Editor’s Note: This is the fourth in a series examining the 2024 election results and what they reveal about America’s evolving political landscape. The American Salient explores the opportunity that conservatives have to lead America in a new direction.
With the 2024 election results solidly in hand, Trump’s victory represents more than just a win for one man—it’s an affirmation that Americans are ready to return to the basics. In a landscape marked by inflation, global instability, and social agendas that seem detached from reality, voters have turned decisively toward a vision of America that prioritizes freedom, family, and faith. For conservatives, this is more than a moment of celebration; it’s a moment of responsibility. They’ve been handed the keys to America’s future, and the question now is how wisely they’ll steer.
A Clear Mandate for Change
For years, conservatives have argued that America needed a course correction. The progressive agenda, with its constant focus on identity politics, climate alarms, and bureaucratic overreach, left the average American wondering: what about the economy? What about security? The results of this election were a resounding response to those questions. Voters rejected the “joy and unity” platitudes that Harris-Walz had offered and instead gravitated toward a message rooted in self-determination and national pride. And unlike the Democrats’ lofty rhetoric, conservatives have been handed a mandate that demands real action.
Trump’s victory isn’t just a political win; it’s a statement that the American people want a return to policies that make sense. They’re tired of watching taxpayer dollars flow overseas while schools struggle and families pay more for less. They want leaders who understand that freedom isn’t just a talking point—it’s a way of life.
A Shift from Elitism to Everyday Values
The 2024 election exposed a truth about the Democratic Party: it has drifted into the elite, urban bubble. With celebrity endorsements and high-dollar fundraisers, Harris and Walz had effectively branded their campaign as a movement for the privileged few. And while Democrats spent years chiding Trump for his populist appeal, they failed to see the irony of their own growing elitism. For too long, they’ve catered to the Hollywood set, embracing a celebrity culture that feels alien to millions of working Americans.
In contrast, Trump’s win highlighted a shift away from this elitist bubble. Americans are seeking leaders who share their values and who aren’t afraid to stand up to the cultural drift. Voters showed they’re ready to support policies that celebrate hard work, uphold family values, and resist the moral relativism that has taken root in so many institutions.
Economic Growth and the Working Class
The Biden years left millions of Americans financially stretched, disillusioned, and desperate for relief. Inflation hit grocery stores and gas stations like a wrecking ball, while global conflicts escalated and trade policies shifted wealth out of the U.S. Meanwhile, Biden’s administration chased ambitious climate goals and globalized trade agreements with little regard for how these policies affected working Americans. The 2024 election made one thing clear: voters aren’t interested in an America-first slogan—they want America-first policies that lead to real, tangible improvements in their lives.
For conservatives, this is the moment to focus on economic policies that bolster manufacturing, reduce reliance on foreign supply chains, and strengthen job security for American workers. By cutting red tape and incentivizing businesses to stay domestic, conservatives have the opportunity to support the industries that built this country, making it clear that “Made in America” isn’t just a tagline but a commitment to national resilience.
An Opportunity to Rebuild Trust in Institutions
Over the past decade, Americans have watched institutions—from the Department of Justice to the education system—sacrifice credibility in favor of political agendas. This election revealed the backlash. Voters want transparency, accountability, and institutions that serve the public rather than the latest political fads. For conservatives, this is a prime opportunity to rebuild trust in government by focusing on core values: freedom of speech, the rule of law, and the fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution.
The Trump administration has an unprecedented opportunity to reform these institutions, ensuring that they reflect American values instead of narrow, politically motivated agendas. Conservatives can lead by example, creating a government that prioritizes the welfare of its citizens and resists the pressures of activist-driven policymaking.
Looking Ahead: An American Renaissance?
The election results point to a larger movement—a shift in the American spirit that’s ready to embrace traditional values, secure borders, and a foreign policy that puts American interests first. For conservatives, this isn’t just a chance to lead; it’s a chance to redefine what leadership looks like in the 21st century. By focusing on pragmatic policies and refusing to pander to elite agendas, they can set the stage for an American renaissance rooted in strength, stability, and shared values.
Of course, this opportunity comes with its challenges. Conservatives will need to navigate a media landscape that remains largely hostile, an opposition that’s quick to cry foul, and the remnants of an establishment class that’s been slow to embrace change. But if they can stay true to the mandate that voters have delivered, they’ll find support among the millions of Americans who showed up to reclaim their country’s future.
The American people have made their choice clear. Now, it’s up to conservatives to deliver.
Charlton Allen is the founder and editor-in-chief of The American Salient and the founder of the Madison Center for Law & Liberty, Inc. Learn more about him at charltonallen.org.
