Why does so much ride on the 2024 U.S election?

University courses Politics
,
1

The 2024 U.S. election is seen as critically important because it has the potential to significantly shape the country’s direction on a range of domestic and global issues. Several factors contribute to the high stakes:

Democracy and Political Polarization

  • Threats to Democratic Norms: Concerns about the stability of American democracy have been growing, with issues like voter suppression, gerrymandering, and challenges to the legitimacy of election results. How these are addressed could impact the future of democratic processes in the U.S.
  • Polarization: The U.S. is deeply divided on political, social, and cultural issues, and the 2024 election will likely intensify these divisions. The outcome could either exacerbate this polarization or offer opportunities for reconciliation.

Supreme Court and Judicial Appointments

  • The President has the power to nominate Supreme Court justices and other federal judges, who serve lifetime appointments. Given the current ideological makeup of the court, the next president could either solidify or shift the balance on crucial issues like reproductive rights, gun laws, and environmental regulations.

Economic Policy and Inflation

  • The U.S. economy is a central issue, with inflation, rising living costs, and concerns about economic inequality shaping voters’ decisions. The next administration’s policies on taxation, healthcare, labour, and technology could have long-term effects on economic stability and growth.

Climate Change and Environmental Policy

  • Climate policy is a significant issue where the two major parties have starkly different approaches. The 2024 election could determine the U.S. commitment to combating climate change, transitioning to renewable energy, and meeting international climate goals set in agreements like the Paris Accord.

Foreign Policy and Global Leadership

  • Geopolitical Rivalries: The U.S. faces challenges from rising global powers like China and Russia. The election will influence how the U.S. positions itself on the global stage, including its approach to alliances like NATO, trade policies, and responses to global conflicts.
  • Democracy Promotion: The U.S.'s role in promoting democracy and human rights worldwide could be shaped by the next administration’s stance on foreign aid, military interventions, and support for international institutions.

Social Issues and Civil Rights

  • Reproductive Rights: Following the overturning of Roe v. Wade, abortion rights have become a key issue. The election will likely impact whether federal protections for reproductive rights are reinstated or further restricted.
  • LGBTQ+ Rights and Racial Equality: The protection of LGBTQ+ rights, racial justice, and immigration policies are central issues. The election outcome could affect policies on discrimination, policing reforms, and social justice movements.

Healthcare and Public Health

  • The future of healthcare, including the Affordable Care Act, access to affordable medicines, and responses to public health crises, will depend on the next administration’s policies. Handling issues like the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and future preparedness is a major concern.

Immigration and Border Policy

  • Immigration remains a contentious topic, with stark differences between the parties on border security, asylum policies, and pathways to citizenship. The outcome of the election will determine the direction of U.S. immigration laws and enforcement.

Impact on Global Markets and Economy

  • The U.S. plays a significant role in the global economy. Decisions on trade policies, tariffs, technology regulations, and relations with key partners like the EU and China will have far-reaching effects on international markets.

Rule of Law and Accountability

  • The 2024 election comes in the context of legal and political controversies, including the investigation into the events of January 6th, 2021, and various indictments and legal battles involving political figures. How these issues are handled could set precedents for rule of law and accountability in the U.S.

The 2024 U.S. election is a pivotal moment that will shape not only the nation’s trajectory but also its role in the world. Its outcome could redefine key aspects of governance, civil rights, economic policies, and America’s global influence for years to come.

3 Likes
2

As an American international student and a first time presidential voter, I am feeling very anxious about the upcoming election. This is also my first time going through an election while abroad and it’s very interesting to see the international perspective on it. Do you also feel like the American elections have become more of an entertainment spectacle as of late?

And to my other Americans abroad, make sure to look up how to vote in your state as an overseas voter!

3

This is so important, especially with everything that’s at stake! I’m really curious, given all the legal controversies like January 6th and the indictments you mentioned, do you think the outcome of the 2024 election could set lasting changes in how political figures are held accountable in the U.S.? It feels like this could have a big impact on the rule of law, but I’m wondering how much influence the next administration will actually have on these processes.

4

I think a lot of the media attention in the run-up to American elections often becomes an entertainment spectacle, as companies are looking out for politicians to make mistakes etc.

However, the media attention the U.S election receives is also due to the geopolitical importance of who the U.S president is and the foreign policy implications for some of the events going on in the world now.

1 Like