Critical Thinking: Articles and videos on factors that led to Tuesday's vote
Editor’s note: This is a special post-election edition of the DAGR Weekly Reader. Here, you’ll find some of the deeper, albeit early, thought on factors that may have contributed to the outcome. The outcome was not, btw, a landslide for MAGA. It was simply bad enough to put a convicted felon and known pocket-liner into the Oval Office. The first section has readings. The second some videos of note. Start here to unravel what we need to do to get him out before more damage is done and to put us on a path to healing the nation.
Reading for Would-be Wonks and Activists
Rebecca Solnit 11/7/2024 Facebook post
Robert Hubbell created this Google doc copy of Solnit’s Facebook post, so everyone can access it. In the pieces below, you’ll find several versions of why Trump won and what went wrong. Solnit says the media. It will satisfy the angry soul. Some of the suggestions may even be useful.
Opinion: A ‘republic if we can keep it.’ Perhaps we cannot.
A first reaction: In this election, Americans have no one to blame but themselves.
WaPo Gift Link - Nov 6, 2024
How Trump Won
A look at his strategy and narrative from spring 2023 forward, via rallies and news channels
TIME Magazine - Nov 7, 2024
Why Did Trump Really Win? It’s Simple, Actually.
When the economy thrives while half of America struggles, something has got to give. Michael Mechanic, an expert in income/wealth matters lays it out.
Mother Jones - Nov 8, 2024
Why Does No One Understand the Real Reason Trump Won?
It wasn’t the economy. It wasn’t inflation, or anything else. It was how people perceive those things, which points to one overpowering answer.
Michael Tomasky in The New Republic - Nov 8, 2024
Despairing Dems Say Biden and Harris Played It Too Safe
Top operatives say the party needs to break out of its media bubble, not just build a new one.
Sam Stein at The Bulwark - Nov 08, 2024
’Identity Politics’ Isn’t Why Harris Lost
Another from the never-Trump Republicans, this time with the issues side of why Democrats lost. “She ran an inclusive, unifying campaign—but lost to an aspiring autocrat.”
Matt Johnson at The Bulwark - Nov 13, 2024
The Democrats Can’t Afford to Ignore Climate Change Ever Again
Kamala Harris chose to stay silent on climate change. Activists mostly let her. And now the White House and likely both houses of Congress will be controlled by climate deniers.
The New Republic - Nov 8, 2024
Meanwhile, some leaders insist that the global clean energy transition will happen with or without the United States.
Readying the Resistance
A Democratic guide to minimizing harm from the coming Trump term
The Big Picture and Jay Kuo - Nov 07, 2024
A Red-District Conqueror Wants Fellow Democrats to Look in the Mirror
Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, who won re-election in a rural Washington district, says her party needs to stop demonizing others and change the candidates it supports.
New York Times - Nov 8, 2024
Trump isn’t the real danger to America — It’s Elon Musk
Musk has become a craven cheerleader for America’s next president and will now have real political power. If that prospect doesn’t terrify you, you haven’t been paying attention
Alan Rusbridger at Prospect - Nov 07, 2024
Democrats need to fire their leaders
"Elections have consequences," as one fellow put it. This one is the finger-pointing most others advise avoiding.
Jordan Zakarin in Progress Report - Nov 13, 2024
VIDEOS of Note
Vice President Kamala Harris Concession Speech
Associated Press - Nov 6, 2024
President Joe Biden delivers remarks to the nation on 2024 election results
ABC News - Nov 7, 2024
"Setbacks are unavoidable, but giving up is unforgivable."
Rocky Kanaka - Sitting with Dogs - Any day, any dog
"It wasn't your fault" … "You're going to be okay."
Monologue
Jimmy Kimmel Live - Nov 6, 2024
PodSaveAmerica Hosts on Trump Winning, Kamala Conceding & Post-Pandemic Inflation
Jimmy Kimmel Live - Nov 6, 2024
Jon Favreau "Pretty close: horse shoes and hand grenades."
How to fight (and win) an information war
Peter Pomerantsev - TEDxMidAtlantic - June 2024
(We'd have done well to listen to this one earlier.)
POST-ELECTION LIVE EVENT: Making Sense Of Trump’s Victory
In a special virtual event, David Sirota and reporters from The Lever debriefed the morning after Election Day, sifted through news of Trump’s win, and discussed its implications for corruption, healthcare, climate change, and the future of the Dem Party. More at https://levernews.com.
The Lever - Nov 7, 2024
The Divide Between Dems and the Working Class
Jon Stewart in conversation with journalist Sarah Smarsh, whose ‘working class’ point of view has a LOT to say about why Dems are losing their ‘base.’
The Weekly Show - Nov 14, 2024