The Republican Party’s incumbent President Donald Trump & the Democratic Party’s former Vice President Joe Biden were the two main contenders in the 2020 US presidential election. With no prior political experience, Donald Trump came from a background in business and television when he was elected as the 45th President in 2016. Unpopular policies and tense relationships with the media and political rivals marked his presidency. On the other hand, Joe Biden had a long political career, working as a U.
Key Takeaways
- Candidate A has a background in business, while Candidate B has a background in law and public service.
- The political climate is highly polarized, with strong support for both candidates from their respective parties.
- Controversial issues include healthcare, immigration, and climate change, with both candidates taking strong stances.
- Social media plays a significant role in shaping public opinion and spreading misinformation about the candidates.
- Minority communities are heavily impacted by the candidates’ policies and rhetoric, leading to increased mobilization and activism.
- The international community is closely watching the election, as the outcome will have implications for global alliances and policies.
- Voter turnout is expected to be high, driven by strong emotions and engagement from both supporters and detractors of the candidates.
s. After serving as a Delaware senator for more than thirty years, Vice President Barack Obama’s deputy from 2009 to 2017. Biden’s experience & capacity to bring a divided country together were highlighted throughout his campaign. Trump’s “America First” agenda, which included trade, immigration, and national security policies, shaped his presidency. While entangling in trade disputes with China and other countries, his administration enacted tax cuts, deregulation, and stringent immigration policies.
Trump had an unorthodox approach to leadership, frequently using social media to interact with the public directly and bypass established media outlets. Joe Biden promised to undo many of Trump’s policies and improve America’s standing internationally as part of his unifying & healing campaign platform. His background in foreign policy and emphasis on compassion & empathy won over voters looking for a change from what they saw as the divisive Trump administration. The Energized Democratic Party.
Protests by Black Lives Matter, the MeToo movement, & an expanding progressive movement within the party had energized the Democratic Party. The electorate was fired up and ready to challenge the president & his allies. The Firm Republican Foundation.
However, the Republican Party had united behind Trump’s theme of “America First” and his populist message. Notwithstanding the controversy surrounding his presidency, the president’s vision was upheld by the party’s faithful base. COVID-19 Pandemic’s Effects. Political sentiment leading up to the 2020 election was significantly influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic.
With millions of Americans losing their jobs & thousands dying from the virus, the pandemic caused severe economic hardship and raised public health concerns. The way the government handled the pandemic became a defining issue in the election, with particular attention paid to how Trump handled it. The epidemic also brought about a dramatic change in the nature of campaigning, with online & virtual town halls taking the place of conventional gatherings and rallies. A number of contentious issues, such as immigration, healthcare, racial justice, & climate change, dominated the 2020 election campaign. A major area of disagreement was healthcare, with Republicans aiming to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and replace it with a system based on the free market, and Democrats pushing for greater access to affordable healthcare through programs like the ACA. The topic of immigration also generated a great deal of controversy because of Trump’s strict border security policies and his plans to build a wall along the U.S.
s. -Democracy and human rights advocates are criticizing the border with Mexico. In the wake of the nationwide demonstrations that followed the death of George Floyd and other Black Americans at the hands of law enforcement, racial justice and police reform became pressing concerns. With its demands for an end to institutional racism and police brutality, the Black Lives Matter movement gained traction.
Republicans downplayed the urgency of climate action, while Democrats proposed ambitious plans to address environmental concerns and rejoin international climate agreements. Climate change was another divisive issue. Social media had a big impact on how the 2020 election story was told. Both politicians actively engaged with voters and rallied their support bases by using social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
As a well-known Twitter user, Donald Trump was frequently seen making contentious remarks and disparaging his rivals on the social media network. His social media presence gave him the ability to communicate directly with his supporters and avoid the traditional media channels, but it also brought him accusations of disseminating false information and regular run-ins with fact-checkers. Also, Joe Biden’s campaign made use of social media to connect with voters, especially younger ones who are more frequent users of apps like Instagram and TikTok. Utilizing social media, Biden’s team disseminated personal testimonies from supporters, promoted his policy recommendations, and galvanized grassroots organizing efforts.
