No one has witnessed a presidential election quite like the one coming in 2024. Anticipated to be a repeat of the 2020 election, with the sitting president facing off against a former president, this race has surprised many with its crowded primary. On the Republican side, over a dozen candidates are vying for the nomination. While Donald Trump’s lead seems insurmountable, it’s worth noting that no candidate has ever won their party’s nomination while facing four felony indictments. Conversely, no one has lost their party’s nomination while facing four felony indictments either. Ron DeSantis, the leading challenger to Trump, has seen his support waver, leaving room for a large field of Republicans hoping for a lucky break, Trump’s downfall, a VP nomination, or simply some enjoyable travel and a cable-news contract in the future.
As for the Democrats, hesitations about Joe Biden serving a second term have either diminished or transformed into an acceptance that he is indeed running. However, concerns about Biden’s age and lukewarm reception among some voters have maintained a decent-sized shadow field of potential candidates waiting in case Biden decides to step down.
Behind it all, the possibility of a serious third-party bid remains, led by groups like No Labels or other independent candidates. Cornel West has already announced his candidacy, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is teasing a switch from the Democratic primary to an independent campaign. As a result, the race appears straightforward on the surface but becomes increasingly bewildering beneath it. This guide to the candidates will serve as a road map as the campaign unfolds.
**REPUBLICANS**
**Donald Trump**
– Who is he?
You know him and have strong feelings about him – love or hate.
– Is he running?
Yes. Trump announced his bid to return to the White House in November 2022.
– Why does he want to run?
Factors include revenge, boredom, rivalry, fear of prosecution, and deep-seated psychological issues.
– Who wants him to run?
A significant portion of the GOP supports Trump, but the true extent of his support is challenging to discern. Polls indicate mixed opinions among Republicans, but he is not undoubtedly the front-runner.
– Can he win the nomination?
Yes, but success in the past doesn’t guarantee victory in the future.
– What else do we know?
We know more about Trump than we care to.
**Ron DeSantis**
– Who is he?
DeSantis is the current governor of Florida and previously served as a U.S. representative.
– Is he running?
Yes. DeSantis announced his candidacy in an eventful appearance with Elon Musk on Twitter Spaces on May 24.
– Why does he want to run?
DeSantis offers a blend of Trump-style culture warring and the conservative politics of the early-2010s Republican Party.
– Who wants him to run?
Initially, DeSantis seemed like a candidate with Trump’s policies but without the Trump persona. However, his declining popularity in polls suggests that not many Republicans are interested.
– Can he win the nomination?
He appears less likely to topple Trump today than he did several months ago, but it remains possible.
**Nikki Haley**
– Who is she?
Haley, the daughter of immigrants, served as the governor of South Carolina and later as the ambassador to the United Nations under Trump.
– Is she running?
Yes. On February 14, Haley announced her campaign with the slogan “Time for a new generation.”
– Why does she want to run?
Haley has attempted to distance herself from Trump, emphasizing his unpopularity without openly attacking him. She may also position herself as the top foreign-policy hawk in the race.
– Who wants her to run?
Haley trails behind the front-runners but performed well in the first debate, which could boost her candidacy.
– Can she win the nomination?
It’s doubtful.
**Vivek Ramaswamy**
– Who is he?
A 38-year-old biotech millionaire with an impressive background (education at Harvard and Yale Law), Ramaswamy has gained prominence as a critic of “wokeism” and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investing.
– Is he running?
Yes. Ramaswamy announced his campaign on February 21.
– Why does he want to run?
Ramaswamy believes the nation is experiencing an identity crisis, with traditional values replaced by new secular religions like COVIDism, climatism, and gender ideology.
– Who wants him to run?
Ramaswamy has unexpectedly polled well, currently ranking third nationally behind Trump and DeSantis. He made a strong impression in the first debate.
– Can he win the nomination?
Probably not. Ramaswamy’s slick presentation and controversial statements will likely remain a disadvantage.
**Asa Hutchinson**
– Who is he?
Hutchinson, a longtime member of Congress, recently completed his term as the governor of Arkansas.
– Is he running?
Yes. Hutchinson announced his candidacy on April 2, missing the opportunity for a more amusing announcement a day earlier.
– Why does he want to run?
Hutchinson was once a right-wing Republican, but as the party has shifted, he finds himself closer to the center. He has criticized Trump extensively, stating that the former president disqualified himself with his attempts to overturn the 2020 election. Hutchinson is unique in the field for calling on Trump to drop out due to his indictment in New York.
– Who wants him to run?
Old-school, highly conservative Republicans who also oppose Trump.
– Can he win the nomination?
Unlikely.
**Tim Scott**
– Who is he?
Scott, a senator from South Carolina, is the only Black Republican senator.
– Is he running?
Yes. Scott announced his campaign in North Charleston, South Carolina, on May 22.
– Why does he want to run?
Unlike some others on this list, Scott hasn’t made his ambitions as obvious, but he has established himself as a solid Republican. He aligned with Trump without becoming his sycophant.
– Who wants him to run?
Scott is highly regarded among his Senate colleagues. John Thune, the Senate minority whip from South Dakota, has endorsed him. As DeSantis falters, Scott is being considered as a likable alternative to Trump.
– Can he win the nomination?
Scott is in the second tier, perpetually on the verge of breaking out yet never quite there.
**Mike Pence**
– Who is he?
Pence previously served as Vice President and also held positions as the governor of Indiana and a U.S. representative.
– Is he running?
Yes. Pence formally launched his campaign on June 7, accompanied by a video and an event in Iowa.
– Why does he want to run?
Pence has long aspired to the White House and represents strong conservative-Christian values. His campaign relies heavily on clichés but lacks specific policy details, promising a more compassionate face for the Trump agenda.
– Who wants him to run?
Conservative Christians and rabbit enthusiasts, but he doesn’t generate much interest overall.
– Can he win the nomination?
It’s difficult to envision.
**Chris Christie**
– Who is he?
Christie has had a tumultuous journey, transitioning from U.S. attorney to respected governor of New Jersey to a figure of ridicule amidst the traffic-jam controversy, to a companion of Trump, and eventually a Trump critic.
– Is he running?
Yes. Christie announced his campaign on June 6 in New Hampshire.
– Why does he want to run?
Anyone who runs for president and loses typically harbors a desire to run again, especially if they view the person who defeated them as an idiot, as Christie does with Trump. Additionally, Christie appears agitated by other Republicans running without criticizing Trump.
– Who wants him to run?
Donors skeptical of Trump and liberal pundits show support.
– Can he win the nomination?
Highly unlikely.
**Doug Burgum**
– Who is he?
Burgum, a self-made software billionaire, is currently serving his second term as the governor of North Dakota.
– Is he running?
Apparently! He officially launched his campaign on June 7 in Fargo.
– Why does he want to run?
It’s challenging to discern. Burgum’s campaign announcement video focuses heavily on North Dakota, making it resemble a reelection push. He has mentioned that he believes the “silent majority” of Americans desires candidates who are not extreme.
– Who wants him to run?
North Dakota residents and those seeking a moderate option.
– Can he win the nomination?
It’s unclear.
These candidates represent a diverse field with varying levels of support and potential. The campaign will undoubtedly be interesting to watch as it unfolds. Stay tuned for updates.
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