US Elections 2024
Donald Trump is set to be the 47th US president and the second candidate in history to win non-consecutive White House terms after Grover Cleveland, who was elected in 1884 and 1892. The 78-year-old Republican leader cleared the 312 electoral votes, compared to 226 for his Democratic rival Kamala Harris. Trump's victory is largely being seen as a remarkable comeback after he lost the 2020 presidential election to Joe Biden which appeared to be the end of his political career.
The Candidates: Kamala Harris and Donald Trump
Kamala Harris: The Democratic Candidate
Kamala Harris, Vice President of the United States under President Joe Biden, y announced her candidacy for the 2024 presidential election after Biden opted out. Harris, known for her background in law as a former Attorney General of California and as the first woman of colour to serve as Vice President, built her campaign around progressivism, inclusivity, and strengthening democracy. She aims to build on the Biden administration's policies, particularly focusing on health care, climate change, economic equality, and social justice.
Harris has consistently advocated for expanding voting rights, increasing access to affordable health care, and addressing the systemic inequities in the criminal justice system. Her platform is likely to appeal to a wide range of voters, from those aligned with the progressive wing of the Democratic Party to moderates seeking stable leadership in an era of political division.
Donald Trump: The Republican Candidate
Donald Trump, the 45th President of the United States, returned to the political stage after losing the 2020 election to Joe Biden. Trump’s 2024 campaign reignited his base and continues to emphasise populist themes. His "Make America Great Again" (MAGA) platform focuses on border security, economic nationalism, law and order, and reversing many of the Biden administration’s policies, which he claims have weakened the country. Trump remains a polarising figure in US politics, with staunch supporters and equally fervent critics. His base appreciates his straightforward rhetoric, while others see him as a divisive figure whose previous administration was marked by significant controversies, including impeachment proceedings and accusations of undermining democratic institutions. Despite these challenges, Trump remains a formidable political force, especially among the conservative electorate.
Major Issues in the 2024 Election
Health Care Reform
Health care remains a central issue in US politics, and the 2024 election is no different. Kamala Harris advocated for expanding access to affordable health care, building on the Biden administration’s efforts to strengthen the Affordable Care Act (ACA). She has expressed support for a public option that would provide Americans with the ability to enroll in a government-run insurance program while still preserving private insurance options. On the other hand, Donald Trump has consistently opposed the ACA and has suggested repealing it entirely, though his administration failed to pass a comprehensive replacement. In 2024, Trump is likely to focus on reducing government involvement in health care, promoting private sector solutions, and emphasizing cost reductions through deregulation.
Climate Change and Environmental Policy
Kamala Harris has long been an advocate for aggressive climate action. As Vice President, she supported initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions, promoting clean energy, and addressing environmental justice. Her campaign highlighted the importance of continuing to fight climate change through the Paris Agreement and further regulatory reforms to curb emissions from key industries.
Donald Trump, on the other hand, has taken a more sceptical stance on climate change. During his time as president, he withdrew the US from the Paris Agreement and rolled back numerous environmental regulations. His 2024 platform is expected to emphasise energy independence through increased oil and gas production, along with a push for deregulation of environmental policies.
Economic Policy and Jobs
The economy is a key issue in the 2024 US election. Kamala Harris’s economic platform is expected to focus on increasing wages, reducing income inequality, and investing in infrastructure and green jobs. Her policies are centered on supporting working-class Americans and expanding social safety nets.
Donald Trump, who often touts the pre-pandemic economic growth during his first term, is expected to double down on tax cuts, deregulation, and trade policies aimed at boosting American manufacturing. He emphasised a return to the economic conditions that preceded the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw low unemployment and rising stock markets.
Immigration
Immigration has been one of the most contentious issues in US politics, and both candidates have starkly different approaches. Kamala Harris is expected to pursue comprehensive immigration reform, which would include providing a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, protecting DREAMers, and addressing the root causes of migration from Central America.
In contrast, Donald Trump’s immigration policies focus on stricter border control, including the construction of a border wall, deportations, and limiting legal immigration. His platform is likely to appeal to those who support reducing the number of immigrants entering the United States, both legally and illegally.Voter Base and Electoral Strategies
Kamala Harris’s Voter Base
Kamala Harris is expected to draw support from a diverse coalition of voters, much like President Biden did in 2020. Her campaign appeals to younger voters, women, minorities, and those who support progressive policies on social justice, climate change, and health care. Harris also has the potential to energize African American and female voters, groups that are critical to Democratic electoral success.
