Reform the Internet: Election Result & J.D. Vance's Christian Creed

In the latest episode of Reform the Internet, Corey and Matthew, dive deep into the pivotal moments of the 2024 election, where Donald Trump and J.D. Vance secured a commanding victory. They explore the strategies, controversies, and voter dynamics that shaped this historic outcome. From Kamala Harris’s campaign challenges to Elon Musk’s surprising role in the new administration, Corey and Matthew unpack the factors that tipped the scales.  

Reform the Internet: Key Takeaways

Election Results and Strategy

  Corey reflects on the momentum behind Trump and Vance’s win, citing growing dissatisfaction with President Biden’s term and Harris’s inability to connect with key voter concerns. Vance’s strategic positioning played a crucial role: he appealed to evangelicals with his stance on abortion while projecting a moderate image to broader audiences. Appearances on platforms like Joe Rogan's podcast helped the campaign connect with everyday voters, amplifying their message during the final stretch.    

Kamala Harris’s Challenges

  Matthew and Corey discuss why Kamala Harris struggled to gain traction in the election. Her focus on social issues, rather than addressing economic concerns like inflation and job creation, alienated many voters. Corey revisits controversies from Harris’s tenure as Attorney General, such as her punitive truancy policies, which left some voters skeptical of her leadership style. Harris’s shifting policy positions also played a role in her defeat. For instance, her support for increased border wall funding contradicted her earlier stance, which created an image of inconsistency that undermined her credibility.  

Minority Voters and Republican Gains

  One of the most surprising outcomes of the 2024 election was the Republican Party’s significant gains among Hispanic and Black voters. Corey attributes this shift to the GOP’s focus on economic stability and family values, which resonated with many working-class voters.  He contrasts this with the Democrats’ messaging, which he critiques as overly focused on race and gender issues, failing to address practical concerns like homeownership, wages, and healthcare.    

Elon Musk’s Role in the Administration

  Elon Musk’s endorsement of Trump and involvement in the administration brought both excitement and controversy. Corey admires Musk’s innovative mindset and his willingness to adapt based on feedback, citing examples like his openness to design suggestions for SpaceX rockets. However, Musk’s critics point to issues such as working conditions in cobalt mines, used for electric vehicle batteries, and his sometimes polarizing public behavior. Despite these challenges, Corey sees Musk’s authenticity and vision as assets, believing his entrepreneurial spirit could benefit the new administration. Musk’s broad appeal, even among non-conservative circles, brought a fresh dynamic to the campaign and promises to play a pivotal role in the coming years.    

J.D. Vance’s Background and Interfaith Marriage

  J.D. Vance’s journey from a “never-Trumper” to a key ally of the Trump administration was another focal point of the discussion. Corey praises Vance’s military service in the Marine Corps and his commitment to patriotic values. They also discuss how Vance’s interfaith marriage—his wife, Usha, is Hindu, while he is Roman Catholic—might shape his approach to religious freedom. Corey suggests that this diversity could make Vance more inclusive in protecting the rights of all faiths, while still preserving a commitment to Christian values. This nuanced perspective on religious freedom may appeal to a broader spectrum of Americans in a time of increasing religious diversity.  

Final Thoughts

  Corey and Matthew of Reform the Internet, cover a wide array of topics, offering thoughtful analysis on the factors that defined the 2024 election. They look ahead to how the Trump-Vance administration will address pressing national issues, from economic challenges to cultural debates. As the political landscape continues to evolve, Corey and Matthew aim to provide insights into how these changes will impact the future of the country.