As families across the country ring in the new year, our nominated presidential candidates are hard at work on their campaigns for this year’s upcoming election. This year’s presidential election may emulate that of 2020, pitting current President Joe Biden against former President Donald Trump. However, many analysts speculate that there may be a very different outcome.
Against Democratic candidate Joe Biden stands Marianne Williamson and Dean Phillips, who hope to obtain the support of the Democratic party seat in place of President Biden. Williamson attempted a campaign in 2020, calling for a federal Department of Peace and outwardly supporting reparations for slavery. Phillips overall has supported President Biden’s agenda in Congress and left a position in Democratic House leadership against the wishes of most of the elected officials within the party.
President Biden is predicted to center his campaign around his bipartisan accomplishments, along with his support for Democratic priorities like abortion rights. Many Democrats worry that his age will deter voters and potentially harm future citizens in terms of how he will maintain office. Nevertheless, the party has publicly rallied in support of his candidacy.
There are several Republican candidates who have made their place in the running clear, including former President Donald Trump, Nikki Haley, Vivek Ramaswamy, Asa Hutchinson, Ryan Binkley, Ron DeSantis, and Chris Christie. Mr. Trump stands far ahead of his opponents in recent polls, which has been attributed to the number of less-known candidates and his firm hold on the base of the Republican Party.
As of now, former President Trump outpolls his opponents from both the Republican and Democratic parties. Though he currently faces legal investigations by state authorities and the Justice Department, he maintains a dedicated voter base.
Former President Trump has made his stance on issues like immigration and climate change abundantly clear. Where President Biden has passed legislation throughout his presidency with aims to create a more humanitarian immigration system, former President Trump aims to detain and deport illegal immigrants residing in the United States. Immigration is one of the major issues that currently splits voters’ support for President Biden and Mr. Trump in their election campaigns.
In addition to the potential candidates for the Democratic and Republican Parties, the 2024 election race has three potential third-party candidates. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Cornel West, and Jill Stein are all seeking party nominations. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is an anti-vaccine activist, while West is known for enacting progressive activism. Jill Stein is a doctor and activist, pushing for an economic bill of rights and supporting efforts to combat climate change.
The 2024 election will test how American values have shifted after the pandemic and in light of recent world and national events. It will undoubtedly be a close race, and its result will significantly affect American citizens’ legislative fate and livelihoods for years to come.