Her ability to unify the Democratic Party, particularly bridging the gap between progressives and moderates, will be key to her success in battleground states. She will also need to ensure high voter turnout, particularly among minority communities and young voters.
Donald Trump’s Voter Base
Donald Trump’s base remains highly motivated and loyal. His appeal lies predominantly among conservative voters, particularly white working-class Americans, rural voters, and evangelical Christians. Trump is expected to focus on rallying his supporters in traditionally Republican states while also targeting battleground states that were narrowly lost in 2020, such as Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan.
Trump’s strategy is likely to involve energising his base by focusing on issues such as immigration, law and order, and economic nationalism. His ability to win over suburban voters and independents, groups that played a significant role in his 2020 defeat, will be crucial to his chances in 2024.
The Electoral Map: Key Battleground States
The 2024 election hinges on a handful of key battleground states. While traditionally blue or red states are likely to stay loyal to their respective parties, states such as Florida, Pennsylvania, Arizona, Wisconsin, and Michigan will be crucial in determining the election’s outcome.
Kamala Harris will need to maintain the Democratic Party’s hold on these states, where margins were slim in 2020, by appealing to moderates and energising the progressive base. On the other hand, Donald Trump will focus on flipping these states back to the Republican column, relying on his strong support from rural voters and his populist messaging.
The Role of Debates and Media Coverage
Like in the past elections, the presidential debates play a significant role in the 2024 election, offering each candidate a national platform to articulate their policies and challenge their opponent’s record. Kamala Harris, known for her sharp debating skills, aimed to present herself as a steady and competent leader, capable of continuing the work of the Biden administration.
For Donald Trump, the debates were an opportunity to attack Harris and the Democrats on issues such as inflation, crime, and immigration. Trump’s approach has been combative, using his characteristic style to dominate media coverage and energise his base.
International Relations and Foreign Policy
Foreign policy will also play a role in the 2024 election, particularly in the wake of global events such as the war in Ukraine and rising tensions with China. Kamala Harris has been promoting a multilateral approach to foreign policy, emphasising diplomacy and rebuilding alliances. Her campaign focuses on continuing the Biden administration’s strategy of balancing competition and cooperation with China, as well as supporting NATO and other international institutions.
Donald Trump’s foreign policy, in contrast, focuses on "America First," a slogan that characterised his previous administration. Trump argues for reducing US involvement in global conflicts, cutting back foreign aid, and demanding greater contributions from allies. His approach to China may be more confrontational, focusing on trade and economic competition.
The Path to Victory: Challenges and Opportunities
Both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump face significant challenges and opportunities as they campaign for the presidency in 2024.
For Kamala Harris, the challenge will be to maintain the Democratic Party’s unity, particularly in a political climate that is increasingly polarized. She will need to balance the demands of the progressive wing of her party with the needs of moderates and independents, who are critical for winning battleground states.
Donald Trump, meanwhile, will need to overcome the controversies of his previous presidency, as well as legal challenges and investigations that continue to unfold. His ability to appeal to independents and suburban voters will be key, as he already has a loyal base but needs to expand his support to win the general election.
Conclusion
The 2024 US presidential election promises to be one of the most consequential in recent history. With Kamala Harris representing the Democratic Party and Donald Trump leading the Republican charge, voters are faced with a clear choice between two contrasting visions for the future of America. As the election unfolds, it will be important to watch how each candidate addresses the major issues, appeals to key voter demographics, and navigates the challenges of a highly divided political landscape.
FAQs in US Elections 2024
The 2024 US presidential election is scheduled for Tuesday, November 5, 2024.
The main candidates are Kamala Harris for the Democratic Party and Donald Trump for the Republican Party.
Key issues include health care, climate change, immigration, the economy, and foreign policy.
Yes, Donald Trump is eligible to run for president again in 2024, as he has only served one term.
Key battleground states include Florida, Pennsylvania, Arizona, Wisconsin, and Michigan.