Four years after Democratic candidate Joe Biden defeated then-US President Donald Trump, the two political heavyweights are likely to clash again in November. Neither party has officially announced a candidate, but Trump will likely be the Republican nominee, as he has not faced any major challenges in the primaries. Biden similarly emerged as the clear front-runner among Democrats in the state's primaries. The election is scheduled for November 5, with results expected shortly thereafter.
2024 US Election: Key Issues
foreign policy
presidential candidate
Kennedy Jr. called the Russia-Ukraine war a “proxy war” and argued that the U.S. approach was “terrible for the Ukrainian people.”
A $95 billion national security package, including $60 billion for Ukraine, is also facing delays in the Republican-led House, with Republican lawmakers demanding changes.
Israel's Gaza War
Both candidates support Israel, despite more than six months of continuous shelling in Gaza that has killed more than 35,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children. Recent tensions between America's archenemies, Iran and Israel, have also put President Biden in a tight spot. However, he assured Israel that the United States would not participate in retaliation against the Islamic Republic.
Mr. Trump's approach, on the other hand, prioritizes quick solutions, shows less consideration for Palestine, and continues his previous pro-Israel stance. He also accused Biden of “weakness” in dealing with Iran, especially after Iran's drone attack on Israel.
economy
President Biden says the U.S. economy has rebounded strongly after the pandemic. He sees this as a major success, citing steady growth with low unemployment and more than 14 million new jobs. But former President Trump disagreed, pointing out that rising debt and inflation were contributing to a cost-of-living crisis and voter dissatisfaction.
Tax and business concerns are also part of the bigger picture. Mr. Trump's 2017 tax plan lowered tax rates for individuals and corporations, but Mr. Biden plans to raise corporate taxes and the top income tax rate.
health care
Health care remains a pressing issue for Americans, as the United States has the most expensive health care system in the world. According to recent polls, health care costs are the top concern among Americans among basic expenses. Democrats, including President Biden, have pledged to support and improve Obamacare, the insurance policy introduced by former President Barack Obama to provide coverage to Americans.
By contrast, former President Trump views Obamacare as a failed effort and advocates for an overhaul of the system to ensure affordable health care for Americans.
immigration
Illegal immigration is a major concern for the United States, and Trump accused Democrats and Biden of encouraging illegal immigration for political gain. Biden had begun construction on a border wall with Mexico during his term, but after his election he cut off funding for the project, leaving it unfinished.
According to a recent report from the Pew Research Center, the illegal immigrant population in the United States in 2021 was approximately 10.5 million. Indians make up the third largest group, with about 725,000 people currently living in the country illegally.
cultural issues
Cultural issues such as race, gender, and abortion continue to divide the U.S. population. President Biden supports reproductive freedom and opposes overturning Roe v. Wade, the landmark decision that established the right to abortion. This stance is in contrast to former President Trump, who supported abortion restrictions except in certain circumstances.
Gender issues are also an issue, with about 7% of Americans identifying as part of the LGBTQ community. While Democrats advocate freedom of choice and gender-neutral language, Trump and other Republicans, like Vivek Ramasamy, have argued that this is an argument for traditional values in American society and Judeo-Christianism. considers it a threat to their way of life.