🇺🇸 What are the three biggest mistakes Democrats/Biden/Harris made that cost them the election?

[MessiahDecoy123]

What are your takeaways?

 

[Herofan]

I do think any Democratic candidate would have really tough time, but probably the biggest mistakes ...

Not emphasizing enough that the Republicans wanted to not only deport illegal immigrants but reduce legal immigration (while they were for both moderate, reasonable enforcement and legalization like Parole in Place, legalization if been here for 10 years and married to US Citizen).

Maybe not emphasizing enough that inflation was global. And/or probably not be so absolutist against tariffs, so therefore implicitly for complete free trade, not realize, empathize enough with why a lot of people really dislike free trade policies/foreign competition and therefore like at least idea of tariffs. Or have alternate ideas, appeal for how to increase manufacturing.

Probably a lot less but Harris not going on Joe Rogan when Trump did was still pretty bad/big, her doing so would have at least shown bravery and in it she could have blasted Trump more, more effectively, for him not being willing to do more debates.

 

[MessiahDecoy123]

1) Gaza (Biden)

2) Not securing teamster support (Kamala)

3) Moving to the right instead of doubling down on progressive economic policy (Kamala)

These made the difference in the rust belt.

 

[Moncton]

The election turned when Kamala embraced the Cheneys and they abandoned the Republicans are weird attack line.

 

[Drizzle]

Basically what everyone else in this thread has said but I'll also add Biden not bowing out before the primaries.

 

[Herofan]

Not securing teamster support (Kamala)

How could Kamala have won/secured the Teamsters? That seemed like pretty just ingratitude/stubbornness on their part.

Moving to the right instead of doubling down on progressive economic policy (Kamala)

I'm not sure she really moved to the right especially on economics, she did embrace the Cheneys which was weird and unhelpful (though surprising how much it was unhelpful, really no gains), but I think most voters still didn't view them or that in terms of economic policy.

 

[MessiahDecoy123]

This man explains some these issues better than I can.

 

[Zarex]

1) Transexual rights - Kamala needed to respond after Team Trump successfully framed the issue. On the FOX interview she should have said she disagreed with taxpayer funded sex changes for criminals and make it clear that transsexual issues should be dealt with on the state level. She could always backtrack later after winning.

2) Courting the GOP - I supported Team Kamala’s attempt to sway old timey non MAGA Republicans, but they don’t exist, at least in any significant amount. As others have said it was a waste of time.

3) Running against Joe - There’s no doubt in my mind Joe Biden will be remembered fondly in the future, much like George HW Bush. Play up the administration’s successes in avoiding the recession, bringing inflation down and standing up to Putin. Then clearly state the new policies. If both candidates are running against the current administration the VP is at an insurmountable disadvantage. Kamala and company needed to turn that (false) narrative about Joe around to have a chance.