The results of the 2024 presidential election—where Vice President Kamala Harris fell short—reflect a powerful truth that the Democratic Party cannot ignore: It’s the economy, stupid. This phrase, coined by strategist James Carville, has resonated for decades, yet Democrats seem to have lost sight of its significance. In today’s economic climate, where inflation has deeply affected working families, Democrats must refocus on economic messaging that resonates with working-class and middle-class voters. Harris’s loss isn’t merely a story of unfavorable economic conditions but a reminder of the urgent need for Democrats to reconnect with the working class through a clear, relatable economic message.
Despite a strong GDP, record stock market highs, and an impressive job growth rate under the Biden administration, the reality for many Americans has been starkly different. Overall inflation has climbed since Biden took office, and while the administration made headway in controlling the inflation rate towards the end of its term, prices remain stubbornly high. Essential goods like groceries, gas, and housing have seen sharp increases, squeezing household budgets and making everyday life increasingly unaffordable for average Americans. Harris, unfortunately, became a victim of these economic woes—issues primarily out of any administration’s control due to global factors like the pandemic, supply chain disruptions, and pre-existing Trump-era policies that had already set the stage for inflationary pressures.
This disconnect between what economic data shows and how Americans feel about the economy must be addressed. While metrics like stock market highs and GDP growth paint a picture of a robust economy, these gains have predominantly benefitted the wealthiest, leaving working and middle-class Americans feeling left behind. The data may show growth, but the reality for most people is that costs are rising faster than wages. With soaring grocery and housing prices, stagnant purchasing power, and a widening wealth gap, it’s little wonder that many voters—Latinos, Black men, young men, and non-college-educated white voters—gravitated toward Trump in this election.
Harris’s campaign, in fact, had powerful, practical proposals tailored to benefit working-class Americans. These plans included down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers, aimed at making homeownership more accessible at a time when housing prices are unaffordable for many. Harris also called for stricter controls on price-gouging to protect consumers from the inflated costs of essentials like food, fuel, and medicine. Her plans outlined significant tax cuts for middle-class families, providing much-needed relief for everyday expenses.
Furthermore, Harris championed a strengthened healthcare system by expanding Medicare, ensuring more Americans have access to affordable healthcare—a particular benefit to those struggling with rising medical costs. She also firmly supported labor rights, advocating for measures to strengthen unions and secure worker protections, essential tools for boosting wages and improving job quality nationwide. These policies were concrete, targeted, and addressed the core needs of the working class in today’s economy. Yet the Harris campaign failed to communicate them in a way that resonated with the people they were designed to help.
Trump, in contrast, offered no specific economic blueprint. His campaign did not delve into detailed policy proposals or outline clear steps to address inflation, housing, or healthcare. Instead, Trump relied on a populist style that was marked by rhetoric that spoke directly to voters’ frustrations. His approach was less about solutions and more about shared anger at the “system,” positioning himself as the voice of the disillusioned. Trump’s lack of substantive policy knowledge didn’t deter voters; instead, his ability to connect emotionally with their hardships made his campaign feel aligned with their interests, even when specifics were missing.
To make matters worse, while Harris and Biden’s policies helped bring down the inflation rate, this message was not communicated effectively. Rather than spotlighting the administration’s economic successes and taking credit for navigating the country through unprecedented challenges, Harris’s campaign often focused on Trump’s threats to democracy—a legitimate and critical concern, but one that doesn’t resonate with voters feeling the pinch of inflation every day. The Democratic Party must recognize that for many Americans, abstract concerns about democracy pale compared to worries about paying for groceries, filling the gas tank, or renting. Trump may well remain a threat to democratic norms, but in this election, economic fears proved more immediate and urgent in the eyes of voters.
This lack of a clear, consistent message on how Harris’s policies would benefit the working class was a missed opportunity. Harris could have elevated her down payment assistance plan as not just a housing policy but a path to stability for families who dream of owning a home but are blocked by high costs. Her proposed tax cuts for the middle class could have been framed as a tangible effort to put more money back into the pockets of working Americans, countering years of policies that have widened the wealth gap. Controls on price-gouging could have been highlighted as essential protections against predatory pricing, offering a concrete benefit for those struggling to afford everyday necessities. Harris’s commitment to expanding Medicare and strengthening unions could have been emphasized as critical steps toward building a more secure and equitable economy for all Americans.
The Democrats’ path forward is clear: reconnect with the people who need economic change the most. The party’s historic strength came from its alignment with working families, yet the message today too often feels disconnected from their everyday struggles. Democrats must acknowledge that economic inequality has persisted, exacerbated by the pandemic and supply chain shocks. The administration took meaningful steps to address these issues, but their impact was felt more strongly at the top than at the bottom. Future Democratic campaigns must clearly articulate how their policies will restore purchasing power, control costs, and foster a more inclusive economy.
Ultimately, Democrats must learn from this election that policies alone are not enough—they need to be paired with messaging that connects emotionally, addressing the immediate concerns of working families in real and relatable ways. They must start by showing working-class Americans that their party understands and prioritizes their economic struggles to regain trust. To restore confidence, Democrats must prioritize solid policies and a message that leaves no doubt: they stand for an economy that works for everyone, not just the privileged few.
