Donald J. Trump has achieved a remarkable political comeback, a feat only achieved by one other president in U.S. history – Glover Cleveland in 1884. Trump defied all polls by winning both the electoral votes (312) and the popular vote (50.3 percent). The last Republican president to win the popular vote was George W. Bush in 2004.
The American political landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, but the full scope of these changes is yet to be revealed. Experts are now analyzing the exit poll data to gain a better understanding of the situation. Kelly Dittmar, a professor of Political Science at Rutgers University, highlighted the importance of this election in terms of electing a woman as the president of the U.S. and understanding the motivations behind voters’ choices.
The Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAJC) conducted a poll leading up to the election, revealing that 61 percent of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders voted, showing a slight decrease from 2020. However, there was increased enthusiasm and engagement among the AANHPI community, with a significant number of first-time voters participating. The top issues for Asian Americans in this election were the economy, protecting democracy, reproductive rights, and immigration.
A notable trend among Asian Americans is their strong support for family-based immigration policies and concerns about the treatment of immigrants without proper documentation. Additionally, there is a growing worry about the lack of action against white nationalists promoting hate and attacks on the Asian American community.
The election also saw a significant number of blue-collar Hispanics supporting Trump, with over half of Hispanic men backing him in 2024. These voters were drawn to the Republicans’ conservative messaging, particularly on family values and abortion. Trump’s victory highlighted the ability of the Republicans to build a strong multiracial coalition.
The loss of industrial sector jobs due to trade agreements like NAFTA has had a profound impact on American workers, contributing to the divisions and toxicity in politics today. Ben Jealous of the Sierra Club emphasized the need to rebuild the American economy by focusing on manufacturing jobs that benefit all Americans. This return to the American formula of creating economic opportunities for all citizens could be a path forward.
Looking ahead, there are concerns about whether Trump’s return could usher in a new Gilded Age, characterized by economic growth but also significant political corruption. By learning from history and focusing on inclusive economic policies, the U.S. can work towards building a better future for all its citizens.
