How Donald Trump Pulled Off a Historic Comeback

Summary

The Journal: How Donald Trump Pulled Off a Historic Comeback

Published on November 6, 2024

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Introduction and Election Results

In a landmark event covered by The Journal, former President Donald Trump achieved a historic comeback by securing his second non-consecutive term as the 47th President of the United States. Host Kate Limebaugh opens the episode by highlighting the unprecedented nature of Trump's victory, stating, "It was a historic run for president and now a historic return to the White House after a two-year, nail-biting election is over" [00:12]. Alex Leary emphasizes the magnitude of this achievement, comparing it to Grover Cleveland's rare back-to-presidency win in 1892, remarking, "This is a monster thing for Trump" [00:58].

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Overcoming Significant Challenges

Trump's path to victory was fraught with obstacles, including legal battles and security threats. Despite facing indictments, a conviction, two assassination attempts, and contending against two Democratic challengers, Trump managed to rally his base effectively. Leary notes, "Trump overcame indictments, a conviction, two assassination attempts, and two Democratic challengers" [01:16]. Trump's resilience was further showcased when he addressed the nation following his election, expressing gratitude and confidence: "Frankly, this was, I believe, the greatest political movement of all time" [00:41].

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Strategic Campaign Moves

Trump's campaign strategy played a crucial role in his comeback. Kate Limebaugh outlines how Trump entered the race at a vulnerable time, with investigations underway and Republican momentum waning [03:27]. However, Trump adeptly transformed controversies into campaign strengths. For instance, he turned his court appearances into opportunities to engage with the media, repeatedly asserting, "It's a political campaign, a witch hunt" [04:39]. This approach not only kept him in the public eye but also galvanized his supporters.

Moreover, Trump's ability to remain present and active during tumultuous times, such as during his court actions in New York, allowed him to maintain visibility and influence. Leary observes, "This election was just full of astonishing twists, ups and downs, a really remarkable, stunning sort of set of circumstances that happened" [01:32].

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Turning Points in the Election

The election cycle featured several pivotal moments that swayed public opinion in Trump's favor:

1. Debate Performance Against Joe Biden: During the debate, President Biden struggled significantly, leading Leary to state, "that really was the end of Joe Biden" [06:02]. Trump's measured response-to-Biden’s fumbling remarks demonstrated strategic restraint, allowing Biden's weaknesses to become a central narrative.

2. Assassination Attempt: An assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, occurred just days before the Republican National Convention. Trump's composed and defiant reaction, "fight, fight, fight" [06:47], resonated with voters and solidified his image as a resilient leader.

3. Biden's Withdrawal and Endorsement of Kamala Harris: Eight days before the election, President Biden dropped out and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris. This sudden shift introduced a younger, more diverse opponent, altering the campaign dynamics [07:16]. Harris's endorsement posed a new set of challenges for Trump, compelling him to recalibrate his campaign strategy.

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Adapting Campaign Strategies

Following Biden's withdrawal, Trump's campaign refocused on core issues such as the economy and immigration. Alex Leary explains, "The campaign had a shift to sort of like going back to its bread and butter issues, which was the economy and immigration" [08:02]. Trump leveraged his previous administration's economic successes, asserting, "I stand before you today as the only candidate who can rescue our economy, and I mean from obliteration" [08:17]. This emphasis on economic stability and stringent immigration policies resonated with voters concerned about job security and national safety.

Additionally, Trump's campaign adopted a disciplined and focused approach under the leadership of Susie Wiles, a Florida operator known for her calm and steady management. Leary notes, "They surrounded himself with a small, very disciplined, capable campaign staff" [11:49], which helped maintain consistency and prevent internal distractions.

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Expanding the Voter Base

A significant factor in Trump's victory was his ability to broaden his coalition. Traditionally supported by working-class white voters, Trump successfully attracted new demographics, including black men and Latino men. Leary highlights, "Trump importantly broadened that coalition to include black men, Latino men, and sort of widened it out" [12:35]. This expansion was pivotal in capturing a more diverse electorate, laying a foundation for the Republican Party's future competitiveness in a diversifying nation.

Furthermore, Trump's efforts to engage younger voters were evident through his participation in events popular among young men, such as UFC fights. His appearance on Joe Rogan’s podcast also demonstrated a strategic outreach to younger, technologically savvy audiences. Trump’s interaction on the podcast, "I think it was great. It was a lot of fun. You are a fascinating guy and you've done a great job" [13:44], showcased his willingness to connect with new voter segments.

