How they made America grate again

No message, no policies... and no way to turn the tide

- CHRISTOPHER BUCKTIN

DONALD Trump's dramatic victory in the US election capped a stunning political comeback, from convicted conman to the most powerful man in the world.

At the other end of the scale, Kamala Harris is left with nothing but regret for the missteps that ultimately led to her downfall.

Thrust into the race less than four months ago after Joe Biden's fragility became a Democratic disaster, her strategy appeared flawed.

Simply being a historic candidate as the first woman of colour at the top of a major party ticket was never going to be enough.

Harris failed to fully harness the energy her candidacy could have generated. Early enthusiasm around her nomination gave way to disappointment as it became clear that her campaign lacked a clear and cohesive message and, more importantly, substantive policies.

Rather than focusing on a strong, unifying vision for the country, Harris seemed to rely on identity politics to carry her through, which quickly alienated key voter groups.

The Democratic Party had hoped the vice president would rise and inspire women, particularly women of colour, to turn out in droves.

But her messaging often missed the mark. She campaigned heavily on issues such as abortion rights and democratic integrity undoubtedly important, but not immediate enough to override the economic concerns that had taken centre stage for so many Americans.

As inflation soared, gas prices spiked and wages stagnated under her boss Biden's administration, Harris's focus on cultural issues failed to resonate with voters struggling to make ends meet.

Her portrayal of Trump, who in May became the first former president to be convicted of a crime, as a dire threat to democracy also fell flat, particularly when the Republican narrowly escaped an assassination attempt.