AFTERMATH OF THE ELECTION: DEMOCRATIC DISCONTENT GROWS
It has been a mere three weeks since Donald Trump emerged victorious over Kamala Harris in the presidential race. While the media buzzes with updates on Trump’s Cabinet selections and his plans for a second term, Democrats are grappling with deeper issues. The blame game that began on election night is intensifying, revealing fractures within the party.
Key Sources of Frustration Among Democrats
Democratic discontent is palpable, fueled by several factors that have recently come to light. Three primary concerns have captured attention: 1) the staggering financial expenditures of Harris’s campaign and their allocation, 2) the controversial decision to involve former Republican Representative Liz Cheney in her campaign strategy, and 3) perceived media biases that may have contributed to Harris’s defeat and Trump’s success. These revelations are leaving many Democrats feeling incredulous and frustrated.
Extravagant Spending Patterns of Harris’s Campaign
The extravagant spending habits of Harris’s campaign were first highlighted by Gabe Kaminsky from The Washington Examiner. Over just 15 weeks, her team spent an astonishing $1.5 billion—averaging $100 million each week—a figure that has left political analysts astonished. A recent article from The New York Times titled “How Kamala Harris Burned Through $1.5 Billion in 15 Weeks” underscores this frenetic pace of expenditure which has led some party members to question whether such lavish spending was truly effective.
Despite having a significant financial edge over Trump, Harris became the first Democratic candidate in two decades to lose the national popular vote while failing to secure any battleground states against him. Her cash-rich campaign splurged on extensive advertising campaigns, social media influencers, door-to-door canvassing operations, numerous staff hires, high-profile rallies—including an extravagant town hall event featuring Oprah Winfrey—and even drone shows for entertainment purposes.
Many within her party are now reconsidering whether investing heavily in celebrity-driven events was more about showmanship than actual voter engagement.
Questionable Strategic Choices: The Cheney Factor
Another point of contention arises from involving Liz Cheney—a former Republican congresswoman known for her opposition to Trump—in Harris’s campaign efforts. An article published by The Nation described this collaboration as an electoral misstep for Harris; it questioned why Democratic strategists believed Cheney would attract additional votes when she had little appeal among Republican voters who remained loyal to Trump.
John Nichols pointed out that while some Democratic strategists were excited about Cheney joining forces with them against Trump, it ultimately failed to resonate with voters who were not inclined toward neoconservative ideologies or past GOP figures like Cheney herself—both Liz and Dick Cheney endorsed Biden during their campaigns against Trump.
Nichols analyzed various towns across Wisconsin where Harris struggled compared to Biden’s performance in 2020; notably even Ripon—the birthplace of the Republican Party—saw increased support for Trump compared to previous elections while fewer votes went towards Harris than Biden received previously.
Media Criticism Amidst Internal Strife
As recriminations continue among Democrats regarding their electoral strategies post-election loss, another layer of frustration is directed at mainstream media outlets perceived as insufficiently critical toward Trump’s shortcomings during his presidency. Some party members argue that despite favorable coverage towards them throughout the election cycle—including celebrations surrounding Kamala’s candidacy—the liberal media did not adequately highlight Trump’s vulnerabilities leading up until Election Day itself.
In a recent piece featured in New Republic, journalist Michael Tomasky suggested that right-wing media outlets dominate public discourse today far more effectively than traditional liberal news sources like The New York Times or CNN ever could hope too achieve alone; he posited they set much of America’s news agenda instead.
Tomasky emphasized how influential platforms such as Fox News alongside other conservative networks shape narratives significantly more than established liberal counterparts do—even suggesting these entities dictate what stories gain traction nationwide rather than vice versa!
Adding weight behind this argument was political comedian Jon Stewart who remarked upon how left-leaning outlets need greater cohesion akin those found within right-wing circles if they wish compete effectively moving forward into future elections cycles ahead!
Conclusion: A Party at Crossroads?
This overview merely scratches surface concerning ongoing tensions inside Democratic ranks following disappointing results after November elections concluded earlier this month! With new challenges arising under renewed leadership from President-elect Donald J.Trump looming large ahead—it remains uncertain just how deep these divisions run nor what impact they might ultimately yield down road!
Graduated from University of Denver, Residing in Dallas, Texas. Political observer and a Conservative. Follow on Twitter for more.