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Influence of Key Endorsements

Elon Musk's support was a game-changer for Trump's campaign. Once a critic, Musk's endorsement brought substantial financial resources and voter mobilization, particularly in swing states like Pennsylvania. Leary states, "Elon Musk, his influence here cannot be understated in what he provided" [14:22]. Musk's active involvement in energizing Trump's base helped secure crucial electoral votes, significantly contributing to Trump's broader margins of victory compared to 2016.

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Implications of the Victory

Trump's return to the White House signals a shift towards an aggressive policy agenda. Expectations include stringent immigration reforms, potential mass deportations, and the rollback of Biden-era regulations. Leary anticipates, "I fully expect that he will try to carry out some sort of mass deportation efforts" [15:29], indicating a continuation of his hardline stance on immigration and deregulation efforts that favor big businesses.

Moreover, Trump's victory has solidified his position as a dominant and defining figure in contemporary politics. Leary concludes, "Trump has really shown a different way. And that is you can be big, you can be brash, you can be loud, you can be controversial" [16:18], highlighting how Trump's unique and confrontational approach has reshaped political norms and voter expectations.

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Conclusion

Donald Trump's historic comeback, as detailed in this episode of The Journal, underscores his exceptional ability to navigate and capitalize on political adversity. Through strategic campaigning, coalition expansion, and leveraging key endorsements, Trump not only overcame significant challenges but also redefined the Republican Party's trajectory. His victory marks a pivotal moment in American politics, reflecting deep-seated economic and social concerns within the electorate and setting the stage for his forthcoming administration's policies and initiatives.

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Notable Quotes:

• Kate Limebaugh [00:12]: "It was a historic run for president and now a historic return to the White House after a two-year, nail-biting election is over."

• Donald Trump [00:19]: "I want to thank the American people for the extraordinary honor of being elected your 47th president and your 45th president."

• Alex Leary [00:58]: "This is a monster thing for Trump."

• Donald Trump [04:39]: "It's a political campaign, a witch hunt."

• Alex Leary [06:02]: "That really was the end of Joe Biden."

• Donald Trump [08:17]: "I stand before you today as the only candidate who can rescue our economy, and I mean from obliteration."

• Alex Leary [12:35]: "Trump importantly broadened that coalition to include black men, Latino men, and sort of widened it out."

• Donald Trump [13:44]: "I think it was great. It was a lot of fun. You are a fascinating guy and you've done a great job."

• Alex Leary [16:18]: "Trump has really shown a different way. And that is you can be big, you can be brash, you can be loud, you can be controversial."

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Produced by The Wall Street Journal & Gimlet, as part of a co-production with Spotify. Additional reporting by Tarini Parti.

Transcript

[Alex Leary]

Decision desk HQ can now project that former President Donald Trump will be our next president.

[Kate Limebaugh]

It was a historic run for president and now a historic return to the White House after a two year, a nail biting election is over.

[Donald Trump]

So I want to thank the American people for the extraordinary honor of being elected your 47th president and your 45th president.

[Kate Limebaugh]

In the end, in the end, the results were fast and decisive. Donald Trump has won or is leading in all the battleground states.

[Donald Trump]

Frankly, this was, I believe, the greatest political movement of all time. There's ever been anything like this in this country and maybe beyond.

[Kate Limebaugh]

So we have a result. Trump won. What's your reaction?

[Alex Leary]

This can't be understated. This is a huge, huge deal. Unprecedented, almost. It's only happened once before in history. That was way back in 1892 when Grover Cleveland. Whoa. Came back and won after losing a reelection campaign. So this is a monster thing for Trump.

[Kate Limebaugh]

That's our colleague Alex Leary. Trump overcame indictments, a conviction, two assassination attempts, and two Democratic challengers. He will now be the oldest person to be elected president.

[Alex Leary]

You know, this is the guy, the art of the deal, the art of the comeback. I mean, we've never seen anything like this in our lifetimes. This election was just full of astonishing twists, ups and downs, a really remarkable, stunning sort of set of circumstances that happened. And he's back in the White House now.

[Kate Limebaugh]

Welcome to the Journal, our show about money, business and power. I'm Kate limebaugh. It's Wednesday, November 6th. Coming up on the show, how Trump pulled off a historic comeback.

[Unknown]

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[Kate Limebaugh]

Trump entered this presidential race in November of 2022.

[Donald Trump]

Again, I am Tonight, announcing my candidacy for President of the United States.

[Kate Limebaugh]

He was at a weak point. Congress was holding hearings about the January 6 Capitol attack. In the 2022 midterms, some Trump backed candidates lost their races, and prosecutors in New York and Georgia were investigating him.

