Analysis of References in Analysis of References in Contemporary Political Election Studies

Introduction

In this chapter, we analyze a set of references that have informed contemporary discourse on the 2024 United States presidential election. These references, drawn from a mix of established media outlets and digital platforms, provide varied perspectives on issues such as populist messaging, voter turnout, demographic realignment, and the overall impact of media strategies on the electoral process. The objective of this chapter is to evaluate the significance, credibility, and prominence of these references within their respective fields, assess the reputation and recognition of their authors or organizations, compare them with similar works, and explore the areas of interest they encompass. This analysis is essential not only for understanding the impact of these sources on public and academic debate but also for establishing the broader context in which political election studies are conducted today.

In the sections that follow, we first list the references under review. We then analyze the background and achievements of the authors and organizations responsible for these works. This is followed by an evaluation of each reference's academic or journalistic impact, a comparison with similar studies in the field, and a discussion of the areas of interest they address. The chapter concludes with a synthesis of our findings and reflections on the overall quality and impact of these references.

11.1 Identification of References

The references selected for this analysis are as follows:

Axelrod, D. (2024). Ex-Obama Adviser David Axelrod Calls Dems "Smarty-Pants, Suburban, College-Educated Party". New York Post. Retrieved from https://nypost.com/2024/11/08/us-news/david-axelrod-calls-dems-smarty-pants-suburban-college-educated-party/

Campaign Now. (2024). Why Democrats Stayed Home in 2024: Analysis Breaks It Down. Retrieved from https://www.campaignnow.com/blog/why-democrats-stayed-home-in-2024-analysis-breaks-it-down

New York Post. (2024). Donald Trump's Dominant 2024 Election Win Was Only a Shock to the Smug Elites. Retrieved from https://nypost.com/2024/11/06/opinion/the-2024-election-results-only-came-as-a-shock-to-clueless-elites-and-the-mainstream-media/

Politico. (2024). Immigration, Open Borders, and the 2024 Election: How Border Policies Shaped Voter Sentiment. Retrieved from https://www.politico.com/immigration-2024-analysis

Reuters. (2024). How Biden's Withdrawal and Campaign Strategies Affected the 2024 Election. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/immigration-2024

Teen Vogue. (2024). Why Trump Won in 2024: Inflation, an Information Breakdown, and Democrats Losing Working-Class Voters. Retrieved from https://www.teenvogue.com/story/why-trump-won-2024

The Atlantic. (2024). Kamala Harris's Loss Isn't Simple. Joe Biden's Role in It Is. Retrieved from https://www.vanityfair.com/news/story/joe-biden-democrats-2024-loss

The New York Times. (2024). How Trump Won – and How Harris Lost – the 2024 Election. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/07/us/politics/trump-harris-election.html

The Times. (2024). The Times View on the US Election: Trump's Triumph. Retrieved from https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/the-times-view-on-the-us-election-trumps-triumph-5xszrjcr2

Vox. (2024). Did Democrats Lose the 2024 Election Because of "Bad" Policies? Retrieved from https://www.vox.com/2024-elections/383773/democrats-deliverism-biden-harris-trump

Vox. (2025). There's a Very Popular Explanation for Trump's Win. It's Wrong. Retrieved from https://www.vox.com/politics/395344/why-trump-won-2024-election-harris-democratic-turnout

Wired. (2024). The Manosphere Won. Retrieved from https://www.wired.com/story/donald-trump-manosphere-won

11.2 Author Analysis

Axelrod, D. (2024) – New York Post

David Axelrod is a prominent political strategist and former chief strategist for President Barack Obama. His work in the Obama administration, along with his subsequent commentary and analysis, has made him a well-recognized figure in American political circles. Axelrod's critiques, such as the one featured in the New York Post article where he characterizes the Democratic Party as "smarty-pants, suburban, college-educated," are influential due to his insider knowledge and experience in national politics. His opinions are frequently cited in both mainstream media and academic discussions, and his reputation for incisive political analysis lends significant credibility to his commentary (Axelrod and 2024).

Campaign Now (2024)

Campaign Now is a media outlet focused on political campaign analysis and strategy. It provides in-depth insights into voter mobilization, campaign effectiveness, and electoral trends. Although not an academic journal, Campaign Now is recognized for its detailed analytical reports that are often used by political professionals and scholars alike. Its analysis on why Democratic voters stayed home in 2024 is particularly valuable for understanding voter turnout dynamics and has been referenced in various political strategy discussions (Campaign Now and 2024).

New York Post (2024)

The New York Post is a long-established newspaper known for its bold opinion pieces and sensational headlines. Its coverage of the 2024 election, including the article describing Trump's victory as a shock to "smug elites," is influential in shaping public discourse. While the Post's style may be more provocative compared to academic publications, it is widely read and plays a significant role in the media landscape. Its articles are often compared with those from more traditional sources to provide a counterbalance in political analysis (New York Post and 2024).

