In an eye-opening analysis, CNN’s data expert Harry Enten broke down the historic electoral gains made by former President Donald Trump in the 2024 election. According to Enten, Trump’s performance represents a monumental shift in American political history, with the Republican candidate making unprecedented inroads across a broad range of demographic and geographic lines.
Enten didn’t mince words in his assessment. “When was the last time a party gained in so many different places?” he asked, highlighting the breadth of Trump’s improvements. The answer: not since 1992, when Bill Clinton dramatically outperformed Michael Dukakis’ results across 49 states and Washington, D.C. “Donald Trump’s performance on Tuesday was the best for a Republican presidential candidate in exit poll history,” Enten declared. “He literally goes all the way back through history and breaks history.”
What makes Trump’s achievement even more remarkable is the scale and scope of the gains. Enten revealed that Trump improved the Republican Party’s 2020 election performance in every state except Washington. His support surged across key battleground states, solidifying his hold on traditional Republican strongholds while making significant progress in areas that had previously leaned Democratic.
This dramatic shift has sent shockwaves through the Democratic Party. Enten’s analysis suggests that Trump’s ability to connect with diverse voter groups—ranging from Hispanic and Black communities to suburban voters—has upended long-held political assumptions. The GOP’s gains were particularly pronounced in regions where Democrats had previously enjoyed comfortable leads.
The data reveals just how sweeping Trump’s gains were. In states like Nevada, Arizona, and Georgia, where elections were tightly contested in previous cycles, Trump managed to outpace his 2020 performance significantly. Even in traditionally blue states like California and New York, the former president made noticeable improvements, chipping away at Democratic margins.
“Holy Toledo!” Enten exclaimed as he unpacked the figures. “The breadth of the improvement that Donald Trump had is nothing short of astounding.” This sentiment is underscored by the fact that Trump’s 2024 performance reversed a decades-long trend of Republicans struggling to expand their electoral map. His success in improving Republican standing in 49 states is a testament to his campaign’s ability to energize the base and attract new voters.
Trump’s mandate:
1. More states (49 + DC) swung in his direction vs. last election than anyone since 1992.
2. Best GOP showing w/ age 18-29 in 20 yrs, Black voters in 48 yrs, Hispanics in 52+ yrs.
3. Coattails: best GOP showing in House popular vote in prez year since 1928. pic.twitter.com/xDEjHVJFAm— (((Harry Enten))) (@ForecasterEnten) November 8, 2024
The implications of Trump’s historic performance extend far beyond the 2024 election. Enten’s analysis serves as a stark warning for Democrats, who now face an uphill battle to rebuild their coalition. The Democratic Party’s traditional messaging and policy platforms failed to resonate with key voter groups this cycle, and Trump capitalized on that disconnect.
Enten’s deep dive into the numbers exposes critical vulnerabilities for the party of ‘joy.’ Democrats had banked on their ability to mobilize young voters, minorities, and suburban women, but the results suggest those groups are no longer a reliable base. Trump’s improved standing among Hispanic and Black voters, in particular, signals a potential realignment that could reshape American politics for years to come.
For Trump, the 2024 election is more than just a political comeback—it’s a defining moment in his legacy. By outperforming his previous results and shattering historical norms, Trump has positioned himself as a transformative figure within the Republican Party. His ability to harness populist sentiment and channel it into electoral success demonstrates a unique political acumen that few have matched.
Enten’s conclusion is clear: “Donald Trump broke history.” This assertion is not just a nod to his 2024 achievements but also a reflection of the broader implications of his campaign. By rewriting the electoral playbook, Trump has set a new standard for future Republican candidates, forcing both parties to rethink their strategies in an increasingly polarized political landscape.
As the dust settles from the 2024 election, both parties will need to grapple with the lessons learned from Trump’s historic performance. For Republicans, the challenge will be maintaining and building on the momentum generated by Trump’s campaign. For Democrats, it’s a moment of reckoning—a time to reassess their strategies and reconnect with disillusioned voters.
One thing is certain: the political landscape has shifted, and there’s no turning back. Whether you view Trump’s success as a triumph or a challenge, his impact on American politics is undeniable. As Enten’s analysis shows, the 2024 election was a historic turning point, one that will shape the nation’s political trajectory for years to come.
