The 2024 presidential election is like no other in history. Instead of the expected rematch between the sitting president and a former president, a crowded primary has emerged. On the Republican side, over a dozen candidates are vying for the nomination, with Donald Trump’s lead appearing strong. However, Trump is also facing four separate felony indictments, which no candidate has ever done before. Ron DeSantis, the leading challenger to Trump, has seen his support weaken, creating an opportunity for other Republicans hoping for a lucky break or some fun travel.
On the Democratic side, hesitations about Joe Biden’s potential second term have faded, with a decent-size shadow field waiting in case Biden steps down. Surprisingly, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., running as a Democrat but with Republican consultants and right-wing views, has gained double-digit support in some polls.
In addition to all this, there is the possibility of a serious third-party bid by a group like No Labels. This creates a race that is both simple on the surface but confusing just below. This guide will serve as a roadmap to navigate the candidates, highlighting who’s in, who’s out, and who falls somewhere in between. It will be regularly updated as the campaign progresses.
REPUBLICANS
Donald Trump:
– Known and loved or hated by many.
– Announced his bid to return to the White House in November 2022.
– Motivated by revenge, boredom, rivalry, fear of prosecution, and psychological hang-ups.
– Has support from a significant portion of the GOP, but his exact level of support is unclear.
– Can potentially win the nomination, but past results don’t guarantee future success.
– More information about him is available.
Ron DeSantis:
– Second-term governor of Florida and former U.S. representative.
– Announced his run in a Twitter Spaces appearance with Elon Musk.
– Offers a mix of Trump-style culture war and conservative politics.
– Fading in the polls and not generating much interest among Republicans.
– Potential to win the nomination but less likely now than before.
– More information about him is available.
Nikki Haley:
– Former governor of South Carolina and ambassador to the United Nations under Trump.
– Announced her campaign on February 14, emphasizing the need for a new generation.
– Tries to distance herself from Trump without attacking him openly.
– Possibly the leading foreign-policy hawk in the field.
– Lagging behind top-tier candidates but a strong debate performance could boost her chances.
– Unlikely to win the nomination.
– More information about her is available.
Vivek Ramaswamy:
– A 38-year-old biotech millionaire with an impressive background.
– Recently gained prominence as a critic of “wokeism” and ESG investing.
– Announced his campaign on February 21, highlighting the national identity crisis.
– Polling surprisingly well, but unlikely to win the nomination due to his slick image and questionable pronouncements.
– More information about him is available.
Asa Hutchinson:
– Former longtime member of Congress and recent governor of Arkansas.
– Announced his run on April 2.
– Shifted closer to the center as the party changed and became critical of Trump.
– Calls on Trump to drop out due to his indictment in New York.
– Attractive to old-school, conservative Republicans who dislike Trump.
– Unlikely to win the nomination.
– More information about him is available.
Tim Scott:
– South Carolina’s only Black Republican senator.
– Announced his campaign on May 22.
– Built a solid record as a Republican without overly aligning himself with Trump.
– Well-liked by Senate colleagues and seen as a possible likable Trump alternative.
– Solidly in the second tier of candidates, perpetually on the verge of a breakout.
– More information about him is available.
Mike Pence:
– Former vice president, governor of Indiana, and U.S. representative.
– Announced his campaign on June 7 with a video and an event in Iowa.
– Long-held White House dreams and strong conservative-Christian political agenda.
– Attracted to conservative Christians and rabbit lovers, but not widely popular.
– Difficult to see him winning the nomination.
– More information about him is available.
Chris Christie:
– Former U.S. attorney, governor of New Jersey, and Trump critic.
– Announced his campaign on June 6 in New Hampshire.
– Wants to run again to challenge Trump and Republicans who don’t criticize him.
– Supported by Trump-skeptical donors and liberal pundits.
– Highly doubtful he will win the nomination.
– More information about him is available.
Doug Burgum:
– Self-made software billionaire and governor of North Dakota.
– Announced his campaign on June 7 in Fargo.
– The focus of his campaign-announcement video is more on North Dakota than a national push.
– His intentions for running are unclear.
– A potential candidate for the “silent majority” of Americans.
– More information about him is available.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