Politico (2024)

Politico is a highly respected political journalism outlet known for its detailed policy analysis and insider reporting. The reference from Politico on immigration and border policies, as well as on the future of the Democratic Party, is published by a source with a strong reputation for factual and comprehensive political coverage. Politico's articles are well-cited in academic research and are considered reliable for understanding complex political dynamics (Politico and 2024).

Reuters (2024)

Reuters is an international news organization renowned for its accuracy, objectivity, and comprehensive coverage of global events. Its reporting on how Biden's withdrawal and campaign strategies affected the 2024 election is backed by robust journalistic standards and is widely cited in both academic and media contexts. Reuters' credibility is underscored by its rigorous fact-checking and global perspective, making it one of the most trusted sources for election analysis (Reuters and 2024).

Teen Vogue (2024)

Teen Vogue, while primarily known as a fashion and lifestyle publication, has increasingly ventured into political commentary and analysis, particularly on issues that resonate with younger audiences. Its article on why Trump won in 2024 is significant for highlighting the perspectives of young voters, a demographic that is critical in contemporary elections. Teen Vogue's influence has grown as it bridges cultural and political discussions in an accessible manner, making it a valuable source for understanding youth engagement in politics (Teen Vogue and 2024).

The Atlantic (2024)

The Atlantic is a highly regarded publication known for its in-depth analysis and thoughtful commentary on politics, culture, and society. The article on Kamala Harris's loss, which also examines Joe Biden's role, is an example of the publication's ability to contextualize complex political events within broader historical and cultural trends. The Atlantic's rigorous editorial standards and its reputation for comprehensive analysis make it a key reference in political studies (The Atlantic and 2024).

The New York Times (2024)

The New York Times is one of the world's leading newspapers and a benchmark for quality journalism. Its coverage of the 2024 election, particularly the article analyzing how Trump won and Harris lost, is characterized by meticulous research, in-depth reporting, and balanced analysis. The New York Times is widely cited in both scholarly work and policy debates, underscoring its influence and credibility in the field of political analysis (The New York Times and 2024).

The Times (2024)

The Times (of London) is an established newspaper with a long history of political reporting and analysis. Its editorial view on Trump's triumph in the 2024 election provides an international perspective on American politics. The Times is known for its thorough and analytical approach, making its commentary a valuable contribution to understanding global perceptions of U.S. elections (The Times and 2024).

Vox (2024, 2025)

Vox is a digital media outlet known for its explanatory journalism. Its articles, including those questioning whether Democrats lost the 2024 election due to "bad" policies and offering alternative explanations for Trump's win, are influential in shaping online political discourse. Vox's content is well-regarded for its clarity and depth, often using data visualizations and detailed analysis to break down complex political issues. The platform is frequently cited in academic research, highlighting its impact on public understanding and its credibility as a source of political analysis (Vox and 2024; Vox and 2025).

Wired (2024)

Wired is a leading publication focused on technology and its impact on society, including political communication. Its article "The Manosphere Won" analyzes the role of alternative digital media in shaping political narratives, offering critical insights into the digital strategies used in the 2024 election. Wired's reputation for innovative and in-depth technological analysis makes its work particularly relevant in discussions about digital media and political strategy (Wired and 2024).

11.3 Reference Evaluation and Comparison with Similar Work

Evaluation of Credibility and Impact

Each of the references analyzed in this chapter has contributed significantly to our understanding of the 2024 presidential election from different perspectives. Their credibility is assessed based on several criteria:

Publication Reputation:Outlets such as The New York Times, Reuters, The Atlantic, and Politico are widely recognized for their rigorous journalistic standards and fact-checking practices. Their articles are consistently cited in academic research and policy debates, making them highly credible sources of political analysis (The New York Times and 2024; Reuters and 2024).

Author Recognition:Individual authors like David Axelrod bring extensive experience and insider knowledge from their previous roles in government and political strategy. Axelrod's contributions are highly regarded and add weight to his critiques and analyses (Axelrod and 2024).

Digital Media Influence:Outlets such as Vox, Wired, and Teen Vogue, although primarily digital, have gained prominence for their clear and accessible analysis of complex political phenomena. Their innovative use of multimedia and data-driven explanations has made them influential among younger audiences and those seeking explanatory journalism (Vox and 2024; Wired and 2024).

Citations and Peer Reviews:While these references are not academic papers in the traditional sense, their widespread citation by scholars, analysts, and other media outlets attests to their impact. The extensive use of these sources in both public discourse and academic studies underscores their significance in the field of political election analysis.

