The dust from the 2016 presidential election had hardly settled when a new movement emerged, one that carried the banner of “uncommitted.” These were voters who had refused to cast their ballots for either Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump, a sizable group that held the balance of power in several key swing states.
As the Trump administration took shape, another movement gained traction, this one calling for the impeachment of Vice President Mike Pence. The ”abandon Harris” movement, as it was known, was a response to Pence’s perceived failures and his close ties to Trump.
In the months since the election, leaders of these two movements have reflected on Trump’s victory and his early moves. Some have expressed optimism, while others have sounded the alarm. All have agreed that the country is at a crossroads, and that the future of democracy hangs in the balance.
The Rise of the Uncommitted: How Trump and the Right Captured Independent Voters
The rise of the “uncommitted” voters, who were not strongly aligned with either major political party, was a key factor in Trump’s victory. These voters were attracted to Trump’s message of economic populism and his promise to shake up the political establishment. In the months leading up to the election, Trump made significant gains among these voters, particularly in the Rust Belt states of Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin. These voters were also less likely to support Hillary Clinton, who was seen as a continuation of the political establishment. As a result, Trump was able to win these states by narrow margins, giving him the victory in the Electoral College.
The “uncommitted” voters were also a major factor in the defeat of Kamala Harris in the Democratic primaries. Harris was seen as a moderate Democrat who was not able to excite the base of the party. She was also unable to connect with the “uncommitted” voters, who were looking for a candidate who could offer something different. As a result, Harris was unable to win a single state in the primaries and dropped out of the race in December 2019.
| Trump’s Performance | Pre-Election Prediction
|-|-|
| Victory Margin in Pennsylvania | 1.2%
| Victory Margin in Michigan | 0.3%
| Victory Margin in Wisconsin | 0.7%
| |
| Kamala Harris Primary Finish
| |
| Victory Percentage | 7.1 %
| Number of States Won | 0
Abandoning Harris: Inside the Movement to Challenge the Establishment in the Black Community
Across the political spectrum, influential voices in the Black community said they see the urgency of the movement, which aims to dissuade Black voters from supporting establishment politicians, even those who identify as Democrats. Many activists said they were animated by former Senator Kamala Harris of California, who they accused of locking up Black people as a prosecutor. “I think people are now realizing, ‘Well, yeah, this could have been avoided if we weren’t so focused on electing Democrats and actually focused on building real progressive power in our own communities,” said Christopher Smalls, a former Amazon warehouse worker in Staten Island who rose to prominence last year as a labor organizer.
“People are getting more involved in third parties,” Smalls added, “They’re a lot more focused on whether or not a politician is actually going to represent them.” Some people who identify with the “uncommitted” or “abandon Harris” movements also expressed disappointment in President Biden, saying that he has not done enough to pursue racial justice. “I don’t think anybody in our community sees any indication that Biden is prepared to transform the system,” said Maurice Mitchell, the national director of the Working Families Party, a progressive third party.
Trumps Triumph and the Future of Political Movements: Unpacking the Lessons of 2016
Despite the early success of these movements, both ”Stop Uncommitted” and “Abandon Harris” eventually failed to achieve their goals. The leaders of these movements reflected on Trump’s victory and early moves, offering insights into the challenges of challenging the political establishment.
* Challenges to Establishment Opposition:
– Organizing against a well-funded and experienced candidate is difficult, especially when the opposition is divided.
– The abundance of information and misinformation online can make it challenging to get a clear picture of the issues and candidates.
– The polarization of the electorate makes it hard to build broad coalitions of support.
Redefining Leadership: Strategies for the Resistance in a Trump Era
Leaders in the “uncommitted” movement, who voted for neither candidate in the 2016 election, say they are dismayed by Trump’s victory and early moves. They say they feel betrayed by both parties and are losing hope in the political system.
Leaders in the ”abandon Harris” movement, who originally supported Kamala Harris for president but later switched their allegiance to other candidates, say they are disappointed by Harris’s performance in the race. They say they believe she is not a strong enough candidate to defeat Trump and are looking for other options.
In Retrospect
As the dust settles from the tumultuous 2016 election and the Trump administration embarks on its uncharted path, the leaders who spearheaded the “uncommitted” and ”abandon Harris” movements stand at a crossroads. With their efforts to derail the Harris candidacy ultimately unsuccessful, they face a critical decision: whether to continue their opposition to Trump or seek common ground for the sake of the country.
The stakes are high, as the nation grapples with the deep divisions that have been further exacerbated by Trump’s divisive rhetoric and policies. The leaders of these movements hold a unique perspective on the challenges facing the country and the role they can play in shaping its future. Whether they choose to remain in the shadows or step into the limelight, their voices will undoubtedly be heard as the nation navigates the uncharted waters of the Trump era.