Red and blue states as of the 2020 election (Clay Banks, Unsplash).

As we gear up for the 2024 presidential race, the political landscape is brewing with fresh campaign developments. With an array of candidates competing for the highest office in the United States, this upcoming election is bound to be an interesting race.

In preparation for the upcoming presidential race, many candidates have declared their interest in running for office. Among Republicans is former President Donald Trump, whose unique persona has attracted significant early support within GOP circles. On the other hand, current President Joe Biden aims to solidify his position on behalf of Democrats through a bid for another term.

Republican Candidates

Several notable Republicans have thrown their hats into the ring for the 2024 presidential race. Among them are Vivek Ramaswamy, Nikki Haley, Ron DeSantis, and Mike Pence, who

have all announced their campaigns and aim to secure the Republican nomination. The pool of Republican candidates is likely to expand as the primaries approach.

Vivek Ramaswamy

Vivek Ramaswamy, a tech billionaire and Republican presidential candidate, has adopted an unusual strategy by embracing and defending Donald Trump while positioning himself as a potential successor with a bolder approach. Despite technically being Trump's rival, Ramaswamy has expressed admiration for the former president and aimed to fill what he perceives as a "moral vacuum.” Through his campaign, Ramaswamy advocates for the elimination of the Department of Education and the FBI, and has promoted his controversial position on gender-affirming care for minors and the voting age. Ramaswamy's defense of Trump has received mixed responses, with some supporters appreciating his messaging while others doubt his chances against Trump. However, he has garnered a similar level of support as other prominent Republicans like Mike Pence and Nikki Haley in early polls.

Nikki Haley

Nikki Haley is a former South Carolina governor and United Nations ambassador. She is planning to run for president in 2024 and has participated in events and town halls to boost her campaign. Being one among many Republican candidates on the playing field, Haley has sought to differentiate herself. For example, she criticized many of her GOP counterparts’ positions on Social Security and Medicare cuts, advocated for a balanced approach to social issues, and challenged their approaches to Ukraine and Russia in foreign policy. A key aspect of Haley’s campaign is her focus on being tougher on China, as the candidate has criticized Trump for being too lenient with the country for purposes of maintaining the U.S. trade relationship with China. This position resonates with many Republican voters who view China as a significant geopolitical adversary.

Ron DeSantis

Ron DeSantis, the current governor of Florida and a Republican candidate for the 2024 United States presidential election, has gained significant attention in recent years. He has a background in politics, having served in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Navy. DeSantis has positioned himself as a conservative Republican, aligning with the values and policies of the party. As governor, DeSantis has implemented various conservative policies such as the Parental Rights in Education Act (HB 1557), also known as the “Don’t Say Gay” Bill. He has focused on issues such as gun control, immigration, and the economy. DeSantis has signed laws related to critical race theory, abortion restrictions, transgender sports participation, and education reforms. His approach to governing has faced mixed reviews, particularly in relation to his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. The governor’s bid for the White House poses a challenge to former President Donald Trump. While Trump has secured more endorsements overall, DeSantis has gained support from a handful of Republicans in Congress, including one governor and five House members. Many Republicans view DeSantis as a strong contender who could potentially surpass Trump as the party's frontrunner.

Mike Pence

Mike Pence, the former Vice President, announced his candidacy for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. He launched his campaign in Iowa, emphasizing his commitment to the Constitution and expressing concern about the potential indictment of Donald Trump. Pence has positioned himself as a Reagan Republican and focused on issues such as fiscal responsibility, support for Ukraine, restrictions on abortion, and a strong national defense. Pence has faced challenges in gaining support due to his strained relationship with Trump and his refusal to support Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. His refusal to help overturn the results has been viewed as a liability by some within the Republican Party. Pence has attempted to strike a balance between continuity with the Trump administration and distancing himself from his former running mate.

Democratic Candidates

As of now, the Democratic primary race appears to revolve around incumbent President Joe Biden, who is seeking re-election. But, there are other contenders such as Marianne Williamson and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who are running against President Biden. However, neither contender has made much success as the president still holds a significant lead. Nonetheless, the landscape may evolve as their campaigns unfold and more contenders join the race.

