On January 20th, 2021, Joseph R. Biden will be inaugurated as the 46th President of the United States. However, Donald Trump is still the 45th President, and his path to re-election was full of twists, turns, challenges, and surprises. Democrats and Republicans alike continue to express disbelief over the 2016 election results. It remains to be seen whether history books will narrate the 2016 election as a victory for blue collar workers, a defeat for elites, or a foreign policy realignment. However, one thing is certain; Donald Trump was underestimated throughout his campaign. This article addresses four factors that led to Trump’s victory, and discusses the potential implications these factors may have on the 2020 election. By doing so, we may move closer to understanding the challenge ahead, and prepare ourselves to face future political uncertainties.
The Power of Populism: Trumps Appeal to Voters
Populist leaders build on frustration, anger, and fear to gain power, and Trump is no exception. By painting himself as the enemy of an out-of-touch establishment and the champion of the “forgotten” man, he taps into a deep vein of resentment that exists in many Americans. His xenophobic, nativist, and scapegoating rhetoric resonates with those who feel left behind by globalization and economic change. Trump promises to bring back jobs, restore national sovereignty, and put America first, appealing to voters who feel that the country has lost its way and its greatness. This combination of populist appeal and economic anxiety helped propel Trump to victory in 2016 and continues to be a potent force in American politics today.
Here is a table summarizing some of the key elements of Trump’s populist appeal:
| Element | Description |
|—|—|
| Economic anxiety | Many Americans feel that they are being left behind by globalization and economic change. Trump promises to bring back jobs and restore economic prosperity. |
| Cultural resentment | Trump’s xenophobic and nativist rhetoric resonates with voters who feel that the country has lost its way and its greatness. He promises to restore national sovereignty and put America first. |
| Anti-establishment sentiment | Trump presents himself as an outsider who is not beholden to special interests. He promises to drain the swamp and clean up corruption in Washington. |
The Electoral Map: How Trump Secured Key Swing States
In 2016, Trump prevailed in key swing states that had long been Democratic strongholds. One factor was his focus on blue-collar voters, who felt neglected by traditional Democratic policies. His message of economic nationalism, promising to bring back jobs lost to globalization and trade deals, resonated with many in these states. Additionally, Trump’s presence on social media allowed him to engage with voters directly, bypassing traditional news outlets and their often unfavorable coverage.
The Impact of Social Media: Trumps Dominance on Platforms
As the former president, Trump continues to dominate social media platforms, solidifying his influence and the impact of his words. By leveraging Twitter, Facebook, and other platforms, he bypasses traditional media outlets and communicates directly with his vast following, often setting the news agenda and shaping public opinion. This unprecedented level of access and influence has allowed him to maintain a significant presence in the political discourse, despite no longer holding office.
| Trump’s Social Media Dominance | |
|---|---|
| Platform | Followers |
| 87.8 million | |
| 46.9 million | |
Wrapping Up
the 2024 election has concluded with Trump securing a second term. Various factors, including his populist appeal, his ability to connect with his base, and the perceived shortcomings of his opponent, have contributed to his victory. While some have expressed concerns about the implications of his re-election, it remains to be seen how the nation’s political landscape will evolve under his continued leadership.