Biden vs Trump rematch – What’s different in this year’s US-presidential election?

Biden and Trump
Joe Biden and Donald Trump both clinches their parties' nomination. REUTERS/Combination

Like a déjà vu, the Trump-Biden contest is likely to happen again in the upcoming November general election. Experts believe a new political landscape is being defined by the changes in presidential candidates and the world, posing new problems, particularly for Biden.

The 2024 election is one of interest and the two candidates are looking forward to a re-match. However, the contest isn’t just the same thing that was done four years ago. Here are things that are somewhat different from the 2020 campaign season.

Two former presidents

Biden and Trump are no strangers when it comes to heading to the polls as both candidates have been president of the United States.
Unlike 4 years ago when both aspirants joined the election train for different reasons, Trump who was incumbent at the time and Biden had a chance to claim the White seat for the first time. This time, both have been heads of state and are giving it another try.

Foreign policy experience

In 2020, Biden’s foreign policy experience painted Trump as a danger to US interests. However, after the US withdrew its forces from Afghanistan in 2021 and he defended Israel’s military action in Gaza, which sparked protests and a humanitarian crisis, “uncommitted” ballots received 19% of the Democratic primary vote.

Trump has been quite silent about the situation and observers are wondering what his next line of action will be should he win the presidency.

Citizens not entirely enthusiastic about a re-match

Citizens are not entirely enthused about a re-match as the dynamics have changed since the last four years. Biden is facing questions of his age and mental acuity while Trump who is facing a raft of lawsuits and charges, continues to remain unhinged and determined to win back the White House.
There was so much enthusiasm in the 2020 elections when Trump was seemingly in the bad books of many Americans. Several voters chose Biden because they were eager for a change. However, a re-match between Biden and Trump is not something Americans explicitly look forward to.

For Trump, most Americans say they voted for him because they didn’t have good faith in Hillary Clinton and in 2020 because they were ‘pleased’ with his accomplishments as a businessman. Others say Biden is capable of better working with allies and solving crisis related issues. Trump, they say, may make matters worse.

US citizens feel they constantly have to navigate the lesser of ‘two evils’.

An age issue

The issue of older people occupying the presidency feels like a cycle. Voters opine that younger candidates should be given the chance to represent both parties.

For now, all eyes are gazed in Washington as voters gear up to make decision over who leads the United States of America for the next for years.

Female Veep candidates

Both candidates are likely to lean towards women as vice presidents. While Biden is no stranger to partnering with a woman, analysts say Trump is likely to jump on the wagon.

In response to NBC’s question about whether he would consider a woman for running mate, Trump said, “I like the concept,” but he would “pick the best person.”

More from Qonversations

Politics

Cyril Ramaphosa 2nd term

#TrendsArena: Mixed reactions as Ramaphosa begins second term

Politics

Mahlengi Bhengu Motsiri

ANC targets national unity government following failure to security majority in parliament

General

1694253914 modi bharat Large

The Indian elections: a summary

Politics

KwaZulu Natal no water

Why the ANC has become unpopular among KwaZulu-Natal residents

Front of mind