election 2024

election 2024

2024 US Presidential Election: What's Happening Now?

As the 2024 US presidential election approaches, the race is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched and fiercely contested in recent memory. With just under a year until Election Day on November 5, 2024, political campaigns, critical issues and public sentiment are rapidly evolving. From questions of leadership and the economy to the impact of social media, this election will have lasting effects both domestically and internationally.

Candidates

Incumbent President Joe Biden, a Democrat, is running for a second term, but his bid for re-election is not without challenges. At 81, Biden's age is a central concern for many voters, with his critics questioning whether he has the ability to stay in office for another four years. However, Biden's supporters point to his administration's achievements, including the post-pandemic economic recovery, the passage of major infrastructure investments and global leadership in dealing with the war in Ukraine. His political stance is also buoyed by the realization that, despite his age, Biden's steady, experience-based leadership is stabilizing the country after the chaos of the Trump years.

On the Republican side, Donald Trump remains the dominant figure. The former president, who has already announced his candidacy, is looking to return to the White House after losing the 2020 election. Despite facing multiple legal challenges—from his role in the Jan. 6 Capitol riots to his mishandling of classified documents—Trump has maintained a firm grip on the Republican base. His speech focused on popular themes such as "America First," combating illegal immigration and limiting government interference in the economy. His supporters see him as a fighter against the political elite, while critics argue that his policies are divisive and his legal complications undermine his credibility.

The 2024 election has sparked interest from other potential candidates, particularly third-party candidates and independents. Some confused voters, frustrated with the binary choice between Biden and Trump, are looking to third-party candidates to provide alternatives. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., son of the late senator and nephew of former President John F. Kennedy, is running as an independent. He has drawn attention for his outspoken stance on vaccines and skepticism from both the Democratic and Republican establishment. However, third-party candidates historically face an uphill battle in the US system, and the extent to which they can influence the race is uncertain.

Key issue in 2024 elections

As the campaign season intensifies, a number of critical issues are expected to dominate the political debate. These issues not only shape voter opinion but also reflect the larger national mood.

1. Economy

The state of the economy will undoubtedly be a central theme in the election. Inflation and high interest rates remain concerns for many American households. While the Biden administration can claim success in restoring jobs lost during the pandemic, rising costs — especially housing, food and health care — are a top concern for many voters. On the campaign trail, Biden will argue that his economic policies, such as the American rescue plan and infrastructure spending, have laid the foundation for sustainable growth. Meanwhile, Republicans led by Trump will continue to criticize Biden's economic record, arguing that high government spending is fueling inflation and stifling economic prospects.

2. Healthcare

Health care remains a perennial issue for American voters, and the 2024 election is no exception. The future of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and broader health care reform is a matter of debate. Biden's administration has tried to expand health care access, but cost issues—particularly prescription drug prices and premiums—remain dominant. Republicans, on the other hand, generally push for less government intervention in the health care sector, seeking to reduce regulations and expand private-market options.

3. Climate change

Climate change is emerging as a defining issue, especially among young voters. Biden's administration has put a lot of emphasis on green energy, electric vehicles and rejoining international climate agreements. However, many Republicans argue that aggressive environmental policies harm American industry and job creation. As extreme weather events become more common, the climate change debate is likely to intensify in 2024, with candidates facing pressure to propose clear solutions.

4. Foreign Policy

Foreign policy will be a significant battleground, particularly the war in Ukraine and Biden's handling of relations with China. Trump's "America First" policy emphasizes withdrawing from international entanglements and focusing on domestic priorities, which resonates with a significant portion of the Republican electorate.ectorate, on the other hand, Biden has taken a more traditional approach, strengthening coalitions and supporting Ukraine's defense against Russia. Voters will be keenly interested in how each candidate plans to navigate these issues in a rapidly changing global order.

Voter turnout and primary voting

The 2024 election is expected to see a record level of voter participation driven by early voting and increased use of mail-in ballots. With changes to voting laws in some states, particularly around voter ID requirements and access to early voting, both major parties are focusing efforts on getting out the vote. Democrats are generally expected to benefit from expanded early voting opportunities, while Republicans, especially in swing states, are looking to strengthen their base by supporting door-to-door campaigns and rallies to vote on Election Day.

In particular, battleground states like Pennsylvania, Georgia, Arizona and Michigan will play a key role in determining the outcome. Those states, which went to Biden in 2020, are expected to see fierce contests as both parties vie for control. Historically, voter turnout has been important in these swing states, and 2024 is no different.

Social media and the influence of misinformation

Social media is going to be a major factor in the 2024 race Both parties are using platforms like Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) to reach out to voters, but the rise of misinformation is a key concern. Deepfakes, misleading campaigns, and misrepresentations have become a regular feature of modern elections, and technology platforms are under increasing pressure to regulate their content.