Lionel Shriver on the election that smashed identity politics
Nov 6, 2024
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Lionel Shriver, a thought-provoking author and columnist, joins Kate Andrews to dissect the recent election results and their implications. They explore how Trump's victory could signal a shift away from identity politics and reveal the faltering strategies of Kamala Harris. Shriver critiques the superficial campaign tactics that failed to resonate with voters, particularly among women and Latino communities. The discussion also highlights the potential impact of a Republican-controlled Congress and the necessity for more substantive political dialogue moving forward.
The election results signify a notable decline in the influence of identity politics as economic issues dominated voters' priorities.
Kamala Harris's campaign struggled due to a lack of substance and a disconnect with voters, especially among key demographics.
Deep dives
Trump's Victory and Voter Sentiment
Donald Trump's election win appears to be a significant political event, as he has secured the Electoral College and shows strong leads in swing states. His victory margin in the popular vote is about five million, suggesting considerable public support. The election results indicate a split America, where a significant portion feels disillusioned, yet there is also a faction that feels a sense of satisfaction with the outcome. Many opinions express that while some voters view Trump as a polarizing figure, others see him as a necessary leader for current political challenges.
Implications of Identity Politics
The election results reflect a critical rejection of progressive identity politics, particularly concerning the Democratic candidates’ approach. Observations indicate that issues like the economy outweighed topics of social justice and identity for many voters. The focus on abortion and other emotionally charged topics appeared less significant than the narrative presented beforehand, which underestimated voters' priorities. This shift suggests a possible decline in the influence of identity politics in both the United States and abroad, particularly in Anglophone countries.
Harris's Campaign and Voter Reception
Kamala Harris's campaign has drawn criticism for its lack of substance and potential disconnect with voters' concerns. It is suggested that her focus on identity may have overshadowed presenting clear policy details, leading to lackluster support, especially among key demographics like black male voters and working-class individuals. Many observers note that her failure to connect on broader issues may have contributed to Trump's success, as he gained unexpected support from Latino voters. The implications of this could indicate a need for the Democratic Party to introspect and adapt their messaging to connect more effectively with a diverse electorate.
News that Kamala Harris has called Donald Trump to concede defeat means that the US election is all but over. Of the seven crucial swing states, Trump has so far won North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Republicans have taken the Senate back from the Democrats. How did things go so badly for Kamala Harris? Is this the end of identity politics? Lionel Shriver, author and columnist, joins The Spectator’s economics editor Kate Andrews to reflect on what happened, and how she's feeling now considering she disliked both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump as candidates.
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