As Biden and Trump prepare for the race to White House, will the US break barriers or build new walls?
It is a leap year and time, therefore, for the US elections. In the ensuing months, the American electorate will be inundated with campaign ads, rallies and debates as incumbent Joe Biden and challenger Donald Trump make their case in front of the voters. Though decided by the Americans, the outcome has far-reaching consequences for the entire world. As the primaries draw to a close, the political milieu in the US is beginning to take shape. With Biden securing the Democratic nomination and Trump emerging as the clear frontrunner for the Republican Party, the stage is set for a highly charged rematch in November. Biden’s journey to the Democratic nomination has been marked by resilience and a resurgence in support. Despite initial doubts about his candidacy, he secured key victories in primary contests across the country, demonstrating his broad appeal among voters. His success can be attributed to a combination of factors, including his experience in administration, his message of unity and his ability to connect with the voters on a personal level. Throughout the primary season, Biden faced stiff competition from different candidates, each vying for the opportunity to challenge Trump. However, as the primaries progressed, Biden emerged as the clear frontrunner, consolidating support from both moderate and progressive wings of the Democratic Party. His decisive wins in crucial States like California, Texas and Florida cemented his position as the party’s nominee.
On the Republican side, Trump’s path to nomination has been relatively uncontested. Though there were legal hurdles, he eventually managed to skirt them and emerge as a clear choice of Republicans. Trump faced minimal opposition within his own party, allowing him to focus his attention on rallying his base. Despite the criticism, Trump’s grip on the party remains strong, with his approval ratings consistently high. He has maintained a loyal base of supporters, who are drawn to his unorthodox style and populist rhetoric. While his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and other controversies have sparked criticism, Trump’s resilience and ability to navigate turbulent political waters cannot be underestimated. With polarising issues such as healthcare, immigration and climate change dominating the national conversation, both candidates are expected to mobilise their supporters to turn out in record numbers. For Biden, the challenge will be to unite a fractured Democratic Party and appeal to voters across the ideological spectrum. He will need to capitalise on his strengths as a seasoned statesman and articulate a clear vision for the future. Meanwhile, Trump will seek to energise his base, touting his record on economy and national security while painting Biden as a tool of the radical left. Though Biden is progressive and politically correct, Trump’s style of leadership appeals to the conservative mindset. As both the candidates slog, one thing is for sure: The contest will be historic. Will America build walls or break barriers, is a question only the American people can answer.
