The 2024 U.S. presidential election may be one of the most rancorous—and scrutinized—races in modern American history. Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump have emerged as early front-runners for their party’s nomination script type. The two candidates present opposing visions for the future of America. As the race grows more heated, political bettors may be able to gain a more precise look ahead with early predictions and odds.
Today’s Political Climate
American society has been increasingly divided over the last few years, and this upcoming election is set to be a vital indicator of these fault lines. Kamala Harris offers a strong argument that she is someone who can pick up the torch and carry on both Barack Obama’s legacy and Mr. Biden’s in all of these areas, from health care to climate change to social justice. She is one more extension of the Biden presidency, but a different kind (for better and for worse), as so many extensions are.
Donald Trump is back at the head of the Republican ticket, running for president again to try to win back his old job after losing the election in 2020. Trump lost his bid for re-election, of course, and left office after one term under clouds, including the January 6 insurrection as well as legal challenges that rumble on. He is running on familiar themes of “America First,” economic nationalism, and immigration restrictions to fire up a vital part of the voter base that Trump thinks was alienated by Biden.
The Harris Campaign: Running on the Biden Beat
Kamala Harris (Current Vice President): Kamala has the distinct advantage of being well-positioned in her reelection year; she’s a sitting vice president. She has focused her campaign on building upon the successes of the Biden administration, particularly in infrastructure investment and addressing issues such as healthcare and climate change. Harris has worked hard to win over younger voters and communities of color with a social justice crusade that highlights the need for equality.
It has had its bumps for sure, but Harris is Vice President. She has been on the receiving end of criticism from both wings of American politics: goddamn, these progressives say; she does not radicalize enough, whereas since calling her a Liberal is apparently meant as an insult over there where they are God-fearing Constitution-loving individuals at long last. Still, Christ onto us only out west would qualify with that too far left in America thing, so, LIKE, FOR REAL.
Kamala Harris’s Price Control Plan: An Attempt to Rewrite History
Trump: Make America Great Again. The Campaign for Americans to Go Back Home
Isabel Wetzel | When he started to dip his toes back into the political water last fall, he inspired both enthusiasm and wariness. In 2016, his victory against the political establishment was considered unlikely, and in four years as president, he oversaw vital policy changes – in trade, immigration, and foreign affairs. So when Trump rolls around in 2024, supposedly, he is looking to re-ignite the magic that got him victory way back in 2016 by championing economic recovery and again appealing to national security.
Trump, for all his hucksterism and bullshit, is not selling a new product this time around. He has pledged to cut taxes, cut regulations, and tighten immigration. Trump frequently talks about the 2024 contest as an existential fight for the future of America, with him and his policies recast against Harris on one side. Trump, meanwhile, has legal exposure that could be problematic for him on the campaign trail despite his strong appeal to a central core of conservative voters… — from probes into Trump’s business and role in the Capitol riot.
The Odds and Predictions
Political analysts and bookies will track the US election season as it progresses back home. Polling data indicates a narrow race, with Harris and Trump in small leads across Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan—battleground states that are critical for either to win.
The betting markets have started coming online as well, with odds changing based on events of the campaign trail, public statements, and big-name endorsements. Harris can point to a built-in advantage as an incumbent and trailblazing figure, even though Trump still commands the loyalty of his down-to-the-last man/woman MAGA base and remains unmatched in media darling power. But with just over three months to go before the election, most political prognosticators are forecasting a narrow contest that few expect will be decided in anything other than a handful of swing states.
Major Themes Defining the Election
The 2024 presidential race is shaping up, and several key issues are expected to be front and center. The biggest problem, of course, is economic: Is the U.S. sufficiently opulabundantht now that voters are inclined to take their foot off the accelerator and bet on a candidate who promises growth will slow? Harris has spent more time discussing how the government can create programs to help workers and their families; Trump, on the other hand, cherishes a hands-off approach—allowing businesses greater autonomy so that they can drive economic growth.
Other vital issues are the post-COVID era and health care. Harris focused on increasing access to “quality, affordable healthcare” and continuing the success of Obamacare. Trump has pledged to cut back federal insurance regulations in favor of state-driven initiatives that could remove restrictions preventing a broad expansion under the ACA from ever taking hold.
The health of the planet will also be a massive issue in this year’s election. Harris has presented herself as a leading advocate of swift climate action, also stressing renewable energy spending and cooperation with other countries. Trump, on the other hand, has brushed aside concern about climate change and emphasized energy independence by boosting fossil fuel drilling.
Social media AND misinformation
Meme-sharing continues to drive American politics, and both Harris (below) and Trump have turned various platforms—including Twitter, Facebook, and TikTok—into powerful tools for engaging voters. A major concern, however, has also been the proliferation of misinformation and disinformation on these platforms. The 2024 cycle will bring much more fact-checking and capturing of bad behavior on social networks to influence the public.
Looking Ahead
With the 2024 election season ratcheting up, both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump will have their eyes on American voters. More than ever in this era of hyperpartisanship, the result is anything but preordained. Each candidate enjoys many strengths and suffers from several weaknesses. Still, the way they light up some wires in voters when it comes to critical positions will determine who becomes the next leader of the United States.
