The Labour Party had 100 of its members volunteering in the United States and working the Presidential election in support of the Democratic Party. Unfortunately for Kamala Harris, they were unable to deliver the victory that they helped to secure for Keir Starmer in the UK back in July.
The links between the Democrats and Labour go back decades – and it is to be hoped that, though they will have been disappointed with the ultimate outcome of the US poll on November 5th – they will have learnt some valuable lessons that they can share with their Comrades back in Blighty from Harris’ painful defeat.
From the hours of podcasts I have listened to, the column inches I have devoured, and the TV coverage of the election I watched, it is obvious that three key thigs really did hinder the Harris campaign.
One – her being tied to the Biden administration as his Vice President. Incumbents across the world have struggled to be re-elected this year – including here in the UK of course – and her failure to detach herself from the President was a definite problem for her. Had Biden stood down earlier, would Harris, or an alternative Democratic candidate have fared any better? We will never know for sure, but I’m guessing they would.
Two – Immigration is a problem, and not just for racists. Even if many voters didn’t agree with Donald Trumps solution of mass deportations, he was at least offering a solution. Harris appeared to be trying to blame the ‘other guy’ for an issue that she and her government had had four years to address. Labour might not like the message ‘Stop the Boats’ – but they have to find a way of significantly reducing the numbers of migrants into the UK, or they will be punished by the electorate in 2028/9.
Three – It is still the economy stupid. An economy that, at a strategic and global level is performing better than all of its competitors – but crucially not delivering for ordinary people – was the biggest vote loser for the Democrats. Again, many who don’t like Trump (exit polls show that on a personal level, folk like Harris more) they felt worse off than when he was in the White House, and they voted accordingly. Labour says it has an economic growth plan. They have yet to convince. Rachel Reeves needs to start to flesh out her vision for the future and quick. Ultimately, if working- and middle-class people are not feeling ‘better off’ in four years’ time, Labour will likely be a one-term government.
Other issues afflicted the Democrats too of course. A myriad of ‘A’ list celebrity endorsements are not necessarily a good thing when your opponent is hammering you for being ‘elitist’.
Supporting trans women competing in female sporting events is seen as a symptom of a ‘woke’ agenda or identity politics that may make Democrats feel good about themselves, but it turns many Americans off even some who voted Harris.
Finally, leadership. Although Kamala Harris had a mammoth task, left with only 107 days to sell herself to the electorate, was she a big enough personality to defeat Trump? Keir Starmer was up against Rishi Sunak this time around. Would he win as comfortably against, say, Boris Johnson?
Without doubt, if Labour turns the economy around it will win a second term – but it needs to recognise that there are other issues matter too. Issues that, currently, they may be on the wrong side of.
