Niveditaa Chakrapani, Jadetimes Staff
N. Chakrapani is a Jadetimes news reporter covering science and geopolitics.
As the 2024 United States Presidential Election campaign approaches, the country is at a crucial juncture, and key issues that have commanded the interest and-political polarization of voters into unprecedented proportions. This election will not only decide America's direction on its economic policy, international relations, healthcare, and social justice but has already grabbed much attention that both the major political parties are sharpening their messages and strategies to garner the nation's support for them.
The Candidates
Generally speaking, it's starting to look like Joe Biden versus an increasingly diverse field of Republicans to run in the 2024 presidential election. Of course, this election would mark the extension of his policies in the executive administration that focused on stabilizing the economy after the pandemic; work on climate change, healthcare expansion; and those issues that defined his presidency-inflation, challenges on immigration at the southern border, and a divided Congress.
On the Republican side, there are other high-profile candidates competing for the right to run against Biden. Donald Trump-the 45th president of the United States-continues to be the hegemonic force in his party despite the bevy of lawsuits and controversy surrounding the outcome of the 2020 election. His populist, America-first message continues to resonate with an important part of the electorate. Other notable candidates include the Governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis, who has become popular at the national level due to his populist conservative governance style, which he has exemplified concerning education and COVID-19 mandates and immigration, among others. Other prominent contenders are former Vice President Mike Pence and other more traditional Republicans like South Carolina Senator Tim Scott and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley.
Key Issues Forging the Race
The Economy and Inflation: Economic concerns are a major concern for many voters. Inflation, increasing interest rates, and housing affordability are concerns both parties answer in their own way. Biden's economic message has been building off the recovery of the post-pandemic term based on infrastructure spending and job creation. Republicans have framed the conversation in terms of cuts in government spending, reducing taxes, and lessened selectivity in regard to regulations to stimulate new economic growth.
Healthcare and Social Programs: Even as healthcare issues continue to make a difference, because of the COVID-19 pandemic more than ever before, for most Americans, it remains very important. Lining up healthcare with Republican views on health industry market-driven reforms and getting government out of health care is directly at odds by working to bring down prescription drug prices and increasing enrollment in Affordable Care Act. Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security should again be in focus during the election.
Immigration and Border Security: Again, immigration is a hot-button issue, with immigrants entering the U.S. on the southern border. The breach has become a talking point by Republicans about how badly Biden's administration has handled the process, with record numbers looking to cross into the U.S. President Biden must develop strong border security initiatives, such as completing the border wall and reforming immigration law enforcement. Democrats must address comprehensive immigration reform and pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants.
Climate Change and Energy Policy: Climate policy will be a huge deal in this election. The administration of Biden said it was keen on reaching net-zero emissions by 2050, focusing on renewable energy and ensuring the production of electric vehicles within the context of the fight against climate change. On the other hand, Republicans are expected to revolve their campaign around energy independence and the economy as affected by Biden's Climate policies, urging more oil and gas production.
Social Justice and Civil Rights: Race, policing, and LGBTQ+ remain continued focus points in American politics. Democrats seek greater police reform, voting rights protections, and a defense of marginalized communities, compared to Republicans' focus on law and order, with some candidates critical of progressive policies toward social justice, including critical race theory and transgenderism.
Foreign Policy and Global Standing: It would come as no surprise if the foreign policy of the country comes under scanner, especially when the new government takes charge regarding its relations with China, Russia, and the Middle East. Biden's handling of the war in Ukraine and withdrawal from Afghanistan has witnessed mixed reviews. So, the Republican candidates are likely to emphasize and push for a bolder foreign policy, particularly on the issues of Chinese rise and issues related to global security threats.
Political Climate: Polarization and Voter Turnout
One of the most defining features of the 2024 election is deep political polarization—a defining characteristic of the American electorate and continuing to shape it. Both parties are banking on mobilizing the bases but, at the same time, trying to attract independent and undecided voters. Likely, turnout will be high because, by necessity, everyone is taking this election seriously. In 2020, early and mail-in votes surged because of the pandemic and concerns over election integrity. Such trends could continue in 2024.
Beyond that, issues regarding election security and voting rights are likely to once again be at the top of the list. Republicans have enacted new voting laws in a number of states, which they say are needed due to voter fraud, but Democrats say these steps depress turnout, unevenly weighing down minority and poorer populations. These contests will propel not only the presidential election but also races up and down the ballot across the rest of the country.
The Road Ahead
As the primaries loom on the horizon, candidates will fine-tune their messages and strategy. Democrats are relying on steady recovery from the economic and social disruptions caused by the pandemic, while Republicans are betting on wide-scale voter dissatisfaction with inflation, immigration, and crime.
During the 2024 election, so much will be at stake: it will assuredly set the future course of the nation for decades to come. The platform and vote could either be a veiled stamp of approval from the administration's plan for a more progressive America or part of the Republican push for deeper reforms that move America much further to the right.
For now, focus will remain on the candidates themselves and the debates, rallies, and primary elections that set the springboard for November 2024. Win or lose, one thing is sure: the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election will be embedded in history forever as one of America's defining moments.
