Voters in the United States head to the polls on November 5th, 2024, for a landmark presidential election. What was initially set to be a rematch of the 2020 election between Democratic incumbent Joe Biden and Republican challenger Donald Trump took a surprising turn this July when President Biden ended his re-election campaign.
Citing personal reasons and the importance of party unity, Biden endorsed his Vice President, Kamala Harris, of whom little was heard since 2020, as the Democratic nominee.
Now, the 2024 election has become a momentous decision between two historic possibilities: will the United States see its first female president in Kamala Harris, or will Donald Trump return to the White House for a second term?
At the time of writing, both candidates are polling neck and neck.
Biden’s Decision to Step Down
President Biden’s withdrawal from the race marked a major shift in the political landscape, catching both parties off guard.
At 81, Biden faced mounting questions over his age and health, with polls showing that a significant portion of voters expressed concerns about his ability to serve a second term. By endorsing Kamala Harris, Biden sought to unify the Democratic Party around a fresh, dynamic candidate with experience on the national stage.
Harris, a former California senator and the first Black and South Asian American woman to serve as Vice President, has become a prominent figure within the Democratic Party.
As Biden’s silent partner in governance, she presumably has had a role in key policy decisions, including voting rights, climate action, and health care reform. Her candidacy represents a pivotal moment in American politics, as she could break a major glass ceiling by becoming the first woman—and woman of colour—to occupy the Oval Office.
Kamala Harris’s Platform and Vision
With Biden’s endorsement, Harris has consolidated her position as the leader of the Democratic ticket. Harris’s campaign has promised to continue building on the accomplishments of the Biden administration while also emphasizing her unique vision for America.
She has highlighted issues that particularly resonate with younger, progressive, and minority voters, such as addressing racial and social justice, expanding health care access, and taking bold action on climate change. Her message is one of unity and progress, framing herself as the candidate who can address the nation’s longstanding inequalities and bring Americans together.
On foreign policy, Harris has pledged to maintain alliances, bolster democratic values, and ensure America’s security in an increasingly complex world. Her critics argue that she lacks executive experience, but her supporters counter that her term as Vice President has prepared her to handle the challenges of the presidency.
Trump’s Bid for a Second Term
Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump has been campaigning vigorously to reclaim the presidency. Trump’s platform in 2024 largely echoes his previous campaigns, with a focus on “America First” policies, reducing immigration, and cutting regulations to boost economic growth. His core voter base remains loyal, energized by his populist message, skepticism of Washington insiders, and promises to restore what he describes as American “greatness.”
Trump’s campaign has also been marked by legal battles and controversies, as he faces multiple indictments and ongoing investigations. While these issues are unprecedented in modern presidential campaigns, Trump has used them to rally his base, arguing that he is a victim of a biased system attempting to undermine his movement.
The Stakes and Potential Impact
With Kamala Harris representing a historic breakthrough for gender and racial equality and Donald Trump standing as a figure of conservative populism, the stakes in the 2024 election are immense. Political analysts suggest that the outcome will be heavily influenced by turnout, especially among younger and minority voters, who could swing the election in Harris’s favour.
At the same time, Trump’s supporters remain steadfast, particularly in rural areas and parts of the Midwest, where his message of returning to conservative values and America-first policies resonates deeply.
For Harris, a victory would mean not only breaking historical barriers but also pushing the Democratic agenda forward with a renewed mandate. For Trump, a win would signal a powerful comeback, giving him the opportunity to reshape the federal government with policies aimed at reversing much of what the Biden administration achieved.
The Big Question: A Historic First or a Familiar Face?
This election serves as a litmus test for the nation’s priorities and will likely redefine the future of American politics.
Voter engagement is expected to be high, as Americans grapple with these two compelling choices.
Whether they opt for the historic symbolism and progressive vision of Kamala Harris or the familiar conservative agenda of Donald Trump, the 2024 election is certain to leave a lasting imprint on the nation’s identity and political future.
