By Amos Ssemuwemba
As the 2024 United States presidential election approaches, voters across the nation’s 50 states are preparing to head to the polls. While it is common for the major parties, Democrats and Republicans, to dominate the presidential race, this year features a notable range of candidates from various political backgrounds.
Jill Stein
Representing the Green Party, Jill Stein is a familiar face in presidential races, having previously run in 2012 and 2016. Stein’s candidacy in 2016 was controversial; with some Democrats arguing that it diverted crucial votes away from Hillary Clinton and contributed to Donald Trump’s victory. Despite this, Stein remains a vocal advocate for environmental issues and social justice, positioning herself as an alternative to the two major parties.
Cornel West
Cornel West, an independent candidate, is a renowned scholar and political activist. Announced in October, West’s campaign focuses on progressive reforms and social justice. As an independent, he aims to offer a fresh perspective outside the traditional two-party system, emphasizing issues like economic inequality and systemic racism.
Chase Oliver
Chase Oliver, representing the Libertarian Party, brings a distinct voice to the race. A seasoned activist from Atlanta, Oliver previously ran for the U.S. Senate and House from Georgia. Nominated as the Libertarian candidate in May, Oliver advocates for a smaller government and greater individual freedoms. His campaign emphasizes reducing federal intervention and enhancing personal liberties.
Donald Trump
Donald Trump is making his third bid for the presidency. After winning in 2016 and losing to Joe Biden in 2020, Trump remains a prominent figure in American politics. His campaign has gained momentum, especially following a standout performance in a June debate and a dramatic assassination attempt at a July rally. Trump’s campaign is heavily focused on reclaiming the White House by emphasizing his previous administration’s accomplishments and critiquing the current administration’s policies. Donald Trump is making his third bid for the presidency. After winning in 2016 and losing to Joe Biden in 2020, Trump remains a prominent figure in American politics. His campaign has gained momentum, especially following a standout performance in a June debate and a dramatic assassination attempt at a July rally. Trump’s campaign is heavily focused on reclaiming the White House by emphasizing his previous administration’s accomplishments and critiquing the current administration’s policies.
Kamala Harris
Currently serving as Vice President under Joe Biden, Kamala Harris has stepped into the spotlight following Biden’s withdrawal from the race in July. Endorsed by the outgoing President, Harris was officially declared the Democratic Party candidate in early August. Her campaign has swiftly taken shape, marked by strong critiques of her primary opponent, Donald Trump. Harris’s platform focuses on continuing the current administration’s policies while addressing issues of inequality and healthcare.
Among the candidates, the race between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris has emerged as particularly intense. Both candidates are drawing significant attention and support, setting the stage for a tightly contested battle. In our next article, we will delve into the reasons behind the tight race between Trump and Harris, exploring the key issues, campaign strategies, and voter dynamics that are shaping this pivotal contest. Stay tuned for an in-depth analysis of what makes this head-to-head matchup so compelling and what it means for the future of American politics.