Now that the dust has settled from last week’s election, many of us are left with a feeling of frustration and confusion. The results were a powerful reminder of the challenges our country has and continues to face, as well as the painful truths that shape them. While it is easy to look back and say, “We could have done this differently,” the root issues go deeper than that. Beneath the surface are deep-seeded issues of racism, misogyny, and an unwillingness from key demographics to engage and stand with those who have always shown up. As we reflect on what happened, let’s focus on the unique obstacles Harris faced, the roles played (or not played) this election, and the reality of what we are now up against.
Obstacles Faced by the Harris Campaign
With only under four months to build an entire campaign, Kamala Harris faced an uphill battle from the start. Compare this to the year or more that presidential campaign candidates typically have to strategize, build coalitions, and differentiate themselves. Speaking of differentiation, Harris also faced the added burden of being judged for policies associated with the current administration.Though many of the Biden policies were effective and had positive impacts, they posed the challenge of differentiating Harris in an already-short campaign period.
With substantially limited time and resources, Harris faced heightened scrutiny that overshadowed her accomplishments and potential. Sadly, despite all of the momentum, excitement, and commitment she brought to her campaign, it just wasn’t enough to combat these key obstacles she faced.
Missing Key Demographics
The roles of key demographics this election played a huge part in the outcomes. Black women showed up in full force, as they always do. Black men also largely supported Harris, although we lost 20% of them this time around. This trend unfortunately wasn’t unique to Black communities. Our Latina sisters have voiced similar frustrations with Latino men.
On top of that, many white women, who have often positioned themselves as allies, were not present at the levels we needed them to be. These issues are critical to look into and to reflect on as we think about future elections.
The Hard Truth & What Needs to Be Done
While Kamala Harris ran on a platform of inclusivity and progress, the country chose someone who openly embraces bigotry and misogyny who threatens the very fabric of our democracy. We are now facing four more years under a president whose policies threaten equality, justice, and freedom–the values on which we pride ourselves as a nation. We cannot ignore this hard truth.
One thing is clear–we don’t need empty apologies.
What we need is accountability and action. We need to have important conversations within the communities that failed to show up during this election. To my white sisters–instead of reaching out to apologize, reach out to those closest to you who didn’t engage and who chose to vote against our collective progress. These conversations are hard but absolutely critical.
Our Next Steps: A Call to Those Who Didn’t Show Up
For those of you who did the work–thank you. You put in the work to carry this campaign and vision forward for our nation. You deserve to take this time and space to rest.
To everyone who sat this one out, it’s time to get to work. We now face four years of Trump, at least two years of a Republican-controlled Senate, and we have a House that is hanging by a thread. Our democracy has been put to the test, and our courts, policies, and rights will undoubtedly be shaped by these troubling outcomes.
Right now, I am calling on every single person who didn’t contribute to the work for this election to step up. Whether it’s having tough conversations or engaging in your communities, this isn’t a time to be complacent. We need your voices, your energy, and your commitment now more than ever.
Coming Together & Looking Ahead
This election has shown us the importance and urgency of coming together. Not just in words but also actions. We cannot afford to leave the work to others; we each have a crucial role to play.
We have two years to prepare for the next opportunity to shift the direction of our democracy and four years until the next presidential election. This is not just about a single campaign or candidate. It’s about building a nation that reflects our values–a society where every person can be seen, heard, and respected. If we want different outcomes, we need to all take action collectively. Next time, let’s make sure we don’t look back with regrets but instead with pride in the collective efforts we put in together. The hard work starts now.
Ready to Make Your Political Dreams a Reality?
If you’re aspiring to run for office or work in politics, now is the time to take the next step. Book a free consultation with Tamia of T. Booker Strategies, a seasoned political strategist passionate about empowering diverse candidates. Tamia offers invaluable insights and tailored guidance to help you craft a winning campaign strategy. Don’t miss this opportunity to make your political ambitions a reality. Schedule your free consultation today!
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