Cillizza Posts Chart On Trump Gains
Donald Trump has achieved what few thought possible: a return to the White House in one of the most turbulent political comebacks in American history. Trump’s win in Wisconsin, followed by Michigan and Pennsylvania, secured his place as the 47th president of the United States, marking his second victory over a female Democratic candidate—this time Vice President Kamala Harris. Not since Grover Cleveland has a president reclaimed office after a loss, but Trump’s journey has been anything but conventional.
The 2024 campaign was marked by intense partisanship and unconventional strategies that set Trump apart from any political figure of recent memory. Through a combination of aggressive attacks, stark messaging, and a deep-seated appeal to disaffected voters, Trump’s narrative framed him as the candidate who would “restore America” amid what he described as chaos under the Biden-Harris administration. Campaigning with his signature unfiltered style, he painted a dark picture of a country in crisis, from economic uncertainty to threats of violence spilling over the border.
Harris, who took over as the Democratic nominee following Biden’s departure from the race, campaigned on optimism and themes of unity. However, the campaign struggled to resonate as high inflation, a surge in crime, and international crises continued to dominate headlines. Although Harris initially generated enthusiasm, especially as the first woman of color at the top of a major party ticket, she faced challenges convincing voters that she offered a meaningful change from Biden’s policies. Her messaging fell flat with disillusioned voters in key swing states, many of whom ultimately chose Trump as their champion of disruption and reform.
This chart is absolutely incredible pic.twitter.com/pFUeEfaYvg
— Chris Cillizza (@ChrisCillizza) November 7, 2024
After Trump’s win, world leaders quickly reached out, signaling their intent to establish working relationships with the president-elect. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who enjoyed strong ties with Trump during his first term, was among the first to offer congratulations. French President Emmanuel Macron followed suit, reflecting a cautious pragmatism as European leaders brace for a second Trump administration likely to revisit longstanding alliances and question shared responsibilities.
At home, the reactions were polarizing. The Clintons and Obamas issued measured congratulatory statements while reminding Americans of the importance of unity and respect for democratic processes. Both families’ calls for grace and bipartisanship, however, were met with skepticism from Trump supporters who recall years of heated rhetoric directed at conservative voters. In recent months, both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama had criticized Trump and his followers in terms that many felt were harshly divisive, complicating the Democrats’ appeals for a healing process in a post-election America.
Trump’s agenda for his second term reflects an emboldened vision. In sharp contrast to his 2017 entry into Washington, where he often encountered resistance from within his own administration, Trump plans to return with an inner circle of loyalists poised to execute sweeping reforms with minimal opposition. He has pledged an aggressive focus on issues ranging from a historic deportation initiative to a strict, tariff-heavy approach to international trade. His administration is expected to target what he describes as “deep-state” actors within federal institutions, and to reshape foreign policy, potentially upending longstanding commitments to multilateral alliances like NATO.
While his critics have expressed concern over Trump’s plans to pursue retribution against political opponents, his supporters see this as a necessary correction against what they perceive as a partisan double standard in federal enforcement. Trump has been vocal about his intent to appoint officials who share his vision, ensuring that federal institutions align more closely with his policies.
The last time Trump won, Dems never gave him a chance to really govern. With this new 2024 mandate, Trump deserves a couple of years of peace to deliver on the priorities of the American people. My latest on @cnn. pic.twitter.com/HpCZoIWWLX
— Scott Jennings (@ScottJenningsKY) November 7, 2024
This comeback also raises significant questions about Trump’s legal entanglements. He faces multiple felony charges and has been found liable in civil cases involving financial misrepresentation and defamation. While he could potentially resolve the federal cases through presidential authority, ongoing state cases, particularly in Georgia, may continue to loom over his presidency. Trump’s legal strategy will likely be as combative as his political one, and his return to office has sparked renewed debates about the relationship between justice, power, and accountability in the U.S. government.
Financial markets responded with optimism, with stocks, cryptocurrency, and tech companies surging on news of the election’s resolution and Trump’s pro-business stance. Elon Musk’s Tesla saw sharp gains, and the banking sector rallied, reflecting investor confidence in Trump’s promises of deregulation and corporate-friendly policies. The market’s bullish response underscores the business community’s confidence in Trump’s focus on growth and his efforts to eliminate what he considers bureaucratic obstacles.