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BY DR. GLENN MOLLETTE

The majority of American voters have made it clear: they want stronger border security. Many are frustrated by the influx of millions of undocumented people entering the country illegally. While Americans welcome immigrants, they want the process to be legal. Reports of growing gang activity, neighborhoods being overtaken, and rising violence have created an emotional burden that many hope will be addressed.

Economic Strain on Families and Businesses

Americans are also feeling the pressure of rising costs at the grocery store. Week after week, prices increase, while paychecks fail to keep up. Small businesses are struggling to cope with rising labor costs as workers demand higher wages to cover basic expenses. What used to be acceptable – $10 or $12 an hour – is no longer enough. Many employers now pay $15 to $20 an hour just to retain good workers, putting immense strain on small businesses trying to stay afloat.

The cost of goods must come down, and wages need to stabilize to provide relief for both families and businesses.

The High Cost of Living

High-interest rates on loans have made it difficult for many Americans to afford necessities like housing and cars. For example, a 30-year mortgage on a $450,000 house with a six-percent interest rate comes to over $2,100 per month, even with a $90,000 down payment. A six-year car loan on a $45,000 vehicle requires nearly $600 monthly payments. Add to this a $1,200 monthly grocery bill for a family of four, and it’s no wonder people are desperate to earn more.

Social Concerns and Cultural Shifts

Many Americans are growing weary of contentious cultural debates, such as male athletes competing in women’s sports and the use of women’s restrooms by men. These issues have sparked widespread concern about fairness and safety.

Disillusionment with Legacy Media

The election also highlighted widespread dissatisfaction with traditional media outlets. Many believed it would be impossible for Donald Trump to overcome the dominance of networks like NBC, ABC, CBS, CNN, MSNBC, The New York Times, and The Washington Post. Yet he managed to do so, bolstered in part by support from Fox News, which achieved record ratings on election night.

The rise of podcasts, like Joe Rogan’s, which reached millions during a three-hour conversation with Trump, reflects a shift in how Americans consume information. By contrast, Kamala Harris did not engage with such platforms, missing an opportunity to connect with voters in new ways.

Trump’s Appeal to Women Voters

Despite predictions, many women turned out to vote, and a significant portion supported Trump.

Kamala Harris’s Campaign Struggles

Kamala Harris’s campaign spent over a billion dollars on the election, flooding networks with political ads. However, the effort wasn’t enough, leaving her campaign $20 million in debt. Extravagant spending on celebrity gatherings and lavish events demonstrated a lack of financial restraint, raising concerns about how she might have handled the nation’s finances.

Celebrities Fail to Sway Voters

The support of national celebrities like Taylor Swift, Oprah Winfrey, Beyonce, and George Clooney didn’t seem to sway voters significantly. While people may pay to see their performances, their political endorsements failed to resonate with the average American.

Hope for the Future

Now that the election is over, Americans hope Congress will work together to address key issues: ending wars, lowering inflation, improving access to medical care, and ensuring safe and legal immigration. Let’s pray for a peaceful and prosperous America over the next four years.

(Dr. Glenn Mollette is a graduate of numerous schools including Georgetown College, Southern and Lexington Seminaries in Kentucky. His column is published weekly in over 600 publications in all 50 states.)