The Top Seven Reasons why the Democratic Party lost the 2024 Presidential Election

 "Welcome back to the Teaching with Valor Podcast, where we tackle the challenging issues shaping our classrooms, our communities, and sometimes, even our country. Today, we’re diving into an unusual yet critical conversation that might seem a bit outside our usual classroom focus, but in reality, it has a profound impact on the educational landscape we operate within.

We’re breaking down seven key reasons the Democratic Party lost the 2024 presidential election. Now, as educators and parents, why should this matter? Well, politics sets the policies that shape our schools, our communities, and even the morale in our classrooms. Today, we’re examining the election through an educational lens—how do national trends and choices impact us as citizens, and most importantly, how do they ripple through to our students?"



TeachingwithValor.com

DJFessenden.com   You can find my book "Betrayed" that speaks to the failure of Congress to enact the 25th Amendment.



Show Notes

1. 25th Amendment and Presidential Succession: U.S. Constitution;
2. The impact of border policies on U.S. education systems: Department of Education;
3. The economy and its effects on public education: National Education Association;
4. Gender inclusivity in sports: Center for American Progress;
5. Analysis of U.S. foreign policy’s impact on education and national security: Council on Foreign Relations;
6. ‘Economic and Social Consequences of Immigration Policies,’ by Pew Research.

Stay tuned for more episodes, and remember, every student is unique, and every classroom can be a place where all students succeed. Keep teaching with valor!

Transcript

Don: 0:08

"Welcome back to the Teaching with Valor Podcast, where we tackle the challenging issues shaping our classrooms, our communities, and sometimes, even our country. Today, we’re diving into an unusual yet critical conversation that might seem a bit outside our usual classroom focus, but in reality, it has a profound impact on the educational landscape we operate within. We’re breaking down seven key reasons the Democratic Party lost the 2024 presidential election. Now, as educators and parents, why should this matter? Well, politics sets the policies that shape our schools, our communities, and even the morale in our classrooms. Today, we’re examining the election through an educational lens: how do national trends and choices impact us as citizens, and most importantly, how do they ripple through to our students?""Let’s start with a sensitive but pivotal point that was widely discussed: President Biden’s cognitive abilities. Concerns about his ability to serve effectively had grown significantly by 2024, raising questions in Congress and among the American people. The 25th Amendment was designed precisely for this scenario: where a president might be unfit to serve due to mental or physical incapacity. However, Congress did not enact it. Inaction here created frustration and division, leaving many feeling as though the government was choosing party loyalty over the nation’s best interest. For educators, this situation is a reminder of how accountability: or lack thereof: at the highest levels can impact the trust in our systems. Just like in our schools, transparency and timely action can help build trust and confidence. When leaders in power don't address these types of issues, it erodes trust, and unfortunately, that ripple effect makes it into our schools and classrooms. Students and parents alike sense these shifts in national trust.""The next issue that impacted this election is one we’re feeling even more directly in education: the open-border policy. With policies that many perceived as lenient, the country saw a significant increase in immigration, which had direct consequences in our school systems. We’ve seen districts struggle to accommodate a sudden influx of students without the necessary resources to support them adequately. Teachers face larger class sizes, language barriers, and, in some cases, heightened security concerns. This isn’t about politics alone; it’s about the very real, on-the-ground impact on our classrooms and our ability to provide quality education to all students. The open-border policy led some voters to feel that national interests, including education funding and school capacity, were being sacrificed.""Closely linked to the border policy is the increase in crime attributed, fairly or unfairly, to illegal immigration. Now, it’s essential to remember that the majority of immigrants are law-abiding individuals seeking a better life, but there have been isolated incidents that have left some communities—and some voters—feeling uneasy. As educators, we always want our schools and neighborhoods to be safe for our children. Yet, public perception plays a powerful role. Fearful communities can quickly translate into fearful schools, where parents, students, and staff feel more vulnerable. This narrative of crime, whether exaggerated or grounded, certainly influenced voters.""No matter where you live or what you do, you’ve probably felt the strain of the economy these past few years. Inflation, wage stagnation, and rising costs have hit educators and parents hard, from groceries to housing to education costs. Many voters felt that the current administration’s policies weren’t helping but rather exacerbating these issues. Schools feel the pinch, too, as budget cuts lead to larger class sizes, limited resources, and frozen salaries. It’s difficult to engage our students when families—and teachers—are worried about paying their bills. The economy’s downturn was a tangible reason why so many voters went to the polls with change on their minds.""Another contentious issue: the inclusion of transgender men in women’s sports. For many, this was a matter of fairness in competition. As educators, we know the importance of inclusivity, but we also see the need for balance. In schools, we’re faced with real questions: how do we support our students’ identities while maintaining fair standards in competitive environments? This question made its way into the political sphere and became a hot-button topic in 2024. Many parents and voters felt that policies allowing men in women’s sports were unfair and even potentially unsafe, driving them to the polls with these frustrations in mind.""Here’s an interesting twist: a significant part of the campaign was shaped around the focus on Trump’s personality rather than his policies. Regardless of personal opinions about him, his policies resonated with a large segment of voters. By fixating on his character, Democrats may have underestimated the importance of addressing the policy impacts he championed that resonated with voters. This misstep reflects an important lesson for us all. Sometimes, in education or politics, we get caught up in the person and miss out on what actually affects the day-to-day realities of those we serve.""Finally, foreign policy played a crucial role. Perceived weakness in addressing international issues like trade, defense, and foreign relations left many feeling that America was no longer projecting strength or reliability. Weak foreign policy doesn’t just affect our national pride; it impacts trade, national security, and even educational exchanges. Students’ futures are intertwined with the nation’s standing in the world. When America is strong on the global stage, there are more opportunities and fewer threats that might jeopardize their futures. Many voters seemed to feel that a stronger foreign policy approach was necessary to safeguard these values.""In closing, these seven issues: lack of response to cognitive concerns, open border policies, concerns over crime and safety, economic strain, gender policies in sports, fixation on personality over policy, and weak foreign policy: formed a complex web that ultimately shifted many voters’ perspectives. As teachers, parents, and community members, we need to stay informed and engaged because each of these political factors trickles down to affect the students in our classrooms and the resources we have to support them. Understanding the reasons behind election outcomes isn’t just about politics; it’s about preparing ourselves to be advocates for the values and policies that benefit our schools and communities the most.""Thanks for listening to this deep dive episode of Teaching with Valor. Whether you agree or disagree with the reasons we’ve discussed, I encourage you to keep exploring, stay informed, and keep advocating for the best in our schools. Let’s keep this conversation going. Keep learning, keep advocating, and as always, keep teaching with valor!