ELECTION 2024 | DECIPHERING THE RED Writing on the Wall

A Call for Real Change After Election Night

The Wake-Up Call We Didn’t See Coming

Last Tuesday’s election went surprisingly smoothly, and for a moment, I thought we might finally be able to move forward with Donald Trump as the President-elect of the United States. I hoped we could put the 2024 election behind us and focus on the future. But it’s becoming increasingly clear that, for the next four years, liberal elites and pundits will continue to direct their frustration toward the establishment out of dissatisfaction with the outcome.

In many ways, this election served as a wake-up call—a rejection of policies that, under the guise of progress and inclusivity, seem to undermine common sense and longstanding societal norms. The results reflect a public unwilling to accept extreme positions that compromise parental rights, distort biological reality, and involve children in ideological experiments. This shift sends a powerful message to leaders who have ignored or dismissed these concerns: Americans are no longer willing to watch fundamental values erode under an agenda that wealthy elites view as “enlightened.”

A Long-Simmering Frustration

This election wasn’t just about one candidate or party; it was about years of frustration boiling over. The middle-class response to this election is deeply rooted in policies that date back to the 2008 financial crisis, the economic impact of COVID-19, and the constant push for social changes that feel disconnected from their realities. Many middle-class Americans feel disproportionately burdened by rising inflation, shifting energy policies, and foreign conflicts—all while being excluded from the discussions shaping these policies.

The frustration spans across communities, including those of us who have faced racial tensions, economic instability, and shifting cultural landscapes. For many, this election was a chance to push back against an agenda that felt imposed by elites more focused on ideology than the everyday struggles of working people.

The Disconnect of the Elite

Election night only made this divide more apparent. Watching CNN and the Native Land Pod—where Black elites streamed live from Howard University in anticipation of Kamala Harris’s victory speech—was surreal. Both groups seemed out of touch with the realities of working-class Americans. While CNN’s anchors tried to maintain an air of objectivity, their shock was palpable as state after state reported results that spelled trouble for Harris. Meanwhile, the Native Land Pod panel, featuring Angela Rye, Tiffany Cross, Andrew Gillum, and Charlemagne tha god, kept hyping Kamala Harris’s historic potential even as the numbers painted a grim picture.

The panel’s commentary felt disconnected from the concerns of everyday Black Americans. These figures, who rose from humble beginnings, seemed to have forgotten what it’s like to live paycheck to paycheck. Their focus on progressive ideals and policies doesn’t resonate with those of us still grappling with systemic issues like inflation and resource scarcity.

As the results rolled in, the gap between reality and rhetoric grew wider. Jake Tapper, standing at CNN’s “magic wall,” visibly struggled to identify any states where Kamala Harris was leading. When Iowa, a state Democrats had briefly hoped to flip, went to Trump with 56% of the vote, it became clear: this wasn’t just a loss—it was a repudiation.

A Call for Authentic Leadership

The results of this election are a wake-up call for both parties, but especially for the Democrats. Americans have had enough of policies that cater to elite sensibilities while ignoring the struggles of the middle class. They’re tired of being dismissed or labeled as unenlightened for holding to values that prioritize family, community, and individual responsibility.

What angers me most is the hypocrisy of so-called Christians who criticize me for supporting Trump. They argue, “A woman has a right to control her body,” without acknowledging the deeper ethical concerns tied to policies they champion. Leaders like Pastor Jamal Bryant, who allowed Kamala Harris to campaign from their pulpits, remind me of biblical figures who flaunted their sins in defiance of God. We forget that God is not only loving but also just—and judgment will come for those who lead others astray.

This election sent a clear message: Americans are drawing a line. They’re rejecting policies that prioritize ideological experiments over protecting children and preserving innocence. There’s a growing demand for leadership that doesn’t just talk about inclusivity but also respects the voices and values of the people it claims to serve.

Looking Ahead

Tuesday’s results may have shocked the elites, but for many of us, it was a long time coming. America has finally said, “Enough is enough.” The question now is whether political leaders will heed the message or continue down a path that alienates the very people they’re supposed to represent.

If there’s one takeaway from this election, it’s this: Americans want authentic leadership—leaders who respect family, faith, and freedom. It’s time for the parties to wake up and listen. Maybe next time, they’ll nominate a candidate who truly represents the people, not just the agendas of the elite.