President-Elect Donald Trump’s triumph in the recent election has been heralded as one of the most significant political comebacks in American history, and with each victory comes notable figures facing defeat. Among those prominently losing in this election cycle, Vice President Kamala Harris stands out, having failed in her campaign despite early backing from prominent Democrats and media outlets. This loss has not only affected Harris but has left a mark on influential figures and institutions within the political landscape. The consequences of her defeat extend beyond her campaign, hitting the credibility of key players, including the media, former President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle, businessman Mark Cuban, Liz Cheney, and President Joe Biden.
In the aftermath of Trump’s victory, the media elite faced a substantial backlash for their attempts to discredit him throughout the campaign. Accusations labeling Trump as a fascist and a menace to democracy fell on deaf ears as the media propagated a series of misleading narratives. These included false claims that Trump encouraged violence against Liz Cheney and a mischaracterization of his statements regarding women’s rights, which were taken out of context. Throughout the campaign, the media also promoted sensational stories, such as one alleging Trump’s refusal to pay for the funeral of a U.S. soldier, which only contributed to the public’s growing distrust of establishment media. A Gallup poll from October highlighted this declining trust, revealing that Americans’ confidence in media accuracy had plummeted to an all-time low, further complicating the media’s ability to influence public opinion.
The Obamas also faced defeat as their efforts to mobilize support for Harris faltered. Barack Obama, once hailed as a commanding figure in the Democratic Party after his own remarkable victories, campaigned vigorously for Harris, employing emotional appeals to persuade voters. Michelle Obama joined the effort late in the campaign, insinuating that voter skepticism toward Harris stemmed from sexism and racism. However, their campaigning did not yield the desired effect; early voting results indicated an unprecedented level of support for Trump among black and Hispanic voters, signaling a rejection of the Obamas’ emotional rhetoric and scare tactics.
Mark Cuban, a billionaire businessman and vocal opponent of Trump, aligned himself with Harris’s campaign and became one of her most visible supporters. Cuban’s attempt to connect business leaders with the Harris campaign backfired when he made a controversial remark implying that Trump surrounded himself with weak women. His comments led to a backlash from conservative women, prompting Trump to publicly condemn Cuban’s statement and highlight its insensitivity. This significant misstep galvanized Trump supporters while illustrating the risks of aligning with a controversial figure facing electoral challenges.
Another notable loser in this election cycle was Liz Cheney. By forging an alliance with the Harris campaign, Cheney strategized to position herself against Trump and attract suburban voters disenchanted with him. However, her criticism of Trump, framed as warnings about threats to democracy, was not well received by the electorate and likely backfired. Instead of strengthening Harris’s campaign, Cheney’s involvement suggests she might have inadvertently benefitted Trump, raising questions within the Democratic Party about their strategic decisions and outreach. As Democrats reassess their campaign’s failures, some speculate that the party’s focus on appealing to moderate Republicans like Cheney diluted their message to more progressive bases within the party.
Finally, President Joe Biden’s role in this political defeat cannot be overlooked. As the leader of the Biden-Harris administration, Biden’s presidency has been marred by rising costs, international crises, and a contentious immigration situation. Voters witnessed the fallout from policies associated with Biden and his administration, leading them to reject the idea of extending the current leadership’s reach through a Harris presidency. Biden’s efforts to support Harris through endorsements and campaign funds were ultimately ineffective, and the narrative surrounding Biden will likely shift to view his administration as a failed one—particularly as Harris, his anointed successor, was unable to stop Trump from making a historic comeback in American politics.
Overall, the repercussions of Trump’s election extend far beyond just one political victory. High-profile figures and institutions that once seemed invulnerable now find themselves grappling with the fallout from their failed campaigns and alliances. As the political landscape shifts and reevaluations begin, the cases of the lost power players may serve as critical lessons for future endeavors in a polarized political climate. As the Democratic Party seeks to define its path forward, key questions arise about their strategy and the evolution of their influence in a rapidly changing electoral reality.
