Shaping the 'two-horse' race

After Super Tuesday, the Democratic and Republican presidential candidates are almost decided. Up to this point, the 2024 US presidential election has been quite peaceful, but it also holds many hidden things, not only for the land of the stars and stripes.

Incumbent President Joe Biden and his predecessor Donald Trump won overwhelmingly on Super Tuesday. (Source: abc7.com)

The obvious and the records

Super Tuesday has done its job. The results were as predicted, no earthquake, no turning point. Current President Joe Biden and his predecessor Donald Trump won overwhelmingly. Each candidate also suffered defeats, but the overall result was higher than the 2020 primary election. At this point, it can be affirmed that President Joe Biden has no opponent. Former US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley will have to give up the race with Mr. Trump.

November 2024 will be a repeat of the “two-horse” race between the current and former Presidents of the previous term. The two parties and candidates will devote all their efforts to the election campaign, attract finance, overcome problems, to win in a life-or-death battle. This is the least competitive primary election and the longest presidential campaign in US election history.

With about eight months to go until Election Day, there is no doubt that this year’s election will set a record for the oldest president (Biden is 81 and Trump is 77). If Trump wins, history will repeat itself for the second time in which a failed presidential candidate wins a second term.

The 2024 election process holds many notable issues, not only for Americans but also for the world.

What next and what to expect?

So far, the primaries have gone smoothly, as predicted. Who will win and will there be incidents, similar to 2020, controversy over voter fraud? What do American voters and the international community expect from this election? Here are some discussions:

First, what do American voters care about? The primaries show that the top concerns of the American people are domestic issues such as the economy, immigration policy, and social security. The economy is number one. Then come global issues such as foreign affairs, climate change, etc.

Previously, Americans paid a certain amount of attention to foreign policy. The crises in Ukraine, Gaza, the Taiwan Strait… led to a change. About 50% of those surveyed considered foreign policy one of their top five priorities. There are also specific issues such as gun control, medical costs, health care, abortion rights, crime rates, work opportunities and terrorism… The views of the Democratic Party, the Republican Party and the two candidates on these issues will greatly influence the election results.

Second, who will win? The polls show the two candidates are pretty close. Trump is 46-48%, Biden is 43-44%. Trump’s lead is narrowing. On Super Tuesday, the two candidates basically overcame their troubles. Trump was cleared by the Supreme Court of violating his presidential candidacy; related lawsuits have little impact. The reaction of some Democratic voters to foreign policy regarding the Gaza crisis has a moderate impact on Biden.

However, “the night is long, the dream is long,” the voters’ views on the problems are not necessarily consistent with the members of the two parties. Nearly ten percent of those surveyed have not yet expressed an opinion, which is also an important factor. The final results may change; we cannot rule out a sudden change related to Mr. Trump’s legal problems or a disputed election result like in 2020.

Third, what does the world expect? The views and policies of the two parties have different specific contents, but the basic thing is still to maintain a unipolar world, the position of the number one superpower; compete and protect America's strategic interests on a global scale...

After the election, US foreign policy may be adjusted. US policy will affect hotspots, international relations, and opponents, partners, allies... But at the level of specific adjustments in strategy, approach..., the essence will not change. Countries need to proactively adapt, avoid waiting, and dependence on the outside.

Fourth, do not impose. Some American voters commented that the presidential candidates are all “old”, making it difficult to ensure their health for the next term, especially in the role of the leading power. Ultimately, American voters can only choose one of the two candidates of the Republican or Democratic Party. No other party or liberal candidate can get in. In the 2025-2030 term, the aging trend will continue.

The US presidential election process has many stages, with special regulations, carefully selected, in accordance with the history and tradition of the land of the stars and stripes. However, the history of US elections has witnessed many rare incidents and admitted that there have been "normal" presidents! The same goes for issues related to models and institutions. Applying one's own criteria to other countries is not advisable, not appropriate.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/bau-cu-tong-thong-my-dinh-hinh-cuoc-dua-song-ma-263282.html