During the election campaign, social media also contributed to the dissemination of false information, which raised worries about foreign meddling and the growth of conspiracy theories. American minority communities were significantly impacted by the 2020 election. Since Asian Americans, Latinos, & African Americans have historically been underrepresented in American politics, both candidates aimed to win over minority voters. Significant policy changes were demanded of both candidates as a result of the Black Lives Matter movement, which elevated systemic racism and police brutality to the forefront of the national dialogue. Trump’s administration’s immigration crackdown & his handling of racial justice demonstrations were just two examples of the divisive remarks and policies that have dogged his presidency & targeted minority communities.
His rhetoric frequently tapped into white nationalist feelings, raising worries about an increase in hate crimes and prejudice against minority communities. Conversely, Joe Biden’s campaign placed a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusivity, aiming to address racial disparities in the criminal justice, healthcare, & education systems. A Shift Away from Unilateralism.
The United States took a “America First” stance under President Donald Trump, favoring independent action over international cooperation. This strategy resulted in the withdrawal from significant international accords, including the Iran Nuclear Deal and the Paris Climate Accord. Also, trade disputes were undertaken by the Trump administration with both allies and adversaries. A Resumption of International Law.
With an emphasis on diplomacy, alliances, and international cooperation, Joe Biden’s election suggested a possible move toward a more conventional approach to foreign policy. In addition to pledging to reestablish ties with long-standing allies in Europe and Asia, Biden also promised to rejoin global accords on climate change and nuclear nonproliferation. Overcoming Global Challenges. The Biden administration pledged to work with other countries to jointly address urgent international issues like terrorism, authoritarianism, and pandemics.
This strategy represented a major shift from the unilateral approach of the previous administration and an expression of a newfound dedication to multilateral diplomacy and cooperation. More than 159 million Americans cast ballots in the 2020 election, setting a record for voter turnout. With intensive get-out-the-vote campaigns and outreach initiatives aimed at key demographics, both candidates galvanized their base of support. Particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, early voting and mail-in balloting were also important factors in increasing voter turnout.
The great interest in the election and the importance of determining the course of American history were reflected in the high voter turnout. The growing power of minority communities and young voters in American politics was also brought to light. While there was optimism regarding democracy regarding the increase in voter turnout, there were also worries about possible attempts to stifle voting and tamper with the election results. In conclusion, there were significant ramifications for both domestic and international affairs from the 2020 US presidential election, making it one of the most significant in recent memory. The candidates’ histories, the political atmosphere, contentious issues, the role of social media, the effects on minority communities, the ramifications globally, and voter turnout all had a significant impact on how the election turned out. Though it also showed how resilient democratic institutions are & how powerful civic engagement can be, the election brought to light significant divisions within American society.
If you’re interested in the impact of divisive elections on society, you may also want to check out this article on achieving success one habit at a time. It discusses how small habits can lead to big changes and could provide insight into how individuals and communities can navigate the challenges of a contentious election.
FAQs
What are the reasons why the Trump vs Harris election could be the most divisive yet?
The article outlines five reasons why the Trump vs Harris election could be the most divisive yet, including their differing policy positions, the polarized political climate, the impact of social media, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and the historical significance of the election.
What are the policy differences between Trump and Harris?
The article discusses the policy differences between Trump and Harris, including their stances on healthcare, immigration, climate change, and racial justice. These policy differences are likely to contribute to the divisiveness of the election.
How has the polarized political climate contributed to the potential divisiveness of the election?
The article explains how the polarized political climate in the United States, characterized by deep divisions between Democrats and Republicans, has contributed to the potential divisiveness of the Trump vs Harris election.
What role does social media play in the potential divisiveness of the election?
The article highlights the impact of social media on the potential divisiveness of the election, including the spread of misinformation, echo chambers, and the amplification of political polarization.
How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the potential divisiveness of the election?
The article discusses how the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the potential divisiveness of the election, including its effects on public health, the economy, and the debate over government response and leadership.
Why is the Trump vs Harris election considered historically significant?
The article explains why the Trump vs Harris election is considered historically significant, citing the potential for the first female vice president and the ongoing national reckoning on issues of race and justice as contributing factors to its significance.