As Kamala Harris conceded at Howard University on Wednesday, three political experts gathered at Bates College to discuss the 2024 U.S. election results. Professors John Baughman, Stephen Engel, and Clarisa Pérez-Armendáriz examined key trends, Trump’s victory, and the election’s broader impact.
High Voter Turnout Signals Democratic Strength
Pérez-Armendáriz emphasized that the robust voter participation demonstrated U.S. democracy’s vitality. She highlighted the absence of widespread election violence and fraud claims, calling it a sign of electoral stability.
Shifting Political Alignments
Baughman noted a growing class divide in party support, with lower-income voters shifting Republican and wealthier, educated voters leaning Democratic. He described the election as an “anti-incumbent wave” driven by economic concerns.
Republican Gains Go Beyond Trump
While Trump’s win dominated headlines, Pérez-Armendáriz argued that the election reinforced broader Republican influence rather than just Trump’s appeal. She warned that entrenched party power, rather than individual leaders, poses the greatest risk to democracy.
The Future of Reproductive Rights
Engel highlighted the paradox of voters supporting abortion rights while electing leaders who oppose them. He warned that a future Supreme Court ruling could lead to a nationwide abortion ban.
Democracy’s Challenges Ahead
All three experts agreed that the election results provide an opportunity to reinforce trust in democracy. Engel stressed the need for active defense against anti-democratic forces, urging institutions to uphold constitutional values.
With political shifts underway, the 2024 election results offer critical insights into America’s evolving democracy.
