2024 ELECTION EXPERT Reveals Surprising KEY ISSUES You Need to Know | 2024 U.S. Presidential Election Candidates and Key Issues

The 2024 U.S. Presidential Election is set to be one of the most consequential in modern history, with high stakes for both domestic and international policy. As the election draws near, the race is taking shape with both familiar and new faces emerging as potential leaders of the country. Let’s take a closer look at the key candidates and the pivotal issues that are likely to define the election.

Key Candidates

1. Joe Biden (Democratic Party)
   President Joe Biden, the incumbent, is expected to seek a second term despite concerns about his age and health. At 82 by the time of the election, Biden would be the oldest president in U.S. history. His administration has focused on handling the COVID-19 pandemic, economic recovery, infrastructure development, and expanding healthcare. Biden will likely highlight his achievements, such as the passing of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the Inflation Reduction Act, and measures that have led to significant job creation. However, challenges like inflation, rising energy costs, and immigration crises have created vulnerabilities in his campaign, which Republicans are likely to exploit.

If Biden runs again, he will likely focus on promoting stability, economic growth, and defending key Democratic policies like the Affordable Care Act, climate change initiatives, and abortion rights. However, Biden’s age and perceived lack of vigor may become a central issue in both his primary and general election campaigns.

2. Donald Trump (Republican Party)
   Former President Donald Trump remains a central figure in American politics. Despite facing multiple legal challenges and controversies, Trump announced his candidacy for the 2024 election, aiming for a rematch against Biden. Trump will continue to push his “America First” agenda, advocating for policies like reducing immigration, withdrawing from international agreements like the Paris Climate Accord, and taking a hardline stance on China and other foreign competitors. He will likely criticize Biden’s handling of inflation, the southern border, and the Afghanistan withdrawal, while also attacking what he sees as overreach in the government’s COVID-19 response.

Trump’s campaign is expected to resonate with his loyal base, but the general election could be more challenging. The former president will face scrutiny for his role in the January 6th Capitol riot, ongoing legal battles, and his controversial rhetoric. However, Trump remains a dominant force in the GOP, and his candidacy ensures a contentious and polarized election cycle.

3. Ron DeSantis (Republican Party)
   Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has emerged as a leading figure within the Republican Party and is widely seen as Trump’s most formidable challenger for the GOP nomination. DeSantis has built his national profile by taking strong stances on issues like pandemic management, where he opposed lockdowns and mask mandates, and education reform, particularly his policies against the teaching of Critical Race Theory and gender identity issues in public schools.

DeSantis has garnered support for his conservative governance, emphasizing state-level authority and reducing the role of federal oversight in areas like healthcare and education. However, his critics argue that his policies have fueled division, especially in marginalized communities. If DeSantis runs, he will likely promote himself as a younger, less controversial alternative to Trump, while embracing similar policies, particularly on immigration and economic nationalism.

4. Kamala Harris (Democratic Party)
   Vice President Kamala Harris is often mentioned as a potential presidential candidate should Biden decide not to run. Harris, the first female, first Black, and first South Asian vice president, has struggled with public approval during her time in office, but she remains a prominent figure in the Democratic Party. Her policy focus has included voting rights, immigration reform, and women’s rights, particularly in light of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. If Biden steps aside, Harris is expected to emphasize her leadership experience and focus on progressive causes like criminal justice reform, climate change, and social equity.
5. Other Potential Candidates
   Several other prominent political figures may enter the race, particularly if Biden decides not to run. California Governor Gavin Newsom has gained national attention for his progressive policies on healthcare, climate change, and homelessness. He is seen as a strong contender for the Democratic nomination. Additionally, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who gained national prominence during the 2020 election cycle, could be another potential candidate. On the Republican side, former Vice President Mike Pence, South Carolina Senator Tim Scott, and former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley may challenge Trump and DeSantis for the GOP nomination.

Key Issues

1. The Economy and Inflation
   The economy is always a central issue in presidential elections, and 2024 will be no exception. Rising inflation, increased gas prices, and concerns about a potential recession are likely to dominate the discourse. While Biden will point to job growth, infrastructure investments, and economic recovery efforts from the pandemic, his critics will focus on the high cost of living and stagnating wages. Republicans will argue that Biden’s spending policies contributed to inflation and propose tax cuts, deregulation, and pro-business policies to stimulate growth. Both parties will need to address concerns from working-class Americans about stagnant wages, job security, and the growing wealth gap.
2. Healthcare
   Healthcare remains a pressing issue for many Americans. Democrats, led by Biden, will likely focus on expanding the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and lowering prescription drug costs, as outlined in the Inflation Reduction Act. Republicans, on the other hand, may push for reforms that reduce government involvement in healthcare and emphasize free-market solutions, arguing that the ACA increases costs and limits choice. Voters will likely demand solutions that address rising healthcare premiums, access to care, and affordability.
3. Immigration
   Immigration will continue to be a hot-button issue in the 2024 election. Republicans are expected to emphasize border security, stricter immigration policies, and curbing illegal immigration, framing the issue as critical to national security. Trump, DeSantis, and other GOP candidates will likely advocate for stronger border enforcement, including the completion of Trump’s border wall. Democrats, in contrast, may focus on comprehensive immigration reform, providing a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, and addressing the root causes of migration from Central and South America. The Biden administration has been criticized for failing to manage the border effectively, making this a contentious issue for both parties.
4. Climate Change and Energy Policy
   Climate change will be a significant point of debate in the 2024 election, with Democrats pushing for further investments in renewable energy and policies to reduce carbon emissions. Biden has made climate action a cornerstone of his presidency, and he is likely to build on the accomplishments of the Inflation Reduction Act, which includes investments in clean energy and electric vehicles. Republicans, on the other hand, may prioritize energy independence and deregulation, emphasizing the importance of domestic fossil fuel production and the economic costs of transitioning to green energy. Climate change policy will likely divide the candidates along partisan lines, with younger voters and progressives demanding stronger action.
5. Abortion Rights and Social Issues
   Following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in 2022, abortion rights have become a defining issue in American politics. Democrats are expected to campaign on protecting access to abortion and safeguarding reproductive rights, while Republicans, especially those influenced by the religious right, may push for stricter regulations or a national abortion ban. Social issues like LGBTQ+ rights, racial equity, and gun control will also play a significant role in the election, with candidates from both parties positioning themselves on these divisive topics. The culture wars surrounding gender identity in schools, the role of religion in public life, and the rights of marginalized communities are likely to fuel heated debates.
6. Foreign Policy and National Security
   The 2024 election will also feature significant debate over U.S. foreign policy and national security. Biden will likely defend his administration’s handling of global issues like the Russia-Ukraine war, NATO relations, and the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. Republicans are expected to criticize Biden’s perceived weakness on the global stage, advocating for a more assertive stance toward China, Russia, and Iran. Trump and DeSantis, in particular, may promote a foreign policy of “America First,” focusing on reducing U.S. involvement in international conflicts and reasserting American economic dominance. National security, including cybersecurity and the growing influence of China in global politics, will be key issues for voters concerned about the future of U.S. global leadership.

Conclusion

The 2024 U.S. Presidential Election will present a stark contrast between the major candidates on issues that affect every aspect of American life—from the economy and healthcare to immigration, climate change, and foreign policy. With the incumbent Joe Biden likely running for re-election and Donald Trump seeking a return to the White House, the race could be a rematch of 2020, but with new dynamics and issues at play. As the election season heats up, voters will be asked to decide the direction of the nation, facing critical choices about the future of democracy, governance, and America’s role in the world