Professor Kingsley Moghalu, President of the Rwanda-based African School of Governance, has elaborated on the reasons he believes led to Vice President Kamala Harris’s loss to former President Donald Trump in the recent election.
Professor Moghalu attributed her defeat to multiple factors, including persistent sexism within the electorate, perceptions of economic instability, the preferences of the white working-class demographic, and Trump’s forceful and influential personality.
In a detailed statement on Wednesday, Moghalu, who is also a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), remarked on the ongoing resistance in American society to the idea of a female president, suggesting that the electorate may not be prepared for this shift yet.
Moghalu observed that Harris’s campaign placed a strong emphasis on economic prosperity, but she faced significant challenges as inflation remained a prominent issue for much of the campaign period, causing concerns among voters.
“There’s also the factor of sexism – I believe Americans are not yet prepared for a female President. On the economic front, while Harris campaigned with a focus on growth and prosperity, rising inflation throughout much of the season dampened her message,” Moghalu noted.
He went on to say that Harris struggled to gain the confidence of the white working-class constituency, which he attributed to a mix of skepticism, sexism, and elements of racial bias. He noted that while President Obama was able to overcome racial barriers, his particular background and the favorable timing of his campaign played a role in his success, a combination Harris did not enjoy.
“The extent of Trump’s victory, sweeping across virtually all the contested battleground states, including traditionally Democratic states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin, highlights something significant: despite controversies surrounding Trump’s legal issues and personality, many Americans felt he resonated more with their values and ideals,” Moghalu explained.
He further argued that many voters are increasingly disillusioned with what he described as a ‘woke liberal agenda,’ suggesting that a significant portion of Americans are seeking a return to what they perceive as traditional values, which Trump represents for them, even if he may not exemplify those values perfectly.
“‘Traditional values’ is a broad term that can signify different things – some positive and some negative,” Moghalu remarked. He added, “Harris conducted an exceptional campaign, especially within the limited timeframe of 100 days, showing strong organization and dedication. However, these efforts were insufficient to counteract the powerful social, economic, and cultural dynamics that propelled Trump to victory.”