[Alex Leary]

So a lot of baggage. That's a big hill to climb for him. A lot of Republicans in Washington were finally like, maybe this is the end of Trump. They were ready to move on from a very tumultuous presidency and a lot of controversies. So, yeah, it was a big challenge he had ahead of him to mount this comeback. Despite having a lot of strength on the ground with his longtime avid supporters.

[Kate Limebaugh]

Trump leaned into all this controversy when he had to show up at court. He essentially made the moments into campaign events.

[Alex Leary]

Trump turned the trials into his advantage because he would use appearances at the courthouse to, you know, stand in front of the television cameras and make his point over and over and over.

[Donald Trump]

It's a political campaign, a witch hunt.

[Alex Leary]

He also, while he was in New York for his court action in the summer, would campaign around the city.

[Kate Limebaugh]

This strategy fueled support among his base. The Trump campaign even sold T shirts with his mugshot on them. And that support was visible in the primaries when he was up against rivals like Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former Ambassador Nikki Haley in every state but Vermont. Trump won the Republican primary, and one by one, his challengers bowed out.

[Alex Leary]

I have decided to suspend my campaign for president.

[Kate Limebaugh]

I am suspending my campaign. I'm suspending my campaign accordingly.

[Donald Trump]

I am today suspending my.

[Kate Limebaugh]

The time has now come to suspend my campaign. After easily securing the Republican nomination, Trump began facing off against President Biden. And then summer 2024 happens, where a cascade of incredible things took place that would change the race.

[Alex Leary]

We can start with the debate with Joe Biden. Joe Biden said suddenly that he would debate Trump, and it was a complete, utter collapse for Joe Biden with the.

[Donald Trump]

COVID Excuse me, with.

[Alex Leary]

We all saw him on that stage and kind of fumbling with his words, having trouble completing thoughts.

[Donald Trump]

If we finally beat Medicare.

[Kate Limebaugh]

Thank you, President Biden, President Trump.

[Donald Trump]

Well, he's right. He did beat Medicare. He beat it to death, and he's destroying Medicare.

[Alex Leary]

And Trump, you know, who's not known for really restraint, kind of let Biden do that. He hung back. He didn't interject. He sort of let Biden collapse. So that was one. And that really was the end of Joe Biden. Oh, he hung on for a little bit longer. And then there was, of course, the assassination attempt on Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, just days before the Republican National Convention.

[Donald Trump]

Take a look at what happened.

[Alex Leary]

Trump was on stage and shot at several times, and one one nicked his ear. And, you know, he got up and his face is all bloody and pumped his fist and said, fight, fight, fight. Everyone was just like, wow, you know, how do you conjure up that to handle it like that as opposed to, like, just cowering on the ground? So that was a real boost for Trump. And a lot of people at that point, given how terrible Biden was performing, thought, well, Jesus, this thing may be over.

[Kate Limebaugh]

But then, just eight days later, another stunning turn. President Biden dropped out and endorsed his vice president, Kamala Harris.

[Alex Leary]

Suddenly, they had a new opponent to face. Kamala Harris, much younger than Joe Biden. A woman. A woman of mixed race. And it presented just all sorts of different dynamics for the race that Trump would have to then contend with. Trump no longer had an opponent that was seen as weaker and not up for the job. Kamala Harris is nothing of that. And so Trump had lost one of his biggest assets in facing Joe Biden.

[Kate Limebaugh]

How did that affect his campaign strategy?

[Alex Leary]

The campaign had a shift to sort of like going back to its bread and butter issues, which was the economy and immigration. And so Trump just began to really, once again, hammer away at those issues.

[Donald Trump]

I stand before you today as the only candidate who can rescue our economy, and I mean from obliteration. Today, our cities are flooded with illegal aliens. Americans are being squeezed out of the labor force, and their jobs are taken. We will rapidly defeat inflation, and I will make America affordable again. And I'm hereby calling for the death penalty for any migrant that kills an American citizen or a law enforcement officer.

[Alex Leary]

Trump had a record to run on, so he could point back to what he did in office. Again, the economy was strong before the pandemic hit, so Trump could point to that. So he had a track record to sell to voters and say, look, I did this once, and I can do it again. So that was a big difference for him. And over time, it started to cut through the enthusiasm that was surrounding Kamala Harris, that people were seeing that was she really going to offer some better economic vision than Joe Biden?

[Kate Limebaugh]

But Trump never stopped being Trump. Like in the days before the election, he criticized Liz Cheney, a Republican who supported Harris for her approach to foreign policy.

[Donald Trump]

She's a radical war hawk. Let's put her with a rifle, standing there with nine barrels, shooting at her. Okay, let's see how she feels about it.

