The US is set for a historic showdown in the upcoming November 5, 2024, presidential election, where former Republican President Donald Trump will go head-to-head with Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris. The election comes after President Joe Biden, opting out of a reelection bid, passed the Democratic mantle to Harris, creating a race that promises to shape the future of the nation.
Kamala Harris: Democrats’ Historic Nominee
Kamala Harris, 60, secured the Democratic Party’s nomination following Biden’s decision not to run. Harris, who made history in 2020 as the first woman and person of color to serve as vice president, aims to become the nation’s first female president. Her platform focuses on a range of issues, including reproductive rights, economic reforms, and border security.
Harris has pledged to codify access to safe abortions into national law and has championed tax cuts for middle-income families, affordable housing initiatives, and a new child tax credit. Additionally, she has taken a firm stance on climate change, continuing Biden’s policies, while proposing stricter measures to boost domestic manufacturing.
On the international stage, Harris supports the Biden administration’s positions on Ukraine, China, and Israel but has called for a Gaza ceasefire while condemning Hamas. Her campaign has garnered support from major labor unions and prominent figures in business and politics, including former Republican officials.
Harris leads the former president 45% to 42% in national polls but faces a tight battle in key swing states.
Donald Trump: A Return to the Fray
Donald Trump, 78, won the Republican nomination in July 2024, making his third bid for the White House. Despite ongoing legal challenges, including several criminal indictments, Trump continues to promote his narrative that the 2020 election was stolen. His rhetoric on “retribution” and “the enemy within” has stirred controversy, but it resonates with his core supporters.
Trump’s platform includes mass deportations, eliminating birthright citizenship, and undoing Biden’s climate policies. He is also focusing on economic changes, proposing sweeping tariffs and tax cuts while pledging to reverse much of the Biden administration’s regulatory framework. On foreign policy, Trump has vowed to re-evaluate NATO and seeks peace talks to end the Ukraine war, potentially involving territorial concessions.
Trump’s running mate, Senator JD Vance of Ohio, reinforces his stance on issues like immigration and domestic military deployment. Trump has also hinted at appointing notable figures, including Elon Musk, to lead government efficiency efforts.
Despite being the oldest presidential nominee in US history, Trump has shown no signs of backing down and has garnered endorsements from police organizations and key political groups.
Third-Party and Independent Candidates
Several third-party candidates have also entered the race, seeking to disrupt the traditional two-party system.
– Libertarian Party: Chase Oliver, 39, who previously ran for the Georgia Senate, is the Libertarian nominee.
– Green Party: Jill Stein, 74, is running again after her 2016 campaign, criticizing both major parties for neglecting climate change and working-class issues.
– Independent: Cornel West, 71, philosopher and political activist, switched from the Green Party to an independent candidacy. His platform centers on ending poverty and guaranteeing housing for all Americans.
With this diverse field of candidates, the 2024 election is poised to be one of the most contentious in US history, with the outcome shaping the political and social landscape for years to come.
