The Journal: How Donald Trump Pulled Off a Historic Comeback

Published on November 6, 2024

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].

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].

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].

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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