The recent election and its implications gain gravitas as the inauguration of Donald Trump approaches. The same could be said of Harris had she been elected. But that didn’t happen.

Why Trump won and Harris lost has been the subject of much speculation since November with theories galore to explain it.  Let’s review a few. 

One theory focuses on messaging and holds that Trump’s messages were better crafted, had a bigger punch, and aimed more effectively at selected voters, specifically young males, blacks, and Hispanics. The corollary of this holds that Harris’s messages about threats to democracy, Trump’s character, his rejection by non-Maga republicans, and Contract 2025 just didn’t matter.

Another theory, advanced by David Brooks, holds that red state voters blame Harris and Dems for years of neglect and a preoccupation with wokeness and social issues rather than jobs, immigration and the economy. A sort of spiteful ‘do you see us now?’ vote.

Then there’s James Carville’s theory that Harris forgot the crux of what all elections boil down to: It’s the economy stupid.  Harris failed to distance herself from Bidenomics and offer a solidly bold vision of an economy and policies that would ignite voters.

Add to these the theory that Biden’s delayed withdrawal from the race left no time to find the best replacement or time to wage an effective campaign. And let’s not forget the persistent racism and misogyny theory, namely that many voters wouldn’t vote for a woman for president, let alone a black woman. 

Consider too that over 60 million eligible voters failed to vote at all, a reflection of general indifference to the importance of a presidential election.

And finally, the uncharitable theory that many low-propensity uninformed voters were easily swayed and voted against their self-interest.

Although these theories all possess a kernel of truth they are of little use now. What’s done cannot be undone.

As a country we are left with the inescapable reality that we, the voters, are the architects of our future. We choose our leaders. We had a choice between two starkly different candidates and we made it.

If Donald Trump manages to right some wrongs, improve Americans’ lives, and makes the world a better safer place, won’t that be nice. But if, as many fear, he neglects peoples’ needs, favors the rich at the expense of others, weakens our ties with allies, antagonizes friend and foe alike, and sews division within our country, that won’t be so nice.

But we will have gotten what we deserve. And as a people, as a country, we’ll have only ourselves to thank. Let’s hope for the best.

John Newburn lives in Rockport