The 2024 Elections: A Gauntlet of Ghosts and Grappling with the Future

The 2024 presidential election looms like a thunderhead on the horizon, charged not just with the usual electricity of ambition and policy clashes, but with a disquieting undercurrent of anxiety and dread. This time, the contenders face a gauntlet of lingering issues – growing immigrant policy concerns, healthcare, inflation, as well as more practical and ongoing topics including the specter of Biden family, the simmering anxieties of foreign conflicts, and the long shadow of Donald Trump's legal battles – all vying for a starring role in the drama unfolding before the nation's eyes. This upcoming electoral contest arrives at a time when the nation is facing an array of pressing challenges, demanding comprehensive discussions during the upcoming 2024 presidential debates. 

Currently, the US is characterized by a confluence of issues spanning from a continued economic recovery post-pandemic, open border related immigration issues, to systematic inequalities, climate change mitigation, healthcare reform, and geopolitical tensions, among others. From being in a $33 trillion national debt (What Is the U.S. National Debt Right Now — and Why Is It so High?, n.d.), to dealing with marking the hottest year on records, such facets have intensified the urgency for meaningful discourse in the upcoming election. 

Economic recovery and high inflation remains one of the biggest pivotal points of discussion, particularly as the nation is trying to climb up the deep debted hole it has fallen into. Currently, we are in a state of flux, with high inflation, rising interest rates, and a looming recession. These economic issues are affecting the lives of all Americans, and are likely to be a major factor in voters’ final decisions for which candidate they will cast their ballot for. According to a recent poll by the Pew Research Center, 84% of voters say that the economy is very important to their vote in the upcoming election, supporting that this topic is exceedingly important to discuss, especially during the upcoming election. 

Furthermore, the current state of the economy is causing significant hardship for many Americans. High inflation is making it harder for people to afford everyday necessities like food and gas. A recent report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics found that the Consumer Price Index increased by 8.5% in March 2023, the highest level since 1981. This means that the cost of goods and services have increased by an average of 8.5% over the past year. Rising interest rates are also putting a strain on American households. The Federal Reserve has been raising interest rates in an effort to combat inflation. However, these rate hikes are also making it more expensive to borrow money, which is making it harder for people to buy homes and cars. The Federal Reserve recently raised interest rates by 0.75%, the largest single rate hike since 1994.

Climate change stands are another existential threat requiring immediate action, another issue I think should be significantly highlighted in the upcoming election. Recently, Kamala Harris announced a new $3 billion US pledge to global climate action at the COP28 summit in Dubai, an action that came after the US fell under heavy criticism by climate experts for not taking big enough action, monetarily, to support relief funds around the country on this matter. Current 2024 presidential candidates that are taking steps to address climate change include Florida and California governors Ron DeSantis and Gavin Newsom, respectively, Tom Steyer, and Vivek Ramswamy. Governor DeSantis has previously invested in coral reef restoration, and created a task force on climate resilience, and the issue is one he continues to back as debates have been running this year. Vivek Ramswamamy, a venture capitalist and author, has proposed a “Climate Realism” platform that focuses on adapting to the impacts of climate change, rather than preventing it. Sounding imaginative and quite far-reaching, critics argue that the plan is not ambitious enough to sustain a country as large as the United States.   

Healthcare reform remains as another contentious issue, with multiple different issues falling under its wide stemming umbrella. Firstly, abortion rights are a major issue which are so necessary to be talked about at the upcoming debates. Candidates have wavered on support for a federal ban, and the amount of weeks it would include. Candidate Nikki Haley has argued that a federal ban wouldn’t have enough public or Congressional support to even pass, with former Vice President Mike Pence a strong advocate for a complete federal ban, promising that he would sign an abortion ban if elected next year. Recently, Governor Ron DeSantis signed a six-week abortion ban bill into law, but has advocated that this issue is one he would personally leave to state governments, if elected. Another prominent and fierce candidate, Vivek Ramswamy, has indicated that his support lies more with state bans than federal bans. 

Current leader President Biden has vowed that he will veto any federal abortion ban attempt, as his administration has committed to protecting abortion access as well as access to contraceptives. “Pro-choice” supporters include Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Marianne Williamson. With such diversity in opinion on such a sensitive and personal topic, there’s a great chance that a percentage of voters will look to these opinions to decide which candidate will get their final vote. Other healthcare issues which are equally as urgent to be brought up, and talked about as abortion rights, include rising drug prices, as well as the youth Fentyal crisis which has swept through the United States. 

Adding to the strange complexities of the upcoming election, is the legal situation surrounding former President Donald Trump. He’s currently involved in multiple legal battles, including investigations into his business dealings, tax returns, and allegations of election interference, has been a focal point of political discourse. These investigations into his financial records and business practices, particularly by the Manhattan District Attorney and New York Attorney General, have the potential to unveil crucial information that could influence public opinion. However at the moment, there’s a strong divide between state courts trying to block Donald Trump’s name from upcoming ballots as his court cases take unexpected turns every new day. As a strong standing Republican Candidate, the mist surrounding his past as president, including the cause and aftermath of the Capitol Riots on January 6th, his handlings with immigrant policies, and his foreign and economic alliance strategies, among other things, might skew the minds of American voters before they hear what he has to say once again, next year. 

In all, the 2024 presidential elections hold immense significance in shaping the nation's trajectory for the upcoming years. To make informed choices, voters must witness substantive discussions on critical issues encompassing the economy, healthcare, climate change, foreign policy, and societal challenges. Robust debates, backed by evidence-based policies and nuanced discourse, are imperative to propel the country towards a more prosperous, equitable, and sustainable future. With pressing issues needing to be discussed, and massive changes needing to be witnessed, it will ultimately be up to American citizens on who gets the final vote, and up to American citizens on who will ultimately sit at the top of the triangle, as president of the USA.

Sources:

https://www.pgpf.org/national-debt-clock?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA67CrBhC1ARIsACKAa8SmlSBrtQ0XMUFE5N82-QmD7q5g4BtrWv9tzL21fMFqAWYPn1QpB3waAhT6EALw_wcB

https://www.cnn.com/2023/12/02/politics/kamala-harris-cop28-saturday/index.html

https://www.mmm-online.com/home/channel/regulatory/a-rundown-of-where-the-2024-presidential-candidates-stand-on-healthcare/