[Kate Limebaugh]

And Trump's campaign had to distance itself from an offensive joke about Puerto Rico made by a comedian at a rally in New York. But in the end, Trump prevailed. Americans chose him by wider margins than in 2016, with gains all around the country. And behind that victory was a Trump campaign that had a new approach. That's next.

[Unknown]

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[Kate Limebaugh]

How was Trump able to pull off this win?

[Alex Leary]

The big picture is Donald Trump benefited from an electorate that was still quite weary about the economy. That's the number one issue. Secondly, Trump also benefited by the concerns over immigration in this country, illegal immigration, the security at the southern border. And Trump seized on that, and he seized on people being fearful of what's happening in their communities. There were migrants sent from southern states up to New York City, for example, and that caused a lot of disruption. So immigration, economy, two major issues that Trump enjoyed advantages on. That was the key to his success.

[Kate Limebaugh]

How would you say that his campaign this time differed from the past?

[Alex Leary]

Trump surrounded himself with a small, very disciplined, capable campaign staff, and they kept it small. They purposely didn't get wound up in personalities. And, you know, it was led by a Florida operator named Susie Wiles, who is really known for her sort of understated calm steadiness. And that was a real contrast from some of the past Trump campaigns. Her theory was that the issues were on Trump's side, that there was a lot of economic sort of optimism and success during the pre Covid part of his presidency and that people longed for that. People wanted to go back to that.

[Kate Limebaugh]

What did his coalition end up looking like?

[Alex Leary]

His coalition was largely the same sort of working class white voters across America, especially in rural areas, that delivered big time for him. But also Trump importantly broadened that coalition to include black men, Latino men, and sort of widened it out. This is a big shift and it potentially could have dramatic effects, positive ones for the GOP as it goes forward and tries to compete in an increasingly diversifying United States. So that's a big, big deal. And, you know, Trump was successful in pulling in new voters to the Republican side, mainly men.

[Kate Limebaugh]

And Trump's campaign really was trying to go after younger men. How did they do that?

[Alex Leary]

They did that through, you know, Trump was. Was showing up at UFC fights and which are very popular with young men. His youngest son, Barron, sort of got in his ear, saying, you should really do these kind of podcasts because they're reaching young, young people, young voters.

[Kate Limebaugh]

Here's Trump on the podcast the Joe Rogan Experience.

[Donald Trump]

I think it was great. It was a lot of fun. You are a fascinating guy and you've done a great job.

[Alex Leary]

Thank you very much.

[Donald Trump]

And thank you very much. It's been an honor.

[Alex Leary]

So Trump was successful in courting those kind of voters, people that may not traditionally have kind of engaged in politics or certainly maybe not even voted for a Republican.

[Kate Limebaugh]

One thing that also felt different for Trump this cycle was his ability to get support from Silicon Valley and from one guy in particular.

[Alex Leary]

Yeah, Elon Musk, a huge. A huge get for Trump. Musk had once been quite critical of Trump and Musk as his views were tending more conservative, more Republican. The Journal we actually reported early on that Trump had not. Musk were kind of talking on the phone quite a bit, sort of the prelude to their more formal relationship. So, yeah, Trump really netted a huge win with Elon Musk and his dollars that went towards turning out vote in key states, especially Pennsylvania, the biggest swing state. Musk basically lived there for the last month and focused so much of his own energy on getting people charged up about Trump. So Elon Musk, his influence here cannot be understated in what he provided.

[Kate Limebaugh]

The playbook worked. Not only did Trump win, but the Republicans took the Senate and could possibly take the House. This afternoon, Harris is expected to concede to Trump and address her supporters. Okay, so Trump is now going to be president again. Back in the White House. What do you think this will look like?

[Alex Leary]

I think he's going to pursue a very aggressive strategy, a very aggressive agenda. He's talked about very sort of aggressive policies on immigration that he's going to do on day one. I fully expect that he will try to carry out some sort of mass deportation efforts. It's going to be quite very controversial. So that's a big deal. He's going to certainly look to wipe away a lot of the regulations that the Biden administration put into place. That's a big deal for big business and others with interest in peeling away some of the regulatory measures that the Biden administration put into place.

[Kate Limebaugh]

And his victory here really cements Trump as sort of the defining politician of this time.

[Alex Leary]

Yes, you know, Trump, in all of his bluster and larger than life style, he has really shown a different way. And that is you can be big, you can be brash, you can be loud, you can be controversial, deeply controversial, and attract enough people in this bitterly divided country to succeed.

[Kate Limebaugh]

That's all for today. Wednesday, November 6th. The Journal is a co production of Spotify and the Wall Street Journal. Additional reporting in this episode by Tarini Parti. Thanks for listening. See you tomorrow.