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On behalf of your readers, please share your thoughts on why Trump did well along the Mississippi.

Following up on Daniel's comments about Trump's denigration of Haitians and Puerto Ricans. Can I ask you and Daniel why there was nothing in the campaign or in the media on howTrump also denigated Latinos in the same Puerto Rican comic's routine? I think the Democrats never learned how to politically respond and capitalize on those words and do it in a way, with the right messengers.

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author

I don't know that I have any special wisdom. But I think the inflation/high prices were really tough on Harris. We haven't had this kind of inflation in 50 years. Obviously, I don't agree, but the Republicans were very good at pinning the blame on the Biden administration. Even though they share in the blame (they all voted for lots of Covid money). Immigration didn't help, either.

I also think the Democratic brand is badly damaged in Iowa. Not just in rural areas, but in areas like the Quad-Cities and Clinton and down the river. I think issues like crime and the fallout from Covid play a part. I also think that here, as in the rest of the country, people have bought the idea Trump will be their champion against their "enemies." Unfortunately, I don't think they believe--or see as a danger to them--the promises Trump has made that, rightfully, scare the daylights out of people who oppose him.

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I agree and democrats usually play nice and they don’t. On the other hand I wouldn’t be a democrat if we choose to replicate their behavior. What truly amazes me is the acceptance of lies and letting him off the hook. Clare Mckaskle said you have to give Trump credit he gets America more than the democrats. Sad it’s represents our worst tendencies

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I am still in SHOCK. Trump lost to Biden in 2020, but wins in 2024 . WHY? I have three reasons. 1) Voters are listening to Bullshit from FOX and NEWSMAX--Misinformation-LIES. 2) Men do not think a woman could be Commander-in-chief, thus no president either. 3) The democrats never raised the Minimum wage--still at $7.25 an hour---these folks work like hell and they also still vote. We also let the World down by electing a convict and felon to be our country's leader. I am still in shock.

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founding

Obama showed a bright light on this country. Now prejudice and bigotry prevail again. Look at the attacks on transgender people by Republican candidates. Look at how state universities have backed away from diversity thanks to the legislature.

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Kamala Harris did as well as she could have considering how late in the year she got in. I think Biden would have done worse. While Biden did better than Kamala that was four years ago and Joe is not the same guy. America believed the lies, fear and negativity and let’s face we are still a racist country and not ready for a women to lead. If I had a fault to lay upon the democrats it would be they didn’t promote all their successes and they took for granted that the Latino voters are very diversified and even if Trump denigrated the Haitians and Puerto Ricans there are others who have been in America longer and the democrats didn’t understand many of them don’t like women in power and don’t trust a black women. I thought that because of Liz Cheney’s outspoken contempt of Trump would have made the difference with conservatives but Trump is not a conservative and those that support him are more of a cult then what I remember the Republicans were. I hope I’m wrong about the future of democracy with Trump in power with no guard rails but he told us what he wants to do and I believe him

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Thanks for the comment, Dan. I agree, Biden would have done worse this year. I was only mentioning his results from four years ago to show just how much these counties trended toward Trump this cycle. Like you, I believe Trump will follow through on those things he's said he wants to do. I've never bought that line that you "should take him seriously, but not literally."

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founding

"Lock her up!" was an ubiquitous rally chant in 2016 but the day after winning Trump said, "Leave her alone. They are good people and have their own problems to tend to, " or words to that effect (you can look it up). Much of what he has spouted this time is likely similar hyperbole and much more is not practically attainable. His bite will not match his bark.

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author

I hope you are right, Bob. We will see.

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