PERMIT me to suspend my serial on Livestock Development, (though a significant, timeless policy shift in Abuja, to allow me comment on the outcome of the U.S 2024 election that will most likely change the media ecosystem and, of course, affect the new world order. Doubtless, the triumph of Donald Trump has been so extra-ordinary that no public affairs analyst would like to postpone a comment on it .
We need to tell our politicians who have allowed bankrupt but powerful individuals to hijack political parties here how elite consensus elsewhere can defy powerful media propaganda and help regain political power without having to cause curious glitches on the day of election.
As an AP analyst noted, the American presidential elections are a moment when the nation holds up a mirror to look at itself. They are a reflection of values and dreams, of grievances and scores to be settled. The results say much about a country’s character, future and core beliefs. Last Tuesday, October 5, 2024, America looked into that mirror and more voters saw former president Donald Trump, delivering him a far-reaching victory in the most contested states.
According to pundits, Hurricane Trump won for many reasons. One of them was that a formidable number of Americans, from different angles, said the state of democracy was a prime concern. The candidate they chose had campaigned through a lens of darkness, calling the country “garbage” and his opponent “stupid,” a “communist” and “the b-word.” And people believed and voted for him.
The mirror reflected not only a restive nation’s discontent but childless cat ladies, false stories of pets devoured by Haitian immigrant neighbours, a sustained emphasis on calling things “weird,” and a sudden bout of Democratic “joy” now crushed. The campaign will be remembered both for profound developments, like the two assassination attempts on Trump, and his curious chatter about golfer Arnold Palmer’s genitalia.
And so as we continue to examine various critical success factors of the second coming of Trump, let’s read the details of classics that has enhanced citizen journalism even in global context. That same development – power to the digital media has also affected the legacy media most people will now see as a “weapon of mass distortion” as one scholar once described that genre.
Donald Trump’s unforeseen victory in the 2024 presidential election would likely have significant implications for the US legacy media and pro-Kamala media outlets that have been critical of Trumpism.
Media Backlash and soul-searching
These media outlets, which were unable to predict Trump’s victory, may face intense backlash and criticism for their perceived bias and inability to understand the American electorate. This could lead to a period of soul-searching and re-evaluation within the media industry.
Loss of Credibility
The failure to predict Trump’s victory may damage the credibility of these media outlets, potentially leading to a decline in viewership and readership. Some may view them as out of touch with the concerns and values of a significant portion of the American people.
Shift in Media Narrative
A Trump victory would likely force a shift in the media narrative, with outlets being forced to re-examine their coverage and analysis of the election. This could lead to a more nuanced understanding of the factors that contributed to Trump’s success.
Pro-Kamala Media Response
Pro-Kamala media outlets, which have been strongly critical of Trumpism, may struggle to come to terms with the election outcome. They may need to reassess their strategy and messaging to better understand and connect with the concerns of Trump supporters.
Polarisation and Division
Unfortunately, Trump’s victory may also exacerbate the existing polarization and division within the US media landscape. Some outlets may double down on their criticism of Trump, while others may become even more entrenched in their support.
Overall, Trump’s unforeseen victory would likely have far-reaching consequences for the US legacy media and pro-Kamala media outlets, forcing them to re-examine their assumptions, biases, and coverage of the election.
Elite consensus and democracy
The elite consensus that returned Trump to power is a complex phenomenon that requires an in-depth examination of the underlying structures and dynamics that shape American politics. At its core, this consensus refers to the alignment of interests and values among the power elite, including politicians, corporate leaders, media moguls, and other influential individuals, that enabled Trump’s return to power ¹.
To understand this consensus, it’s essential to consider the historical context. The United States has a long history of elite dominance, dating back to the country’s founding ¹. The power elite has consistently maintained its grip on power through various means, including control of the media, manipulation of public opinion, and strategic alliances with other elite groups.
In the case of Trump’s return to power, several factors contributed to the elite consensus. One key factor was the Republican Party’s calculation that Trump remained their best chance to maintain power and advance their agenda ². Despite initial reservations about Trump’s candidacy, party leaders ultimately rallied behind him, recognizing his ability to mobilize a dedicated base of supporters.
Another crucial factor was the role of the citizen media.
While some outlets vociferously opposed Trump, others, particularly those with conservative leanings, provided him with a platform and amplified his message. This selective coverage helped to normalise Trump’s divisive rhetoric and policies, making him more palatable to a broader audience.
