The upcoming elections on November 5 will determine who will be the next President of the United States of America. The two leading candidates are incumbent Joe Biden and his predecessor Donald Trump. The line-up for the 2024 US election will likely be a rematch between the incumbent President and his predecessor. Some third-party candidates are also running.

Reports in American media suggest that many people would rather have a third option than a potential rematch between Joe Biden (81) and Donald Trump (77), as there is nothing to choose between. Americans are even less interested in a rematch between these two candidates than in their first encounter in 2020.

Biden wants to be re-elected as President to finish what he started. He believes winning a second term is essential to keep American democratic traditions strong. However, some people are worried about his age and confusing statements, which Republicans criticize. Studies show that since 1944, no incumbent president has lost an election without a recession during or before the election cycle. Although Joe Biden’s poll numbers are low and his age is a concern, the Democrats do not have a backup plan.

However, being the incumbent President works in Biden’s favour. Two Republican presidential candidates remain: Donald Trump leads and there is former Governor Nikki Haley. She is the only candidate left to challenge Trump. But Trump leads her and also his rival, Joe Biden, in polls. Before being elected, the two presidential candidates must take several steps. From 15 January to 4 June, states will hold caucuses and primary elections to choose their preferred presidential candidates. The two candidates who receive the most support from their party members will officially become the nominees during the conventions. The Republican National Convention is scheduled in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, from July 15 to July 18, while the Democratic National Convention will be held in Chicago, Illinois, from August 19 to August 22. Democrats and independents are focused on preserving democracy for the November election. They also consider inflation and immigration to be significant issues.

The presidential race will cover the economy, climate crisis, abortion, and US support for Ukraine. The campaign will focus on essential topics such as reproductive rights, climate change, US support for Ukraine, and democracy in America. If President Trump wins a second term, he may seek retribution against those he considers his enemies. He plans to reduce the number of federal civil service workers, make immigration rules stricter, and end the Affordable Care Act.

Trump has also promised to make trading with China tougher, and suggested that he may not protect all NATO allies. As for Biden, it is essential to persuade voters that he has the energy and ability to serve another four years as President. This is particularly crucial given his low approval ratings and reported memory-lapse issues. Biden is confident that he is the only Democratic candidate to defeat Trump.

While he has emphasised his role in safeguarding democracy overseas, he increasingly highlights the threat to democracy within the United States. Biden fulfilled vital campaign promises, creating jobs and restoring normalcy after Covid. The November election is expected to be close. Americans vote based on their wallet, supporting the governing party during good times and prefer the opposition in bad times.

In 1992, Bill Clinton’s campaign slogan was “It’s the economy, stupid”, highlighting the importance of the economy in politics. Polls show the November election will be close. Trump is currently facing four criminal trials and a total of 91 charges. Despite these serious allegations, a significant portion of the Republican party supports him. How Trump’s potential convictions will affect his popularity remains to be seen.

The world is watching closely and eagerly waiting to see how well the country will fare in its next major democratic test. The next President will also have to deal with the unexpected and the crises the world faces. Independent voters will decide the closely contested November election, especially in swing states like Michigan, Wisconsin, and Georgia, which were won by narrow margins in the last polls. Independent voters must participate to determine the outcome. Elections are eight months away, and much will happen in the interim.