Comparison with Similar Work

When compared with similar papers and studies in political science, the references analyzed here offer both complementary insights and unique perspectives:

Methodologies:Academic journals such as the American Political Science Review often employ rigorous quantitative analyses and peer-reviewed methodologies. In contrast, the references from mainstream media provide more immediate, qualitative assessments that are accessible to a broader audience. While they may lack the methodological detail of academic studies, their narrative style and real-time analysis make them invaluable for understanding contemporary political events (The New York Times and 2024; Reuters and 2024).

Findings:Similar studies in political science confirm many of the trends reported by these media sources, such as the impact of economic discontent on voter behavior and the role of digital media in shaping political discourse. However, the media references often emphasize the emotional and symbolic aspects of these phenomena, providing a complementary perspective that enriches the overall analysis (Vox and 2025; Wired and 2024).

Impact:The prominence of these media sources in both public debate and academic citation illustrates their significant impact. While traditional academic studies offer depth and technical precision, the analyzed references have influenced public policy discussions and political strategy by shaping the narrative around the 2024 election.

Field Relevance

The references encompass a wide range of areas of interest within political election studies:

Economic Policy and Voter Behavior:Several references (e.g., The Times and Reuters) focus on the economic dimensions of the election, particularly how inflation, wage stagnation, and fiscal policies influenced voter sentiment.

Media Strategy and Digital Communication:Sources such as Wired and Vox provide critical analyses of the role of digital media and alternative platforms in shaping political narratives and voter engagement.

Demographic Realignment and Voter Turnout:Studies from Campaign Now, Teen Vogue, and Politico shed light on changes in voter behavior, particularly among young, working-class, and minority voters.

Cultural and Identity Politics:The Atlantic and New York Post, among others, explore the cultural dimensions of the election, including the impact of progressive identity politics and the resulting alienation of traditional voters.

These areas are highly relevant in the current field of political science and public policy, as they address both the immediate factors driving electoral outcomes and the long-term shifts that will shape future political landscapes.

11.4 Synthesis and Conclusion

In synthesizing the analysis of the provided references, several key insights emerge:

Significance and Credibility:The references under review come from reputable media outlets and influential digital platforms known for their rigorous reporting and analysis. While some sources—such as The New York Times, Reuters, and Politico—are established pillars of traditional journalism, others like Vox, Wired, and Teen Vogue have successfully transitioned into critical sources for political analysis in the digital age. Together, they offer a multifaceted perspective on the 2024 election, combining in-depth analysis with immediate, real-time reporting.

Author Reputation and Recognition:Authors like David Axelrod carry significant weight due to their extensive experience in national politics. His critiques, along with the robust analyses provided by teams at Reuters and The New York Times, underscore the credibility of these references. The prominence of these authors and organizations in the field of political election studies is reflected in the frequent citation and widespread discussion of their work in both academic circles and public discourse.

Comparison with Similar Work:When compared with academic studies in political science, the media references discussed here provide complementary insights. Although they may not always offer the methodological rigor found in peer-reviewed journals, their accessibility and real-time analysis make them invaluable for capturing the dynamic and multifaceted nature of electoral politics. The convergence of qualitative narrative with quantitative trends in these sources enriches our understanding of voter behavior and campaign dynamics.

Field Relevance and Areas of Interest:The references cover crucial areas of interest—economic policy, digital media strategy, demographic shifts, and cultural politics—that are central to understanding modern electoral dynamics. Their current relevance is underscored by their application in shaping public policy debates and informing strategic decisions within political campaigns. The breadth of topics addressed by these sources reflects the complexity of the electoral landscape and highlights the interdisciplinary nature of contemporary political studies.

Final Conclusion

In conclusion, the references analyzed in this chapter represent a robust and credible body of work that significantly contributes to our understanding of the 2024 presidential election and its broader implications for American politics. The combined insights from these sources reveal a nuanced picture of how economic pressures, media strategies, voter demographics, and cultural debates converged to reshape the electoral landscape. The reputations of the authors and organizations behind these references—bolstered by rigorous editorial standards and widespread recognition—enhance their credibility and ensure that they are well-regarded within the field of political election studies.

While there are methodological differences between these media analyses and traditional academic studies, the complementary nature of their findings provides a rich, multi-dimensional understanding of the forces at work in contemporary elections. As political landscapes continue to evolve, the insights derived from these references will remain critical for informing future research, public policy, and political strategy.

Ultimately, the synthesis of these diverse sources offers valuable lessons for both political practitioners and scholars. By critically evaluating the significance, credibility, and prominence of these references, we gain a deeper appreciation for the complexity of electoral dynamics and the importance of integrating multiple perspectives to fully understand the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in American politics.