Once in every four years, I get a chance to make a political forecast on the outcome of the US Presidential election.
I was right in 2008, 2012 and 2016, but was wrong in 2020. Perhaps I can redeem myself this time.
As the 2024 election approaches, it’s clear that Donald Trump has employed a different tactic and rallied an impressive team of influential surrogates—each bringing unique credentials, expertise, and followings that could play a key role in his administration and help secure his win. The combined influence of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Elon Musk, Tulsi Gabbard and Vivek Ramaswamy reflects a coalition that taps into the deep concerns and aspirations of many Americans across the political spectrum.
Trump’s Surrogates: Building a Unifying Coalition
1. Robert F. Kennedy Jr.(RFK Jr.): Known for his long-standing advocacy on environmental and health issues, RFK Jr. has the ability to appeal to a more traditionally liberal base disenchanted with the Democratic establishment. He has a respected family name and is often seen as an icon of free speech and individual rights. In a Trump administration, Kennedy could bring a strong bipartisan approach to health and environmental policies, building bridges and legitimizing Trump’s platform across party lines. RFK Jr will be given a “carte blanche” on health issues taking big pharma to task and clamping down on corruption in related federal agencies while ensuring healthier ingredients in food in the US. But Trump has made it also clear that he is to lay off the topic of “liquid gold” which Trump will start drilling from the get go after inauguration.
2. Elon Musk: As a technological visionary and one of the most influential figures in business, Musk brings credibility in innovation and economic growth. Musk’s endorsement reflects the strong alignment of Trump’s economic vision with the future of American technology and space exploration. His potential advisory role in energy policy, green tech, and space exploration could solidify Trump’s appeal to young, tech-savvy voters who are concerned about America’s leadership in these areas. Musk also owns the biggest platform in social media eliminating censorship and promoting transparency. He is also an advocate of budget efficiency and has said with conviction that he can reduce the federal budget by at least USD 2 trillion if Trump wins the Presidency. His word carries weight considering the amazing feats that he has achieved in rocket science, electronic vehicles, telecommunication and social media.
3. Tulsi Gabbard: Former Congresswoman Gabbard is widely respected for her anti-war stance and her advocacy for veterans. She has served in the army, was deployed in Iraq and knows first hand what it is to fight, survive and witness the consequences of engaging in an unnecessary war. She is currently a Lieutenant Colonel in the US Army Reserves. Her experience in foreign policy and her staunch opposition to endless wars are highly appealing to independents and anti-establishment voters. In a Trump administration, Gabbard could potentially shape a more isolationist, diplomacy-focused foreign policy—one that resonates with Americans exhausted by international conflicts and keen on refocusing on domestic prosperity.
4. Vivek Ramaswamy: As a rising conservative star and entrepreneur, Ramaswamy appeals to young, entrepreneurial-minded voters. Known for his criticisms of “woke” policies and Big Tech censorship, he brings an intellectual voice to issues of free speech, corporate influence, and individual rights. He could serve as a valuable figure in crafting economic policies that balance growth with American values, energizing a younger demographic increasingly concerned with economic mobility and freedom of expression.
Meanwhile, Kamala Harris' campaign is struggling for authenticity. She leaned on Hollywood endorsements and celebrity appearances to boost her appeal—moves that can appear inauthentic and disconnected from the concerns of everyday Americans.
Her outreach to Hollywood reflects a strategy rooted in surface-level popularity rather than substantive solutions. Many voters see this approach as a sign of desperation rather than confidence, raising questions about her ability to connect with middle America and voters skeptical of elite celebrity culture.
Vice President Harris’ public messaging too often focuses on criticizing former President Trump rather than outlining specific, actionable policies. While Harris frequently highlights the perceived failures of the previous administration, she lacks clear and tangible proposals for immediate improvement in areas such as economic growth, healthcare, and crime reduction.
Voters often seek specifics on how leaders plan to address pressing concerns—like rising inflation, affordable housing, or educational reform—rather than hearing only about past administrations’ shortcomings. They need policies that address everyday challenges quickly and effectively.
In addition, her campaign is viewed as bordering on racism and sexism. Women are campaigned to vote for her just because she is one of them instead of focussing on her policies and qualifications.
The black men of America were shamed and talked down to by Barack Obama for not showing enough support for her just because of her skin colour and sex.
Obama’s wife doubled down and insulted men at large who support Trump at the “expense” of their wives and daughters being “collateral damage”.
One advertisement even encouraged women to “lie” to their husbands pretending to vote for Trump but secretly voting for Harris. It demeans women by implying that they are not strong and independent enough to be honest with their spouses in respect of their choices.
People are tired of hearing Harris’ repeated talking points about Americans having “aspirations, ambition, dreams and good work ethics.” They want to hear how she can make groceries and utilities more affordable, end the flooding of illegal immigrants, comfortably sheltering them in hotels on the taxpayers’ dime while war veterans who risked their lives for the country lies homeless on the streets.
While Kamala Harris attempts to use gender and race and leverage celebrity endorsements, Donald Trump’s campaign is drawing together diverse voices who speak to issues that genuinely impact American lives, from free speech and economic innovation to healthcare freedom and national security.
Trump’s “Dream Team” Has The Potential To Resonate Beyond His Base And Tap Into The Concerns Of Disillusioned Independents, Moderate Democrats, And Young Voters, Setting Him Up For A Victory In 2024.
I’d Venture Further By Predicting He Crosses The 300 Electoral Votes, 30 More Than The Number Needed To Win, ie 270.
Verdict: 6th November (Malaysian).