The Power Elite: Key Players and Institutions
-Corporate Leaders: CEOs and executives from influential corporations, such as Wall Street banks and major conglomerates
Media Moguls: Owners and editors of prominent media outlets, including newspapers, television networks, and online platforms
-Politicians Elected officials, particularly those in leadership positions, who shape policy and legislation
Think Tanks and Lobbying Groups: Organizations that influence policy and public opinion through research, advocacy, and strategic alliances
These elite groups and institutions intersect and influence one another, creating a complex web of power and influence that shapes American politics ¹. In the case of Trump’s return to power, this web of relationships played a critical role in legitimising his candidacy and marginalising opposition.
Understanding the Elite Consensus
To grasp the elite consensus that returned Trump to power, it’s essential to recognise the following dynamics:
Shared Interests: Elite groups and institutions often share common interests, such as maintaining economic dominance, promoting conservative values, or advancing specific policy agendas.
Strategic Alliances: Elite groups form alliances to achieve shared goals, often through backroom deals, lobbying efforts, or public relations campaigns.
Media Manipulation: The media plays a crucial role in shaping public opinion, either by amplifying or suppressing certain voices and perspectives.
By examining these dynamics, we can better understand how the elite consensus enabled Trump’s return to power. This consensus was not inevitable, but rather the result of deliberate choices and strategic actions by influential individuals and groups. Ultimately, unraveling the complex web of power and influence that underpins American politics requires ongoing critical examination and scrutiny. By shedding light on the elite consensus that returned Trump to power, we can begin to build a more just and equitable society, where the interests of all citizens are truly represented.
Meanwhile as Democrats are facing a painful reckoning over Kamala Harris’s drubbing at the hands of Trump and so as shock gives way to anger and recrimination in the aftermath of a devastating repudiation, lawmakers and strategists may be looking for someone to blame for Tuesday’s wipeout. Blame-game strategists are more likely to target President Joe Biden than Harris, who is regarded as having done a decent job with the short time she had to campaign. The election night disaster –Trump’s triumph was accompanied by a Republican “red wave” in the Senate — has proved to be a Rorschach test, with rival factions each offering reasons for the defeat informed by their particular brand of Democratic politics.
The circular firing squad began with progressive senator Bernie Sanders arguing in a scathing statement that a party that had forsaken the working class should not be surprised to “find that the working class has abandoned them.”
In deed, Nigeria and many other countries, can draw valuable lessons from Kamala Harris concession speech too, particularly in the face of democratic challenges we have. Her speech embodies the essence of democratic values, showcasing respect for electoral process and the will of the people. By conceding, Harris demonstrated the grace and respect for democratic norms that citizens expect of their leader. This is in a stark contrast to the contested postures of recent years.
In a powerful, impassioned speech at Howard University, Vice President Harris conceded the 2024 presidential election to Donald Trump after her 107- day campaign ended in a devastating loss. Yet as she spoke, her words felt less like a farewell than a launch. She did not lay blame, question the results or point fingers. Instead, her speech was a rallying cry for a movement, perhaps even a glimpse into the platform she’ll build toward 2028.
Her message of hope went far beyond acknowledging defeat, signaling instead her ongoing commitment to the issues that matter to her and to millions of Americans. In many ways, this was the opening note of what may be Harris’s next campaign, an invitation to her supporters to stay mobilised and ready for the long game.
In her concession, Harris did what few leaders do in a moment of loss: she focused on the future. She pointed not to the end of a campaign, but to a fresh beginning, underscoring the continuity of her mission and that of her supporters. “We will never give up the fight,” she declared, a phrase that resonated not only as a call to action for today, but as a steadfast promise for tomorrow. Through these words, Harris outlined her vision of America as a nation that remains unwavering in its pursuit of justice, freedom, and opportunity for all. This message seemed purpose-built to lay the foundation for another run in 2028, hinting at the core values that will shape her potential return to the national stage.
Harris’s speech emphasises that democracy is not a smooth journey but rather a relentless pursuit of an evolving ideal. Her acknowledgement of defeat is gracious, reflecting the profound belief that the strength of democracy lies in the acceptance of the people’s will, even when the results challenge our expectations. By conceding, Harris demonstrates the grace and respect for democratic norms that citizens expect of their leader. This is in a stark contrast to the contested postures of recent years. As Harris put it, the cornerstone of American democracy lies in a commitment to fair elections, peaceful transfers of power, and loyalty to principles over individuals. I hope Nigerian politicians who always ask opponents they have rigged out to “go to court” can imbibe the power and majesty of democracy.
- Oloja is former editor of The Guardian newspaper and his column, Inside Stuff, runs on the back page of the newspaper on Sundays. The column appears on News Point Nigeria newspaper on Mondays.