During MSNBC’s coverage of the 2024 presidential election, liberal commentator Joy Reid offered a critical analysis of Donald Trump’s victory in Florida, suggesting the state has become a bastion for hardline right-wing politics.
As early results pointed towards a significant lead for Trump in Florida, Reid expressed her concerns about the state’s political trajectory on the live broadcast.
She described Florida as a smaller-scale manifestation of Project 2025, a term she used to illustrate what she believes to be a right-leaning, authoritarian style of governance embodied by the state’s leadership. “It’s a pure Project 2025 in miniature in Florida,” Reid remarked.
Reid also highlighted recent public statements by Trump, specifically his remarks on mass deportation and the forceful initiation of his rule, and questioned how such discourse continued to attract a considerable voter base.
As more states fell in favor of Trump, Reid’s focus expanded beyond Florida. She raised concerns about alleged voter suppression when Texas was declared for Trump, particularly emphasizing the situation of Black voters in Houston, Texas, whom she referred to as “deeply suppressed.”
Contrasting media reactions to the election results were evident. While Reid expressed her apprehensions on MSNBC, Fox News commentators had a celebratory tone regarding Trump’s performance. Fox News was the first major network to announce Trump’s victory. Anchor Bret Baier referred to Trump as the “biggest political phoenix from the ashes” in the history of U.S. politics.
Reid’s critique of Trump’s win in Florida led to immediate backlash from his supporters, with some demanding her removal from the panel. Reid’s comments generated controversy and sparked a spirited debate among viewers.
By late Tuesday, Trump had secured significant victories in several key states, including Florida, Texas, North Carolina, and Ohio, as well as numerous Southern and Midwestern states. Betting markets put Trump’s chances of securing the needed 270 electoral votes over 90 percent.
By Wednesday morning, it became apparent that Trump had won a decisive victory over Vice President Kamala Harris, marking a significant comeback in American politics.
Trump, who is 78, crossed the threshold of 270 electoral votes after winning Wisconsin, thus securing his return to the White House nearly four years after his term ended. This victory makes him the 45th and 47th president of the United States, a unique occurrence in American political history.
Vice President Harris delivered her concession speech at Howard University in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday.
The election results pointed to significant demographic shifts among voters, with Trump showing modest gains among Black, Latino, and young voters compared to previous elections. Economic considerations and immigration policy proved to be key influencers in voter choices across several battleground states.
Trump’s economic policies found particularly strong support in Midwestern states such as Michigan. Concerns about inflation and economic stability played a significant role in influencing voter decisions, indicating a considerable shift in traditional voting patterns across several regions.