Aab Ki Baar, Trump Ki Sarkar? The Historic 2024 Election. The 2024 U.S. presidential election has marked a historic moment for former President Donald Trump as he reclaimed the White House. The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi famously endorsed Trump with the slogan “Aab Ki Baar, Trump Ki Sarkar” during his 2019 visit to the U.S., hoping for Trump’s reelection in 2020. Although Trump lost to Joe Biden in that race, he made a comeback in 2024, capitalizing on the outgoing administration’s perceived shortcomings. For Kamala Harris, Biden’s vice president and the Democratic nominee, it was a campaign marked by challenges, media missteps, and a struggle to distance herself from her predecessor’s policies.
As Trump built his campaign around the administration’s perceived failures on issues like immigration, inflation, and foreign policy, Harris’s campaign found itself on the defensive. While Biden’s policies were often cited as the source of voter discontent, it was Harris who bore the brunt of voter frustrations.
Trump’s Campaign Targets Harris’s Record and Policies
With Biden’s popularity waning, Harris had only a limited time to establish herself as a distinct leader. Trump seized this opportunity, zeroing in on the administration’s weaknesses. He openly criticized Harris for issues surrounding border security and increasing immigration, framing these as evidence of her inability to offer a different approach than Biden.
Despite the Democratic strategy to shift Harris’s image, her campaign struggled. When asked in a high-profile interview on The View about the biggest differences between her and Biden’s administration, Harris offered no clear distinctions, saying only, “Obviously, we’re different people.” This missed opportunity to redefine her platform and priorities left many wondering if she could offer anything distinct from Biden.
Limited Appeal: Harris’s Focus on Abortion Left Women Voters Wanting More
Kamala Harris’s campaign centered heavily on abortion rights as her primary appeal to women voters, but critics argue this singular focus left much to be desired. While the issue is critical, many women hoped to see a broader, more comprehensive platform that included policies addressing childcare support, affordable medical insurance, and expanded education opportunities. Countries like India, for instance, have implemented free education programs for girls, showcasing a broader commitment to empowering women through tangible support. Harris’s campaign, however, lacked initiatives in these areas, leaving women voters questioning whether the Democratic platform fully addressed the complex challenges they face daily. This narrow focus may have weakened her connection with a diverse base of women who sought a more inclusive approach to policy reform that extends beyond reproductive rights.
Media Shyness and a Delayed Blitz
Harris’s campaign initially took a low-profile approach to media, opting for carefully staged moments rather than engaging directly with the press. Only in the final weeks did Harris make a significant media push, appearing on 60 Minutes and doing high-profile interviews with Howard Stern and Fox News’ Bret Baier. But by then, it was seen by many as too little, too late.
Critics argue this reluctance to face the media head-on cost her the chance to define her own vision for the presidency. Her opponents painted her as out of touch, and her approach to hot-button issues like cost of living, student debt, and healthcare didn’t resonate as strongly with voters as the direct, populist appeal Trump made across varied media channels.
Key Missteps and Unaddressed Voter Concerns
Perhaps the biggest miscalculation of the Harris campaign was its failure to connect with key voter blocs, including Arab Americans, Muslim Americans, and Indian & Pakistani Americans, who historically leaned Democratic. Dissatisfaction with Biden’s handling of the Middle East conflict left many Arab and Muslim voters feeling ignored. The Biden administration’s financial support for foreign conflicts and perceived inaction on pressing domestic issues—such as healthcare reform, rent control, and student debt relief—alienated younger and progressive voters.
While Harris’s team targeted younger, diverse audiences, including women and people of color, the Democratic focus on issues like women’s and LGBTQ+ rights did not address the broader economic concerns. The Democratic platform promoting LGBTQ+ rights in schools, including events like the White House invitation for Dylan Mulvaney, received backlash from moderate and conservative voters. Many felt this emphasis neglected core issues like economic stability and security.
