By Ashmita Rijal with SGJC Student News Network
To understand contemporary aspects of U.S. politics and presidential elections, it’s necessary to know the history and dynamics of political parties, voter demographics, media influence, and policy issues.
The earliest electors –from 1789 to 1804– voted for two candidates, without indicating which would be president and which the vice president. Today, choosing a vice presidential candidate is often critical to solidify sectors of the electorate that might not be wowed by a presidential candidate.
U.S. politics has been dominated since the mid-1800s by two major political parties–Democrats and Republicans– but today, many Americans are wary of both political parties, feeling that neither represents their concerns. The result: More independent voters and a rising interest in third-party candidates like Sen. Bernie Sanders, an independent from Vermont, who ran for president in 2016 and 2019. The Green Party, which attracts some voters, has become critical in razor-thin elections by drawing voters away from the two major candidates.
The global financial crisis in 2008, Barack Obama’s election as the first Black president, Donlad Trump’s election as President in 2016, and the global pandemic, hardened political lines in the U.S.
Obama’s presidency in 2008 focused on hope and change, Trump’s presidency saw extreme ideological divide surrounding nationalism. In the 2020 election, America got its first ever woman vice president.
This year’s 2024 election is expected to be heavily influenced by the same polarization, much of it focused on the role of the federal government and the preservation of the social changes made since the 1960s, including immigrant, gay people, and, and. in the wake of the Supreme Courts overturn of Wade v. Roe in 2022, women’s bodily rights.
Donnell White, a Towson resident, said he doesn’t believe in voting. “Whoever wants to be in the office, they get into the office regardless (of my vote),” White said. “ I’ve never voted because the presidents don’t do anything for us. They do everything for the immigrants.”
Voter turnout has fluctuated over the decades, with candidates utilizing all available platforms to make their voices heard. The U.S. electorate has also become significantly more diverse over the decades. Young and diverse voter demographic –especially Hispanic voters, the largest minority group in the nation – are expected to heavily influence the 2024 election outcomes.
Although younger voters historically have lower turnout rates, the recent elections have witnessed a notable increase in engagement, particularly around issues like climate change, social justice, gun control, gender equity, and economic inequality.
Similarly, the rise and influence of today’s digital media heavily influences how voters consume information and how candidates communicate. Up until the late 1990s, voters relied on radio and television to learn what candidates supported.
Today’s 21st century voters rely heavily on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, that have few controls. The decline in civics education means that some voters don’t know how the federal government with its three branches operates.
The result is that disinformation and misinformation is rife, contributing further to partisan polarization and ideological divides.
Daph Croslin, a Laurel resident, said. “To me, this year’s election is no different than the previous ones because Trump was and still is foolish. The biggest difference this year is there’s a woman (candidate). I think she’ll do well. However, a lot of the candidates do not fulfill their promises once they’re elected. I hope that’s not the case with Kamala.”
Each election cycle reflects the pressing concerns of its time.
During the 1960s, the pressing issues were civil rights for minorities, women, and gays, the Vietnam War, crime and the drug wars. The 9/11 attack on the U.S. shifted concerns to domestic security in the early 2000s.
The issue of climate change began in the late 1080s, but today, hotter climates and extreme weather have pushed the issue of climate changeto the forefront, particularly among 21st voters.
Supreme Court decisions like Citizens United and growing economic inequality, lack of a U.S. national healthcare that most developed nations have, lack of gun control, and foreign economic issues –with China. in particular–and foreign military policies –in Israel and Ukraine–are expected to take center stage.