The chronicle from the deep South
I wrote this comment yesterday on my post. I am a man of my word, so it is time to follow up. I will start going back about an year, when I wrote this post about the 2024 election results. I don't really want to re-live the day, but there it is! This is simply because without this background we can't have this conversation.
I didn't include this chart on my Nov 06, 2024 post, but I think this is a good factual starting point. People have seen this chart a number of times by now. Let us keep our facts straight, the citizens of The United States of America overwhelmingly elected Donald Trump as their president. There is no if, but or coconut! I think one of my favorite comedians Desi Lydic summarized it well! (I always like to have fun!)
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/NqkWE2lxndo
So, basically everyone voted for him (LOL!). Sorry @agmoore, such is life! :)
After one year, and in the deep south
The "Communist" Narrative & Exile Voters
For many Cuban, Venezuelan, Nicaraguan, Colombian exiles, the word "socialism" or "communism" isn't a political buzzword—it is a trauma.
The "Juju" Factor: Voters who fled authoritarian regimes often have a visceral reaction to policies they perceive as "government overreach" (like mandates or heavy regulation). They view the modern Democratic Party through the lens of the regimes they escaped.
Harris as the Proxy: During the 2024 campaign and into 2025, many in the exile community viewed Kamala Harris and the "progressive" wing of the party as a "Trojan Horse" for radical leftist ideologies. Even if Harris herself is a centrist, the company she keeps (and the rhetoric of the "Squad") made her a non-starter for voters who value private property and decentralized power. Republicans ran and continue to label almost any democratic leaders as "communist", and it works like a charm all the time, every time!
I have personally asked and discussed this with many of my friends from Miami (my wife went to school there, and we still have a lot of Cuban friends), and they will die before they can vote anyone who is labeled "communist". They are not even hearing your argument after that word...
The "Strongman" Appeal: Ironically, the same "strongman" energy that critics find dangerous is often viewed by exiles as the only effective "antidote" to the left. They see Trump as a fighter who understands the stakes of the global struggle against Marxism.
The Oil and Gas Patch
In regions like West Texas (Permian Basin), North Dakota, and Pennsylvania, the view of Trump is almost entirely pragmatic. He is seen as the "Patron Saint of the Paycheck."
"Drill, Baby, Drill" in Action: Since January 2025, the administration has moved at breakneck speed to reopen federal lands and offshore areas. For a roughneck or a petroleum engineer, this translates directly to job security and high wages. On the contrary, many of the democratic narratives (especially by people like AOC) are seen, and rightly so, is simply ignorant and moronic. I am a scientist here, and I can tell you that we won't be flying a passenger jetliner on solar across Atlantic or Pacific (the one I use frequently) anytime in near future, likely not in my lifetime. I have also discussed the lack of energy security for Europe is a primary cause of the rise of Putin with many of my European friends. Their version of the "Green New Deal" is certainly one of the reason for their political weakness today.
Regulatory Relief: Many in the "patch" felt the previous administration’s focus on the "Green New Deal" or EV mandates was an existential threat to their way of life. Trump’s "Energy Emergency" declarations and the dismantling of the EPA’s greenhouse gas controls are seen as a restoration of common sense.
I can tell you from personal experience, that during Biden administration, almost overnight, numerous companies sprouted in the US doing CCUS (Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage). Mind you, there was no mechanics of monetization of that sub-industry without 'policy'. Today, most of them either went out of business, or doing something else. Even companies like BP and Shell said during 2020 that they won't do any new hydrocarbon exploration (to match the tune), today, they have turned 180 degrees!
The Cost of Living: These voters often point to the "one-two punch" of Trump’s energy policy: it creates high-paying jobs in their backyard while simultaneously lowering gas prices (which have dipped below $2.90/gal in many areas) for their families. Today, I filled my tank with $2.10/gal, the lowest in recent times. Funny, I find this stuff, and high prices should benefit me, but I am the one arguing the opposite (that is a different post).
Border Security and "Negative Net Migration"
In Texas this is a big deal. Many people from the north read what happens at the border in the newspaper. Here in the ranch country, 'a caravan' is a real thing. Crime at the border towns like El Paso and Brownsville, is too close for comfort. Believe it or not, there are no caravan today. Why? Because they know that they will be turned back. By the way, most of these people were NOT from Mexico (which currently enjoy near full employment). They were from lot of other countries, including, dare I say, India! I never thought it was possible, but it was. It was deadly and highly dangerous to cross Darian Gap, but people did on a hope, and that shouldn't exist!
My friends here always point out to me that what did Harris do in 4 years as a "border Tzar"? A big fat nothing!! They can never forgive her for that.
While some tactics have been controversial to outright illegal for the current administration, Trump's base sees the administration's achievements as a restoration of the rule of law, especially at the border in Texas. Lot of them do not agree with what is happening in Minnesota today.
The Numbers: Supporters highlight that the administration achieved negative net migration in 2025 for the first time in 50 years.
Partisan Identity and "The Alternative"
For many "nice" people, the choice isn't just about Trump; it's about their discomfort with the modern Democratic Party.
They may view the opposition as too focused on "identity politics" or "radical" social shifts. Also heaven knows there is a total lack of leadership within the democratic party in the last year! I will be the first to admit that.
I hope this helps.