Marianne Williamson

As a bestselling author and self-help guru, Marianne Williamson brings progressive platforms to the forefront of her campaign. However, many consider her chances of winning the nomination slim. Despite her grassroots support and unique perspectives, Williamson faces stiff competition from other prominent Democratic candidates. President Joe Biden included, who is seeking re-election, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has launched a long-shot campaign.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a Democrat presidential candidate, gained unexpected traction in the 2024 presidential campaign despite being viewed as a fringe contender by many Democrats. Kennedy's campaign has been marked by controversy and mixed reception due to his promotion of conspiracy theories, criticism of state-corporate power, and vaccine skepticism. Despite the controversy surrounding his views, Kennedy has garnered support from many, including Elon Musk, Joe Rogan, and former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey. Some attribute his rising popularity to factors such as the enduring popularity of the Kennedy name, dissatisfaction with President Biden's economic track record, and his praise from right-wing figures. In a June poll, Kennedy received a higher net favorability rating than both President Biden and former President Trump, although Biden maintains a substantial lead in overall support. While Kennedy's candidacy is not seen as a significant threat to Biden's nomination, it could potentially be a distraction if Iowa and New Hampshire hold the first primary contests, undermining Biden's efforts to unify the Democratic base. However, it is worth noting that Kennedy's chances of winning any primaries against Biden seem unlikely due to his limited support among Democrats and low favorability ratings within the party.

Campaign Developments and Analysis

Though it is early to tell, one of the most defining developments of the 2024 presidential campaign is the evolving rhetoric and positions of former President Donald Trump. Since the events of January 6, 2021, Trump's language and messaging have become more confrontational and extreme as he seeks a second term in office, which has captured the attention of many. Moreover, the former president’s campaign has raised an impressive amount of money in its second quarter: his main fundraising committee raised over $35 million, which is almost double the amount raised in the previous quarter. Despite facing federal indictments, Trump's support base remains robust and loyal.

Meanwhile, President Joe Biden and the Democratic National Committee have raised over $72 million for his reelection campaign since announcing his candidacy in April 2023. The fundraising results, which include joint fundraising arrangements with national and state parties, demonstrate strong support for an incumbent candidate. The campaign has emphasized grassroots support, with contributions from nearly 400,000 donors, and has expanded its email list to almost 25 million subscribers. Biden's campaign currently has $77 million on hand, the highest total ever for a Democrat at this stage of an election cycle.

Ramaswamy's campaign has also had significant developments as he aims to build a right-wing media brand, and his “anti-woke” stance resonates with certain voters. He has also launched "Vivek's Kitchen Cabinet," a program that incentivizes supporters to encourage donations to his campaign by offering a 10% commission. Ramaswamy's fundraising strategy mirrors his success in the biotech industry and his determination as a political outsider.

Similarly, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has been actively fundraising for his potential presidential campaign like the other candidates. However, President Biden's reelection campaign has outpaced DeSantis in fundraising, with Biden raising over $72 million in the second quarter, compared to DeSantis' $20 million. DeSantis has participated in GOP events in Iowa, engaging with potential supporters ahead of the 2024 caucuses. His allied super PAC, Never Back Down, has raised an impressive $130 million, indicating strong support from donors.

Despite the significant developments made by all the candidates in their respective campaigns, ultimately, only one candidate will assume the presidency. Opinion polls provide a glimpse into the preferences of voters at a given moment, and are thus useful to go by. According to the latest polling data, Donald Trump maintains a strong position in the Republican field, with a significant lead over other potential candidates. Among Democrats, President Joe Biden enjoys a comfortable lead, but the landscape may shift as other candidates confirm their intentions.

The 2024 presidential race is poised to be a momentous event in American politics, featuring a wide range of candidates from both major parties. As election season inches closer, it will be crucial to stay informed about the latest updates, developments, and analyses to gain a comprehensive understanding of this historic race.