During an appearance on MSNBC, former senator Claire McCaskill explained how for Republican voters, fear of those who are different was way more powerful than appeals to be kind.
Kamala Harris was clear on the plans she was offering Americans. She had healthcare options and tax credits that would make it easier for people to buy homes. She offered competent leadership and an economic plan that was widely praised by the nation's top economy.
Donald Trump mostly offered fear of transgender people and immigrants. It turns out that was enough to win the election. Appearing on Morning Joe, McCaskill explained that the Republican candidate "figured out that anger and, frankly, fear were way more powerful than appealing to people’s better angels."
McCaskill then noted that while Harris ran her campaign on respect and confidence, the GOP repeatedly fed into the worst instincts of the citizenry:
"That anger and fear were going to work in this election, whether you’re afraid of immigrants or afraid of people who are trans, he figured that out. And I think we all thought everyone’s better angels would prevail. Turns out the better angels went on vacation when Donald Trump came down the escalator and they haven’t returned."
The former Missouri senator continued, "The majority of America believes he was persecuted, not prosecuted."