A key aspect of the 2024 election involves the "Never Trump" Republicans—a group of traditionally conservative voters who have been deeply uncomfortable with Donald Trump’s leadership but have never previously voted for a Democrat. This debate between Harris and Trump likely served as a pivotal moment for many of these Republicans. For this group, the stakes aren't just about policy but about the very survival of democracy and the future of the Republican Party.
Harris presented herself as a calm, competent, and unifying figure while Trump remained divisive and controversial. This observation could persuade many of these "Never Trump" Republicans to cross over and vote for her. Unlike typical election cycles, these voters may not be voting for Harris based on ideological alignment but as a strategic move to remove Trump and his allies from power. They see this as a critical step to ultimately rebuild a functioning and principled GOP after Trumpism is defeated.
This shift could be significant because "Never Trump" Republicans represent a sizable portion of the electorate. They are motivated not just by distaste for Trump’s behavior but by a desire to restore the GOP to a party that respects conservative values without authoritarianism or populist extremism. For them, voting for Harris is a temporary but necessary measure to vanquish Trumpism, allowing for the eventual restoration of a GOP that prioritizes democratic norms, rule of law, and effective governance.
In this way, the debate may catalyze a crossover from these voters, not just as an endorsement of Harris but as an act of preservation—of democracy and the integrity of the Republican Party. If enough of them feel compelled to make this move, it could result in a significant electoral shift, possibly even contributing to a landslide in Harris’s favor, similar to what happened with Reagan in 1980, albeit with a different political dynamic.
This would be a profound moment of realignment, with lasting consequences for both parties. I truly believe we are on the cusp of a new, New Deal era. Harris will be to Democrats and the country as Reagan was to Republicans and the country. Transformational change is coming!
Tonight was a good night for team blue, the country and the world.
