Simple promises vs Jalebi of promises! This is the interesting reason for Trump’s victory and Harris’s defeat.

Dipankar Gupta, New Delhi: The results of the American elections are in front of the whole world. Experts all over the world are immediately discussing Donald Trump’s historic victory. Everyone wants to know the real reason behind Trump’s victory. The election promises of both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris were completely different. Harris focused on many issues. These included abortion, climate change, aid to Ukraine and healthcare. But Trump gave a direct and clear message to the American public, ‘Outsiders are looting America and they have to be stopped.’ Trump’s direct and simple message was more effective. Trump used people’s everyday problems to his/her advantage, whereas Harris’s promises were for the future. Trump gave people instant gratification, while Harris made promises that would take time to fulfill. There could be many reasons behind Trump’s victory. But Trump’s issue of stopping outsiders was quite effective. People understood this issue easily.

Trump’s focus on one issue

Trump raised only one issue in the US elections, outsiders are looting Americans. he/she said, ‘Since the change in the rules of 1965, the number of immigrants coming from Mexico has increased and America will soon be taken over by them. Similarly, China is snatching jobs and Europe is wasting money in the name of NATO. Trump’s solutions were also straightforward and simple, ‘build a wall on the border with Mexico, increase taxes on Chinese goods and promote American jobs.’ Trump’s target was not only China, but also European countries like France and Germany. Trump’s method was like children liking a shiny toy immediately, even if it breaks in a few months.

What promises did Harris make?

In contrast, Harris spoke on a variety of issues, but none of his/her issues were immediately impactful. The issue of abortion rights is no longer as important as before, because contraceptive methods have improved and women have started working. The issue of climate change also does not touch people as much, because it is a problem of the future. People are struggling with their present problems, hence they are less worried about the future. One reason for Harris’s defeat was that the people of the Democratic Party remained blind to the reality. he/she refused to believe that Trump’s message was attracting people.

Why were Harris’s issues not effective?

Abortion is no longer the issue it was in the 1980s. Better contraceptive methods and women’s willingness to work have reduced unwanted pregnancies. Now this issue is mostly limited to rape victims and women who default in using contraceptives. Statistics show that between 1981 and 2021, abortion rates among women aged 15-44 have decreased by 60%. A survey also found that half of those who believe abortion is legal voted for Trump. Kamala’s next promise was to stop global warming. But as the saying goes, ‘When there is a fire, we will dig a well’, that is why people do not find the issue of environment important right now. Healthcare is also not an issue that needs immediate attention.

Big lesson to the Democratic Party

The Democratic Party should consider the reasons for defeat. They have to understand that direct and simple issues are needed to woo people. The Democratic Party should avoid blaming others for the defeat. They have to accept that Trump won the election because he/she succeeded in wooing the people.

(Author Dipankar Gupta is a sociologist)