Preserving Power: How Whiteness Protects Itself in America’s 2024 Presidential Election

By Rev. Cassius L. Rudolph

As we close the book on the 2024 election cycle, we should look beyond the campaign promises and headlines to understand what truly fueled this election. It was not just about the economy, gas prices, or immigration policies, though these were the talking points. At its core, this election was about preserving power and protecting the status quo of whiteness—a system that is deeply rooted in America’s DNA. For generations, whiteness has been protected by the structures of this country to keep those in power exactly where they are. And as the country faces demographic and cultural changes, this drive to keep whiteness at the center has only grown stronger.

When Vice President Kamala Harris entered the race after President Biden’s unexpected withdrawal, she brought an impressive record of experience in law, governance, and policy. Despite joining late, she quickly stood out as the most qualified candidate on the ballot. But, like many Black leaders before her, Harris’s path was far from smooth. She faced the usual political challenges and significant resistance from within her own party. Her candidacy underscored a hard truth in America: Black men and women often must work twice as hard to gain half the recognition. Despite her qualifications, Harris had to fight uphill, proving herself at every step in ways many white candidates do not have to.

For some, though, Harris’s qualifications were beside the point. This election became less about her readiness to lead and more about a deeper fear among many white voters—a fear of a changing power structure. America is at a demographic crossroads, with projections showing that white Americans will soon be a minority. This impending shift has sparked an urgency to keep whiteness in control, even if it means clinging to outdated policies or voting for leaders whose ideas may take us back decades. The message is clear: many are willing to turn back the clock to preserve whiteness and its legacy, even if it stalls progress for everyone else.

When we look at the exit polls, we see a stark divide: Black men and women came out in strong support of Harris, while many white voters either stayed home or supported her opponent. Even within the Latino demographic, there was a significant rise in Republican support. This dynamic reflects a little-discussed but deeply ingrained reality in American society: for many, there is a pressure to “audition” for acceptance into the structures of whiteness. My friend Dr. Jeremy McCool captured it well when he said, “You have to audition to become white.” In other words, aligning oneself with whiteness often means distancing oneself from Blackness and from candidates who represent racial equity. It is as if supporting whiteness is a test some feel they must pass to be accepted.

But this election is not just about Kamala Harris or the next four years. It is about preserving a system that has functioned for centuries to keep power in the hands of those who have always held it. America’s racial history reveals a pattern: whiteness protects itself through policy, social
dynamics, and deliberate exclusion. Whether it is the Jim Crow laws of the past or more subtle forms of exclusion today, whiteness has been safeguarded to maintain control over resources, political power, and social status. This election was yet another reminder that people will often choose to keep this system intact, even if it means sacrificing progress or better policies for everyone.

This drive to protect whiteness is not just about individual identity. It is about preserving the structures and advantages of whiteness and ensuring that these benefits aren’t lost as the country grows more diverse. For many, this election was about keeping power centralized and defending a legacy of white dominance rather than truly considering what is best for the country’s future.

In American history, we see this theme repeatedly: policies and social norms evolve to defend whiteness whenever it is threatened. From restrictive voting laws to biased economic policies, protecting whiteness has often taken precedence over fairness and equality. Today’s attempts to keep whiteness at the center of power may be less obvious, but they are still very real. The policies and platforms of certain candidates reflect an effort to “make America great again” in a way that means “keep whiteness secure.” This legacy of preserving power at all costs keeps the nation from achieving its full potential, especially as we become increasingly diverse.

But while this legacy continues to influence American politics, there is also a growing awareness and resilience among marginalized communities. Many Black and Brown voters have shown up in historic numbers, supporting candidates representing their values and interests. This election highlights that, while whiteness continues to protect itself, communities of color are more determined than ever to claim their rightful place and push for policies that reflect a just and inclusive future.

The truth is that achieving real freedom and equity in this country will require building our power, focusing on our communities, and supporting leaders who reflect our goals. We cannot wait for a system built to protect whiteness to make room for everyone else. If this election tells us anything, we must look out for ourselves, create opportunities, and ensure our voices are heard. The fight for progress and inclusion doesn’t end with one election cycle—it is an ongoing journey to which we must commit.

So yes, the 2024 election was about much more than just policy debates or campaign promises. It was about protecting a legacy of power that whiteness has held onto tightly for generations. However, there is also power in recognizing this reality and understanding that change is necessary and inevitable. As the country continues to diversify, we can build something new that truly represents all of us and that no legacy of whiteness can ultimately hold back. It is up to us to keep showing up, demanding progress, and pushing for a future where everyone has an equal shot at opportunity and leadership.

The Reverend Cassius L. Rudolph is a Chicago native, senior pastor, theologian, and activist leading social justice, voting rights, and Black Liberation Theology.

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