There has been extensive post-mortem analysis of Kamala Harris's loss in the 2024 presidential race. Some blame Biden for staying in the race too long, leaving Harris little time to establish herself. Others criticize his "garbage" remark about Trump supporters or point to Harris's VP choice as a factor.
Initially, I thought Harris’s identity as both Black and female posed a challenge in a country not yet ready for such a leader.
However, the epiphany came when a friend reminded me of Bill Clinton’s famous slogan: "It’s the economy, stupid." That insight redirected my focus to the issue most affecting voters: the economy.
I have noticed how inflation has made even Walmart's prices feel less like a discount store. Walmart remains essential for many, but it no longer feels like the reliable low-cost option as it once was. This reflects broader inflationary pressures that have affected the average American’s wallet, especially under Biden’s administration.
Voters prioritize economic stability, and Biden’s economic policies, which have contributed to inflation, likely played a central role in Harris’s defeat.
In Chinese, the phrase 搬起石头砸自己的脚 (bān qǐ shí tóu zá zì jǐ de jiǎo) means "lifting a stone to smash your own foot," similar to "shooting oneself in the foot." Biden’s reputation in foreign affairs led him to prioritize overseas projects, pouring billions abroad while neglecting domestic issues. His decision to keep Trump-era tariffs, while intending to hurt China, ended up shooting in the foot of American consumers.
Biden's focus on overseas engagements, including maintaining trade tensions with China, has contributed to record-high inflation domestically. It’s no exaggeration to say that his failed economic strategy may have unintentionally paved an easier path for Trump’s return in 2024.
Ultimately, Harris’s loss finalizes Biden's legacy —a vivid example of "lifting a stone to smash his own foot."