of the United States rise to power, the election results revealed trends and failures that compromised her chances of success. Here’s an in-depth look at the reasons behind her failure.

1. American electorate reluctant to have a female president

Despite progress in the area of ​​gender equality, the election of a woman to the presidency remains a significant obstacle in the United States. Kamala Harris has encountered an electorate sometimes skeptical about her ability to govern as a woman in a country still marked by sexist biases. Polls have shown a decline in support in key states where the question of gender can influence votes.

2. Campaign Mistakes

Kamala Harris made several strategic mistakes that weakened her position. Among them:

A unclear message: Her campaign lacked concrete and differentiated proposals compared to those of her predecessor, Joe Biden. Many voters perceived her program as a continuation of the previous administration, without major innovation.

A loss of credibility: The episode concerning her supposed experience at McDonald’s, not mentioned in her memoirs, raised doubts about its authenticity. This type of controversy, although minor, can be exploited by her opponents to undermine her reputation.

A lack of preparation on certain issues: Her bursts of laughter deemed inappropriate during interviews or debates reinforced the image of a candidate lacking gravitas.

3. Donald Trump’s populist dynamic

In contrast, Donald Trump has mobilized a strong voter base with populist, anti-establishment rhetoric. His message of a return to a “strong” and “real” America has resonated in key states like Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Florida.

Trump has also exploited cultural and societal divisions to strengthen his position. His criticism of “wokeism” and his commitment to protecting traditional values ​​have struck a chord with voters who are undecided or disillusioned with the Democrats’ progressive policies.

4. Economic and Immigration Challenges

The United States faced major economic challenges in 2024, including persistent inflation and perceived stagnant wages. Republicans capitalized on these concerns by accusing Democrats of mismanaging the economy.

Additionally, immigration was a central issue of the campaign. Trump revived his rhetoric about border security and deportations, recalling the Obama era when deportations reached record levels. Kamala Harris, meanwhile, struggled to present a clear and coherent position on the issue.

5. Internal division among Democrats

The Democratic Party suffered from significant internal divisions, with some progressive members criticizing Kamala Harris for being too moderate, while others viewed her as too left-wing. These tensions eroded the party’s unity and reduced its ability to effectively mobilize voters.

6. The impact of the media and social media

Media coverage played a crucial role in public perceptions of both candidates. Kamala Harris was often portrayed as inauthentic or ineffective, while Donald Trump used social media to directly mobilize his supporters and bypass criticism from traditional media.

7. Election results: a convincing victory for Trump

With 75,870,227 votes (50.20%) and 312 electors, Donald Trump won a clear victory against Kamala Harris, who collected 72,856,990 votes (48.20%) and 226 electors. These figures reveal a stronger mobilization in rural areas and the Midwestern states, often considered decisive in presidential elections.

Conclusion: A candidacy shaken by multiple factors

Kamala Harris' defeat is not only a reflection of her own weaknesses, but also the result of an unfavorable political, economic and social context. Between campaign errors, a persistent populist dynamic and the internal challenges of her party, Harris has not managed to convince a majority of Americans that she is the elder willing and able to lead the nation.

#Elections2024 #USPresidentialElection #KamalaHarris #DonaldTrump #TrumpVsHarris #ElectionResults #Vote2024 #PoliticalAnalysis #GenderEquality #WomenInPolitics #USPolitics #Populism #Progressivism#ImmigrationPolicy #EconomicPolicy #MediaBias #GlobalPolitics #USA2024 #AmericaVotes #USADecides

Proofreading

About the Creator

Nathan FUNK

Nathan Funk, an international relations expert and seasoned mediator, brings 20 years of experience to the service of peace, dialogue and global cooperation.

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2026 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.