How Trump Won the White House: The Day that Changed America (Ep 4)
Oct 7, 2024
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On the critical night of November 8, 2016, the atmosphere was charged as Donald Trump made his final rally push in Michigan. Despite a mere 9% chance of victory according to The New York Times, Trump defied expectations. The podcast captures the emotional rollercoaster of election night, detailing the pivotal moments that swayed key swing states in his favor. It also dissects the missteps of Hillary Clinton's campaign and explores the lasting implications of Trump's surprising win on the political landscape.
57:32
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Quick takeaways
Trump's last-minute rally in Michigan exemplified his strategic focus on swing states critical for mobilizing voters in the election.
The stark contrast between polling forecasts and actual election results underscored the inadequacy of traditional polling methods in capturing voter sentiment.
Hillary Clinton's inability to connect with disenchanted working-class voters, exacerbated by her controversial remarks, significantly contributed to her electoral defeat.
Deep dives
Election Day Mood Shift
On November 8, 2016, the atmosphere surrounding Donald Trump's campaign dramatically shifted throughout the day. Initially, polls indicated a mere 9% chance of victory, leading many, including key campaign members, to expect a win for Hillary Clinton. However, as results began to emerge, there was a palpable sense of excitement within Trump Tower, and the mood transformed as the night progressed, bringing surprise and anticipation. The behind-the-scenes preparations revealed a strategic push by Trump, who made last-minute campaign stops, including an unexpected rally in Michigan just hours before polls closed.
The Campaign's Geographic Strategy
A significant aspect of Trump's campaign was the intense focus on critical swing states, particularly in the final days leading up to the election. His rigorous travel schedule, which included various states across different time zones, underscored his commitment to campaigning actively in areas that could sway the election. This strategy paid off, as he recognized the necessity of appealing to traditional Democratic voters in the Rust Belt. His messaging resonated with these voters, showcasing the urgency to address their concerns and promising a change from the status quo.
Polls vs. Reality
The disconnect between polling data and the election results became a key talking point in the aftermath of Trump's victory. Throughout the campaign, many polls consistently forecasted a Clinton win, causing the media and campaign insiders to underestimate Trump's supporters. The eventual realization that Trump was capturing key states, such as Florida and Ohio, shifted perceptions as results rolled in. This unexpected turn highlighted how conventional polling methods were not accurately capturing voter sentiment during a time of political upheaval.
Strengths of Trump's Rallying Support
Donald Trump's approach to campaigning harnessed a peculiar yet powerful loyalty from his base, which played a crucial role in the election outcome. His rallies created a fervent atmosphere that energized his supporters, fostering a sense that he was genuinely fighting for them. Even controversial remarks, such as his claim he could shoot someone on Fifth Avenue without losing support, demonstrated the deep-seated devotion among his followers. This unwavering loyalty was further amplified by the extensive media coverage, which often provided him with free airtime, positioning him as a prominent figure in the political landscape.
Clinton's Campaign Challenges
Hillary Clinton's campaign faced numerous challenges that ultimately contributed to her loss in the election. Despite a more considerable financial backing compared to Trump's campaign, Clinton struggled to connect with key demographic groups, particularly working-class white voters who felt disillusioned. Her infamous 'deplorables' comment and perceived lack of authenticity alienated some potential supporters. Additionally, the presence of a third-party candidate, Jill Stein, further fragmented the vote in pivotal states, exacerbating the issues Clinton faced as she failed to secure distinct advantages over Trump.
It’s the 8th November, 2016, just past midnight and Donald Trump arrives at Grand Rapids, Michigan, for his last rally of the election. He’s bleary-eyed and feeling the strain, this is his tenth rally in the last two days. After flying through three time zones yesterday, he has now flown from Florida to North Carolina to Pennsylvania to New Hampshire, and finally here to Michigan. His one last shot at those Blue Wall states. He tells the crowd, ‘We're hours away from a once-in-a-lifetime change, Today is our Independence Day, the day the American working class is going to strike back, finally.’ Yet, going into election day The New York Times only gave Trump a 9% chance of winning.
In the final episode of The Rest is Politics: US’ series on How Donald Trump Won the White House, listen as Anthony and Katty tell how election day unfolded and analyze the result. Why did Donald Trump win the White House?
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