In case it was not already obvious, 2024 was not a great year for Democrats. President Joe Biden recorded his lowest approval rating of his entire term in the summer of 2024—an anemic 36 percent. Although inflation had fallen from pandemic highs, voters still largely blamed Democrats for the spike in costs, and affordability was a salient electoral issue. Polls showed that the Republican Party was more trusted to handle the most important issues of the day. Whether it was dealing with immigration, reducing crime, defending the country from terrorism, or strengthening the economy, the GOP held a massive edge over the Democrats. Candidates always matter, but in 2024 the Democratic Party faced a tsunami of voter disaffection and doubt.
Donald Trump did very well among young men in the last election—an outcome that some attributed to his bro-friendly campaign strategy, such as associating with UFC fighters and male-friendly podcasters. But Trump gained ground among young women as well—a gr…
