The Republican Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin marked a landmark event. It was here, following an attempted assassination scare earlier in the same month, that septuagenarian Donald Trump secured his party’s nomination for the presidential race. Meanwhile, Trump continues to raise his voice against what he insists is the fraudulent result of the 2020 political contest. His presidential race, now in its third inning, is navigated through the midst of tumultuous legal obstacles and a brand new indictment related to the 2020 election.
Trump’s tenure in office, from 2017 until 2021, is characterized by his unique way of treating his four indictments in criminal investigations. Instead of accepting them as serious charges, he frames them as political vendetta against himself and his supporters. In his narrative, driven by increasingly dark undertones, he promises ‘retribution’ against those he perceives as his political adversaries.
In May, Trump became the first ex-president of the United States to be found guilty of a crime in a court in New York. Yet, he continues to confront charges at both federal and state levels in Georgia, for his supposed attempts to influence the 2020 election. This makes him the first US president to have been subject of impeachment on two different occasions.
Claims alleging his illegal retention of classified documents after his presidential term were dispelled by a federal judge. This dismissal is currently being challenged by the prosecutors. In reply, Trump not only denies any malpractice but also is set on contesting the remaining cases leading up to the November election.
In September, Trump had a debate with vice president Harris, in which the majority of viewers felt that Harris had the upper hand. Among the respondents who claimed to be aware about the debate, a Reuters/Ipsos poll showed that 53% believed Harris was the winner while only 24% were in Trump’s favor. Following this debate, Trump announced his decision not to participate in any future face-offs with Harris.
The former president chose U.S. Senator JD Vance of Ohio as his running mate in this election. Trump’s controversial stand on the aftermath of the electoral outcome continues as he refrains from promising acceptance of the 2024 election results or rejecting the chance of potential political violence. He is apparently also building a defensive approach against a possible election defeat.
Trump, the eldest presidential nominee in U.S. history, may become the nation’s second oldest president after Biden if he emerges victorious in the November elections. Among his campaign promises, he includes special mention of his supporters who were involved in the January 6, 2021 incident at the U.S. Capitol. He has pledged to grant these ‘warriors’ a presidential pardon and is prepared to usher in a new generation of federal civil service workers who are loyal to him.
“Project 2025” is an ambitious policy endeavor with conservative support, which aims at a broad range of targets, including diversity programs and the independence of the Justice Department. Despite the presence of several of his former aides in this project, Trump distances himself from it. Yet, he might have to embrace its ideas if his bid to return to the presidency is successful.
On foreign affairs, he envisions a transformation of the U.S. role within NATO and seeks a peaceful resolution to the ongoing Ukrainian conflict. This may entail Kyiv conceding some of its territories. Domestically, Trump’s campaign heavily emphasises immigration policy overhaul, with his promises ranging from mass deportations to an end of birthright citizenship, and broadening the travel ban on certain nationalities.
In a controversial decision that reversed the landmark Roe v. Wade verdict, Trump takes full responsibility. His position is clear – each state should regulate its own abortion laws. However, he also asserts that he does not advocate for a ban on birth control.
Trump is openly against the environmental initiatives implemented by the Biden administration. Despite consistent criticism from several corners, including his party colleagues, for his personal attacks on Harris and her ethnicity, he remains unyielding.
In a surprising twist, ex-Democrat Robert F. Kennedy Jr., following the suspension of his own independent presidential run, was appointed to Trump’s transition team. Another unexpected appointment saw Elon Musk, the billionaire who publicly endorsed Trump, tasked with heading a governmental efficiency panel. Numerous law enforcement groups, chief among them being the National Fraternal Order of Police, have thrown their support behind Trump.
Harris, aged 59, clinched the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination after Biden renounced his own reelection aspirations. The Democrats then set the stage for an alternate vision of America, different from Trump’s agenda, whilst facilitating the revival of their support base among young voters, people of color, and suburban women.
Harris, who served in various roles such as U.S. senator, California attorney general, and local prosecutor, was the first woman and person of color to take up the vice presidential post in US history. Should she win, she would rewrite history yet again, becoming the first female US president in its centuries-long constitutional journey.
Post-debate polls conducted in September show Harris in a neck-and-neck race with Trump. A subsequent Reuters/Ipsos poll has her leading nationally 47% to 42%. Recent polling data also suggests that she, along with her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, have advanced in battleground states on key issues including crime and the economy.
Harris is expected to largely align with Biden’s foreign policies regarding pressing issues including Ukraine, China and Iran. She proposes an economic plan which includes reduction in taxes for most Americans, controls on grocery price gouging, affordable housing initiatives, and introduction of a new child tax credit. Notable endorsements of her presidency bid come from key labor groups and several former U.S. military officials and business executives.