In a year marked by global shifts against incumbent governments, it’s tempting to frame Kamala Harris’s U.S. election defeat as part of a broader pattern. Across the world, parties in power have struggled as citizens contend with the lingering effects of COVID-19, inflation, and political upheaval. In the United Kingdom, France, and even Japan, ruling parties are losing ground as they grapple with voter dissatisfaction. Yet, while this global trend might seem unavoidable, Harris’s loss could have been prevented—and there are lessons here not only for the United States but also for Canada, where similar missteps could lead to the same outcome.

Canada, though distinct in its policies, faces similar challenges. A housing crisis, concerns over inflation, and perceptions of a government increasingly out of touch with everyday Canadians have created a fertile ground for discontent. The U.S. election serves as a stark reminder that, especially in North America, policy disconnects can quickly turn into political risks.

The Harris campaign’s failure to address the border crisis provides a cautionary tale for Canada’s approach to immigration. Just as Americans have shifted their views on immigration, Canadians are increasingly concerned about a system that they perceive as poorly managed. The rising public frustration in Canada around immigration, housing, and economic insecurity reflects a need for policies that prioritize both empathy and pragmatism. Canadian leaders may see themselves as welcoming and inclusive, but, as in the U.S., failing to address growing frustrations on these fronts’ risks alienating voters across the political spectrum.

Similarly, the Democrats’ overzealous legal actions against Trump highlight a lesson for Canadian policymakers who use “progressive” approaches to push their agendas. Americans have seen through the optics of using the legal system to “get” political opponents, and it’s left a sour taste among many voters. For Canadians, the lesson is clear: policies and laws perceived as politically motivated, no matter how well-intentioned, can foster resentment and even galvanize opposition.

Lastly, Harris’s loss underscores the danger of identity politics as it alienates key groups of voters—a misstep Canadian leaders should heed. In Canada, the push for inclusive terminology and policies, while well-intended, can feel imposed and out of touch. Many Canadians, especially within ethnic and working-class communities, want to be seen not only through the lens of identity labels but as individuals with broader values and concerns. Excessive emphasis on such policies risks turning off voters who feel these discussions ignore the pressing issues that matter most to them. For both Canadian and American progressives, the lesson from Kamala Harris’s defeat is clear: voters are looking for solutions grounded in shared values, not divisive rhetoric. Liberals cannot afford to alienate the middle ground by ignoring everyday concerns. As both countries head into critical elections in the coming years, candidates would be wise to balance progressive ideals with the bread-and-butter issues—housing, immigration, and economic security—that define most people’s lives. Only by building broad-based, inclusive coalitions can they avoid the mistakes of 2024 and retain the confidence of a diverse electorate.

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