What Democrats Should Learn from the 2024 Elections

On November 6, America woke up to the news that Donald Trump had become the 47th president of the United States. It felt like déjà vu from 2016, but it wasn’t a surprise this time. This election stood out for its intensity, presenting voters with two largely unpopular choices. On one side was Donald Trump, a former president carrying a felony record; on the other was Kamala Harris, a candidate closely tied to Joe Biden, whose policies had polarized many. Faced with two options that some considered equally unfavorable, America ultimately chose Trump

So, how did we find ourselves repeating history, choosing a candidate whose tenure once brought fear and division? The answer lies, perhaps, in two critical areas: the economy and foreign affairs.

Trump may not be a skilled politician, but he knows how to talk money. About eight out of ten registered voters are concerned about the economy and inflation, as a 2024 Pew survey showed. Biden’s presidency, marked by inflationary pressures and rising costs, left some families feeling the pinch. Higher grocery bills, increased rents, and fluctuating gas prices weren’t abstract concepts; they were daily realities. And while Democrats attempted to address these issues, many voters found their messaging on the economy lacked focus. Trump’s promises—whether achievable or not—seemed simple and direct. In the end, it wasn’t about agreeing with him on everything; it was about believing he could “fix” the economy.

We all remember the economic growth during Trump’s era. Gas prices were low, and products were affordable. His business ties in the Gulf, especially with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, contributed to these economic benefits. For voters, Trump’s Gulf connections meant lower prices at the pump—a practical relief that felt real and immediate.

But those ties came with a price. During Trump’s term, his son-in-law Jared Kushner developed a close relationship with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), leading to billions invested in Kushner’s private equity firm. When Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi was murdered—a crime U.S. intelligence linked directly to MBS—Trump shielded the Crown Prince from diplomatic fallout. Just a few months ago, The Trump Organization announced plans to develop a luxury Trump Tower in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. For Trump’s supporters, however, any potential conflict of interest is overshadowed by the prospect of economic relief.

Trump’s America is practical, driven by deals and diplomacy centered on domestic gain, no matter the cost. With Trump back in office, we may indeed see gas prices drop, tariffs on imports, and tax policies that favor local businesses. But at what ethical cost? As history repeats, America once again faces the tension between economic pragmatism and moral compromise—a line we’ve crossed before and seem ready to cross again.

The Gaza-Israel conflict has also played a major role in this election. For many American Muslims, particularly in Michigan, Biden’s unwavering support for Israel amid the Gaza crisis felt like a betrayal. They know that Trump may not be more compassionate than Harris, but they believe he might be more pragmatic, potentially brokering a deal with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—not out of empathy, but to preserve his Middle Eastern business ties and redirect American tax dollars back home.

If there’s a lesson here for the Democratic Party, it’s that they can no longer afford to ignore voters who feel unseen. In a time of heightened economic and social anxiety, the Democrats' missteps were not only in their policies but in their messaging. They failed to reach working-class voters and communities feeling the economic strain most deeply. Their underestimation of these voices cost them the election, favoring the candidate who, for better or worse, promised material stability.

As we look ahead, one thing is clear: political parties must do more than promise change. They must listen, understand, and deliver on their word. Because history will repeat itself until voters finally feel that they’re heard, that their concerns matter, and that someone is truly fighting for them.