Washington — The Democratic Party is upset and confused after Vice President Kamala Harris lost her election. Many Democrats are questioning why the party didn’t act sooner to make changes.
Harris entered the race as the underdog against Republican Donald Trump, but her loss made some party members wonder about the future of their team. Some even blamed President Joe Biden for staying in the race too long and not stepping aside earlier. Biden, 81, said he believed he was the only one who could beat Trump, but his exit in July raised doubts among Democrats.
Biden’s decision to run for re-election in 2023 faced criticism, and some of his closest advisers were blamed for not pushing him to make changes. A Harris campaign aide said her loyalty to Biden hurt her chances, with many believing the Democrats needed a fresh, different candidate who wasn’t tied to Biden’s presidency.
Harris struggled to win over important groups of voters. Young people and women, who were expected to support her, started backing Trump instead. Even though Harris’ team said the race was close, many Democrats felt misled by her campaign.
Harris’ loss marks the second time in recent years that the Democrats have been beaten by Trump. After Hillary Clinton’s loss in 2016, Biden ran and won, but now many are asking if the party needs a major change.
Trump’s win in key states like Georgia and North Carolina, where Democrats thought they had a chance, shocked many. His proposals, including raising tariffs and deporting millions, are controversial, but he gained support from Hispanic voters and women.
Harris delivered a concession speech at Howard University, where she thanked President Biden, saying, “While I concede this election, I do not concede the fight that fueled this campaign.”
