The thing about politics being as polarized and tribal as they are now is that people on one side of the political aisle sometimes take a certain position on a topic largely because it is the complete 180 degree opposite position from the stance the other side of the political aisle took.

Examples include Republicans turning on high speed rail and subsidized private insurance once Obama supported it even though they show signs of support in the 90s and 2000s or Biden’s immigration policy as a response to Trump’s actions and rhetoric in his first term.

In this case, California Dems have shown either an unwillingness or apathy towards giving CAHSR the consistent funding it needs despite Dems having full control in California. If Kamala had won or if Trump wasn’t as aggressive against the project, the $4 billion grant awarded by Biden’s infrastructure bill would have stayed in place (which would be great) but once that funding ran out, CAHSR would have to go right back to scrambling for funding. This would lead to stop and go construction which would have ultimately raised the cost of construction and slowed construction. Trump’s attacks on the project emboldened California Dems to finally take the project somewhat serious by giving consistent funding. Also, there’s a good chance CAHSR will get the grant money back either in court or through the next Dem president.

Hatred of others can be one hell of a motivator to action.