Staff ReportsPresident-elect Donald Trump may not have cleared the elusive 50% mark in the popular vote, but that certainly hasn’t dampened the upbeat mood among his supporters. With ballots still being counted in those notoriously slow states that seem to have an obsession with taking their sweet time, it has become increasingly clear that Trump’s win is significant. Analysts are calling this a comfortable victory for the GOP, if not a historic one.
Current estimates show Trump snagging around 77 million votes while Vice President Kamala Harris trails with nearly 74.5 million. With these numbers, Trump claims 49.9% of the popular vote compared to Harris’s 48.3%. It is refreshing to see the rest of the votes going to assorted third-party candidates, who can always be counted upon to provide entertainment during election cycles. While California and Oregon might try to tighten the race a tad, it seems unlikely to affect Trump’s overwhelming 312-226 advantage in the Electoral College, barring any electoral shenanigans.
Vote count: Trump scored GOP's biggest win in 36 years, Democrats bailed on Harris – Washington Times https://t.co/hTl9Cjn6TL
— Mr. Nashville Talks (@MrNashshow) November 27, 2024
The implications of this election are mighty interesting. While some Republicans might be scratching their heads about the lack of a landslide victory that usually comes with a “mandate,” Trump still managed to achieve the best showing for a Republican candidate in 36 years. For anyone still clinging to outdated rhetoric about women’s votes or suburban areas sealing Trump’s fate, the election seemed to make a mockery of those predictions. Trump not only won men by an impressive margin but also performed better than expected among demographics that political pundits thought were his Kryptonite.
When it came to traditionally blue bastions, Trump wasn’t just making noise; he was flipping the script entirely. Winning Texas by nearly a whopping 14 percentage points and Florida by 13, Trump even bested Harris in places like New Jersey, which Democrats often treat like a locked vault of votes. Even so-called swing states like Arizona flipped red with Trump taking the advantage by 5.5 points. Nationally, he found himself outperforming his own 2020 numbers in nearly 90% of counties, demonstrating a nationwide appeal that can’t simply be dismissed.
Amidst the jubilance of victory, Trump appears to be enjoying a honeymoon period that most newly elected officials can only dream about. With a fresh approval rating of 54% according to Emerson College and a surge of optimism for his upcoming term, it’s evident that many Americans are feeling hopeful about what’s to come. This electoral performance didn’t just solidify Trump’s position; it aided the GOP in regaining control of Congress with a solid win in the Senate, snagging key seats in West Virginia, Ohio, Montana, and Pennsylvania.
Even though several House races remain tantalizingly close, Republican Reps like Mariannette Miller-Meeks in Iowa and John Duarte in California seem poised to secure victories, pushing the GOP ahead. With the potential for a 221-114 edge in the House next year, the Republican party looks well-equipped to tackle whatever challenges lie ahead. Despite murmurs about a slim majority, it’s clear that the GOP is ready for action, buoyed by the bold leadership of Donald Trump. What a time to be alive in America!
