While Biden seeks to maintain his position after his dominant performances in the Super Tuesday primaries, speculation surrounds Trump’s re-entry into the race heats up
Who will be the next President of the United States? Joe Biden and Donald Trump, the current and former Presidents, are competing for the White House. They won most of the seats in the Super Tuesday primary. This is the first time in almost 70 years that such a competition is taking place. However, Americans find it difficult to decide between the two candidates as there is little enthusiasm. On March 5, voters in 15 states and one territory cast their ballots in the primaries.
Both candidates won almost all the contests, making Super Tuesday the most significant night in the primary calendar. This day was important because a third of the total number of delegates were up for grabs - 865 Republican and at least 1,420 Democratic. Now, both candidates are preparing to face the November 5 General elections. Super Tuesday was a crucial day for the candidates and parties in the US during the election year. Winning the nomination requires a certain number of delegates. For Republicans, a candidate must win 1,215 of the 2,429 delegates. For Democrats, a candidate must win 1,968 of the 3,934 delegates.
Both Donald Trump, 77, and Joe Biden, 81, have faced criticism over their ages as they compete for the presidency of the United States. However, both candidates have secured their party’s nomination, proving that age should not hinder political success. Despite facing many challenges, Trump won the primary election this time. According to recent polls, Trump is leading the race against Biden, but the competition is still neck-and-neck. Nikki Haley, who previously served as the US envoy to the United Nations, has withdrawn herself from the contest to challenge Trump. With 946 delegates, Trump has now secured his position as the presumptive nominee for the Republican party.
Trump’s supporters tried to manipulate the 2020 election results in his favour after he lost. As a result, Trump is facing charges related to this and three other cases. He started campaigning for the 2024 election soon after leaving the White House. After winning Super Tuesday, in an interview with Fox News, Trump said he was proud to lead the Republican Party and the country towards better health and prosperity, unprecedented in politics.
President Biden has faced several challenges during his presidency, including the COVID-19 pandemic, high inflation rates, significant industrial policy bills, and conflicts in Afghanistan, Ukraine, and the Middle East. Recent polls show that Americans need more enthusiasm for the upcoming historic rematch. This has raised concerns about low voter turnout during the election. Candidates must focus on Americans’ problems and present plans to tackle the nation’s challenges.
Both candidates are discouraging people from voting for their opponents. Biden is confident about winning and believes voters must choose between moving forward or returning to Trump’s criticised administration. Biden says, “I’m not young, but I know how to get things done for the American people.” Biden needs 1,968 delegates to win the Democratic nomination. He has the chance to reach this number on March 19. Trump is expected to become the Republican nominee after the March 12 and 19 contests.
Former President Trump faces multiple legal challenges, including two impeachment proceedings, four criminal trials, and 91 criminal charges. Additionally, he is waiting for a $450 million civil court judgment. His disorganised leadership during the pandemic negatively impacted his reputation. Despite this, he continued to maintain his base of supporters and portrayed himself as a victim of persecution. After winning Tuesday’s election, President Trump has challenged his opponent, Joe Biden, to a debate. The candidates will discuss their achievements and goals for the country and advise voters not to vote for their opponent. Trump has offered to discuss this at any time, place, and location. He believes it is crucial for the benefit of Americans. However, Joe Biden has not yet responded to the offer. Historically, no incumbent president has debated in a primary since President Gerald Ford.
The Trump campaign is expected to focus on Biden’s alleged economic failures, immigration policy, and the US stance on Ukraine and Israel. Meanwhile, Biden is planning to attack Trump for his alleged role in the Capitol riot and for his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. To improve his poll numbers, Biden must address concerns about his age and improve his ratings on the economy and immigration.
The 2024 presidential election is gaining momentum after Super Tuesday. Over the next eight months, we expect to see a rise in negative campaign strategies. American voters have limited options and are not particularly excited about either candidate. Both of them get below 50 per cent approval in several current polls. People know the positive and negative aspects of each candidate’s policies. Both main parties see their potential candidate as a big problem. Trump’s re-election could lead to a significant decline. Biden’s win may bring minor changes.
(The writer is a popular columnist, views expressed are personal)
