Summary

Gender bias played a significant role in Kamala Harris’s defeat, with many voters—often women—expressing doubts about whether “America is ready for a female president.”

Some said they “couldn’t see her in the chair,” or questioned if a woman could lead, with one even remarking, “you don’t see women building skyscrapers.” Though some voters were open to persuasion, this often became a red line.

Oliver Hall, a Harris campaign volunteer, found that economic concerns, particularly inflation, also drove voters to Donald Trump, despite low unemployment and wage growth touted by Democrats.

Harris was viewed in conflicting ways, seen as both too tough and too lenient on crime, as well as ineffective yet overly tied to Biden’s administration.

Ultimately, Hall believes that Trump’s unique appeal and influence overshadowed Harris’s campaign efforts.

  • EnderMB@lemmy.world
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    2 months ago

    I think a lot of your comment boils down to a few things that Americans need to accept:

    • Americans don’t care about policy. They like sound bites, and Trump gives those for days.
    • People vote against their interests in the name for change, even if it negatively affects people like them (but importantly, not them)
    • America is a deeply racist and misogynistic country.
    • Playing it safe doesn’t win elections in America, but minorities only win if the other choice is uninspired.

    Where I disagree is that it was a toss-up. Harris has performed worse than Hillary, which is wild considering how deeply unpopular she was. Frankly, before she ran it was obvious how disliked she was.

    • Optional@lemmy.world
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      2 months ago

      I’d agree with your paraphrasing but it exists in a media vacuum.

      • Americans don’t care about policy. They like sound bites, and Trump gives those for days.

      That’s a comment on media that Americans consume, not necessarily Americans.