The 2024 U.S. Presidential Race: A Battle of Unwanted Returns and the Quest for Alternatives

The landscape of American politics is once again poised for a seismic shift as the nation hurtles toward the highly anticipated 2024 presidential election. The echoes of the divisive 2020 contest reverberate, setting the stage for a potential rematch between incumbent President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. Yet, the prospect of this return match elicits little enthusiasm among the electorate, sparking a collective sense of discontent and a desire for alternatives. This analysis delves into the intricate web of political dynamics, negative polarization, and the search for viable options, painting a portrait of a nation grappling with the implications of a familiar yet unwelcome electoral duel.

The imminent 2024 U.S. presidential election promises a rematch that fails to ignite enthusiasm among the American electorate. The potential re-emergence of incumbent President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump evokes memories of the divisive 2020 contest, leaving voters grappling with the dilemma of choosing the “lesser evil.” Negative political polarization and a shared sense of disappointment dominate public sentiment, with a majority expressing reluctance to witness a replay of the Biden-Trump duo. As the nation braces for a contentious electoral showdown, a variety of factors contribute to the prevailing dissatisfaction, including the deteriorating situation on the border with Mexico and a renewed focus on immigration issues[1].

Polarization and discontent

The intensifying state of polarization and political division in the United States as the 2024 presidential elections approach is evident. Despite profound differences on political, economic, and ideological fronts, a pervasive sense of disappointment unites most voters in their aversion to the potential return of Biden and Trump. A Quinnipiac University poll indicates that over half of voters (52%) adamantly oppose the idea of these two candidates competing in the upcoming election, reflecting deep-seated discontent[2]. Isabel Fattal, in a report for The Atlantic, attributes this widespread aversion to “negative political polarization and hatred towards the other side[3],” foreseeing a potentially enduring dynamic in U.S. elections.

Chuck Todd, a political analyst, delves into the psychological stages of voter sadness in an article titled “Biden, Trump and voters’ stages of grief[4].” He contends that a confrontation between the two is deemed inevitable, and the acceptance of this reality depends on the stage of grief each voter finds themselves in. Todd suggests that most Americans are in a collective state of grief, with some still in denial, but anticipates that eventually, everyone will reach the stage of acceptance. Questions posed to citizens include whether they remain in denial, accept this as their only option, feel angered by the potential confrontation, or seek compromise and hope, with some centrists exploring third-party options to escape the pervasive political gloom.

Biden: An “Interim” President Facing Criticism

A January 2022 report by the National Review characterizes Biden as a “Belatedly Discovers Joe Biden Is Not, In Fact, Empathetic” president, tasked with healing the nation's wounds after four years of Trump's rule[5]. Biden's role is limited to holding the presidency until the Democratic Party selects the “actual” president in the next elections. The speech delivered by Biden on the first anniversary of the Capitol events is cited as a reminder of his transitional role. According to the report, Biden came to power primarily because independent voters disliked Trump's personality and had reservations about his handling of issues such as the Coronavirus and immigration, casting doubt on Biden's suitability beyond being the “not Trump” option.

Here we can paint a picture of a problematic reality for the Democratic Party, with concerns emerging that Biden has become a “heavy guest.” The possibility of Biden hindering the party's chances in the upcoming elections is exacerbated by falling approval ratings, with a New York Times poll revealing that 64% of Democrats do not want him to run for a second term[6]. This raises the question of why Biden would choose to run again, to which he responded to a group of donors by framing his candidacy as a response to the perceived threat Trump poses to democracy. However, this narrative is met with skepticism, as analysts question whether Biden's attack on his predecessor will be sufficient to secure a second term.

The Search for Alternatives

As the election date approaches, supporters of the Democratic Party find themselves in a predicament, waiting for the emergence of the much-anticipated “actual” president, who has yet to materialize. The Conversation's report titled “Joe Biden could still stand down before the election”[7] highlights private and public concerns among Democratic Party members that Biden's presence may hinder their electoral prospects. With polls indicating declining approval and most Democrats expressing reluctance towards his candidacy, the Democratic Party faces a challenge in presenting a compelling alternative to the disenchanted electorate.

The atmosphere surrounding the 2024 election differs from the previous one, with a shifting focus on issues beyond Trump's presidency. Public anger over economic concerns, border issues, student loans, healthcare, and infrastructure has propelled voters to seek alternatives outside the traditional two-party system. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a voice within the Democratic Party, called on Biden to shift focus from attacking Trump to promoting his vision for the country's future and highlighting his achievements during his term. This suggests a growing sentiment within the party that relying solely on opposition to Trump may not be sufficient to secure victory in the upcoming election.

As the United States stands ten months away from the 2024 election, the prospect of a Biden-Trump rematch looms large, generating widespread dissatisfaction among voters. The negative political polarization and shared disappointment highlight the need for alternatives in the political landscape. Biden portrayed as an “interim” president facing internal party concerns, must grapple with declining approval ratings and a Democratic base expressing reluctance toward his candidacy. The search for alternatives gains momentum as voters demand a shift in focus from personality-driven politics to substantive policy discussions. The 2024 election presents an opportunity for a reevaluation of the political landscape, with voters exploring options beyond the familiar faces of Biden and Trump. Whether this discontent translates into meaningful change remains to be seen, but the evolving dynamics suggest a shifting political landscape in the run-up to the crucial election.

[1] Badawi, H. (2024). Eagle Pass Standoff: Unveiling the Border Dispute and Its Implications for Federal-State Dynamics. International Dynamics Review.https://www.dhirubhai.net/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7158165749344186370/

[2] Tim Malloy & Doug Schwartz. (2024, January 31). Biden leads Trump in hypothetical 2024 matchup. Quinnipiac University Poll. https://poll.qu.edu/images/polling/us/us01312024_uhdw14.pdf

[3] Fattal,?I. (2023, January 20). Is political violence on the rise in America? The Atlantic. https://www.theatlantic.com/newsletters/archive/2023/01/political-violence-america-new-mexico-shootings/672787/

[4] Chuck Todd. (2024, January 24). Biden, Trump and voters’ stages of grief. NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/chuck-todd-biden-trump-voters-stages-grief-rcna135385

[5] Jim Geraghty. (2022, January 31). The Atlantic belatedly discovers Joe Biden is not, in fact, empathetic. National Review. https://www.nationalreview.com/corner/the-atlantic-belatedly-discovers-joe-biden-is-not-in-fact-empathetic/

[6] Shane Goldmacher. (2022, July 11). Biden’s Approval Hits 33 Percent; Democrats Want 2024 Options, Poll Shows. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/11/us/politics/biden-approval-polling-2024.html

[7] Gift,?T. (2024, January 26). Joe Biden could still stand down before the election – here’s how and what would happen next. The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/joe-biden-could-still-stand-down-before-the-election-heres-how-and-what-would-happen-next-221552