On November 5, 2024, Americans will once again head to the polls to elect their next president. It’s a big deal not just for the U.S., but for the rest of the world too. This time, the two main candidates are Kamala Harris, the current Vice President, running as the Democratic candidate, and former President Donald Trump representing the Republicans. With different backgrounds, ideas, and visions, their battle could set the direction not just for America, but for global issues like economy, environment, and international relations.
Eureka Insights: What’s at Stake in the 2024 U.S. Election?
1. Why Is This Election Important for Kamala Harris?
Making History: If Kamala Harris wins, she will be the first woman and person of color to become president of the United States. That’s significant not only for America but for many countries where gender and racial equality in politics is still a work in progress.
What She Stands for: Harris’s campaign will focus on issues like improving healthcare, protecting women’s rights, fighting climate change, and ensuring fair wages. She wants to show that she is ready to take the lead, not just as a vice president, but as president.
The Challenges: It’s not going to be easy. Harris needs to show she can handle America’s top job while addressing economic problems like inflation and job creation, which are very much on voters’ minds.
2. Why Is This Election Important for Donald Trump?
Seeking a Comeback: After losing the 2020 election to President Joe Biden, Donald Trump is looking to make a dramatic return. He’s aiming to become only the second U.S. president ever to win two non-consecutive terms (the first was Grover Cleveland, back in the 19th century).
What He Stands for: Trump’s campaign is likely to emphasize an “America First” agenda, which includes stricter immigration policies, lower taxes, and less government regulation. He also wants to boost American manufacturing and energy production.
The Challenges: Trump’s bid for the presidency comes with a lot of controversies, including ongoing legal battles and the polarizing effect he has on American society. He needs to convince not only his loyal supporters but also swing voters that he’s the right choice again.
3. Why Should the World Care About This Election?
America’s Global Influence: The U.S. has one of the world’s largest economies and a powerful military. Its leader’s policies can impact international relations, trade, climate action, and even global conflicts.
Climate Change: Kamala Harris supports global climate agreements, while Trump has previously been skeptical of international climate deals. This election could affect how seriously America (and others) take the fight against global warming.
Trade and Economy: Whoever becomes president will influence how America does business with other countries, including the Philippines. Trade policies, tariffs, and labor agreements could change, affecting everything from food prices to technology imports.
4. Understanding the Basics of the U.S. Election Process
What’s the Electoral College? In the U.S., voters don’t directly elect the president. Instead, they vote for representatives in something called the “Electoral College.” Each state has a certain number of “electors” based on its population, and the candidate who gets the majority of electoral votes (270 out of 538) wins. It’s like a “best of states” system.
Key States to Watch: Some states are called “swing states” because they can go either way—Democratic or Republican—depending on the election year. States like Florida, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin often play a big role in deciding the winner.
Voting Trends: Turnout tends to be high in presidential elections, with people voting either by mail, in person before Election Day, or on Election Day itself. The U.S. has a vibrant democracy, but it can also be quite polarized, with strong opinions on both sides.
5. Why Does This Election Matter for Filipinos and the Rest of the World?
Impact on Immigration: America’s immigration policies affect millions of Filipinos, both those living in the U.S. and those hoping to migrate. Harris tends to support more open immigration policies, while Trump has advocated for stricter border controls.
Economic Connections: The U.S. is a major trading partner of the Philippines, and changes in leadership can affect trade agreements, aid, and business investments. What happens in Washington can have ripple effects all the way to Manila.
Cultural Influence: American politics often sets trends worldwide, including in how elections are conducted, how campaigns are run, and how candidates connect with people. The 2024 election might inspire—or deter—similar strategies elsewhere.
This election isn’t just about choosing the next U.S. president; it’s about choosing the direction America will take in the coming years. For Kamala Harris, it’s a chance to make history as the first female president. For Donald Trump, it’s an opportunity for redemption and a return to power. But beyond the candidates, it’s an election that will shape global policies, economic partnerships, and even the fight against climate change. As the world watches, the outcome will have far-reaching consequences.