Green Party Surge in Dearborn Amid Gaza Crisis
In a stunning show of support, Green Party candidate Jill Stein captured 22% of the vote in Dearborn, Michigan, according to projections by NBC News. The city, with a significant Arab-American population, saw an unexpected shift towards the Green Party, reflecting growing frustrations with the Democratic response to the Gaza crisis. Unofficial results from the city clerk showed Kamala Harris narrowly leading Stein with 28% of the vote, while Donald Trump garnered a commanding 47%.
Shifting Allegiances Among Indian Americans
One of the more surprising shifts in this election cycle was the waning support for the Democratic Party among Indian Americans. According to a Carnegie Endowment survey, support for the Democratic Party among Indian Americans fell from 56% in 2020 to 47% in 2024, while Trump’s support increased to 31%. Despite Harris’s Indian heritage, her support among Indian American voters, a traditionally loyal Democratic bloc, saw a notable drop. This shift indicates a growing receptiveness to Trump’s message, which resonated with a broader swath of the immigrant and business-oriented Indian American community.
In all age groups, only 22% of Indian-American women said that they intend to vote for Trump, over 39% of the men stated how they would vote for Trump.
Shifting Allegiances Among Pakistani Americans
In a surprising shift, the Pakistani-American Public Affairs Committee (PAKPAC USA) officially endorsed Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump ahead of the 2024 election. The endorsement came amid growing dissatisfaction within the Pakistani-American community regarding the Biden administration’s foreign policy, particularly surrounding Pakistan’s political instability. Citing what it described as a “legislative coup” by the Pakistani government, which resulted in the ousting and imprisonment of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, PAKPAC USA voiced concerns that the Biden administration’s approach has overlooked democratic principles and the will of the Pakistani people. This disillusionment with Democratic foreign policy has prompted Pakistani Americans, who traditionally lean Democratic, to reconsider their political loyalties. Many in the community see Trump as a leader who may prioritize accountability and a stronger diplomatic stance, marking a significant shift that could have lasting implications for the Democratic Party’s support among South Asian voters.
Retail Theft on the Rise: How California’s Proposition 47 Impacted Crime Rates
Amid the 2024 election’s intense policy debates, one issue that resonated strongly was the surge in retail theft, particularly in blue states like California. The state’s Proposition 47, known as the Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Act, was passed by voters in November 2014. The law reclassified certain nonviolent offenses, including retail theft under $950, from felonies to misdemeanors, aiming to reduce prison overcrowding and fund education. While the initiative was intended to create safer communities, critics argue it has fueled a significant spike in retail crime. The impact is particularly visible in cities like San Francisco, where videos of brazen thefts circulating on social media have painted a stark picture of the policy’s unintended consequences. Small businesses and major retailers alike have suffered under rising theft rates, with some companies even shutting down locations due to persistent losses. The situation has sparked calls for reform, with opponents of Proposition 47 pushing for policies that address retail crime without compromising community safety, making it a key issue in Trump’s 2024 platform for restoring order and supporting local businesses.
The Road Ahead
While Harris’s campaign was short-lived and constrained by her close association with the Biden administration, Trump’s victory was no doubt a result of his own campaign’s effectiveness at mobilizing and connecting with voters on issues that struck home. The challenges facing the Democratic Party now go beyond just this election, highlighting the need for introspection and recalibration to win back lost support among voters who once formed the core of its base.
For Trump, this election was more than just a return to the presidency; it was a vindication of his resilience in the face of formidable challenges. And for the Democratic Party, it serves as a moment to reconsider its priorities if it hopes to regain the confidence of those it may have left behind.
About the Author
Dr. Tausif Malik is an Indian American social entrepreneur, publisher, and academician, renowned for his innovative ventures. He founded and publishes The Desi Buzz, GCC Startup News, Startup Berita, and Halal Biz News, amplifying entrepreneurship globally. Dr. Malik also spearheads AIMBSN, Halal Angels Network, and Startup Villages, fostering startup ecosystems. His groundbreaking initiative, RiseBack.org, offers affordable edtech solutions, providing Indian university programs starting at $50 per month and professional IT courses priced at $250-$350. Through his diverse endeavors, Dr. Malik empowers individuals with access to education and opportunities.
