Key Issues in the 2024 US Presidential Elections: Joe Biden vs Donald Trump

Four years after Democratic nominee Joe Biden defeated then-US President Donald Trump, the two political heavyweights are likely to lock horns again come November. While neither party has officially declared their candidates, Mr. Trump is presumably the nominee for the Republican Party, having faced no serious challenges in the primaries. Mr. Biden, similarly, has come up as the clear frontrunner among Democrats during the state primaries. The election is set for November 5, with results expected soon after.

With the conflict in Ukraine and Israel’s war in Gaza, the US electorate is keeping a close watch on what Mr. Biden and Mr. Trump propose to improve the situation and reduce the burden on the country’s taxpayers. The Biden administration has drawn the ire of many, including Vivek Ramaswamy and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who have criticized the president for getting involved in regime change operations and favoring the “military-industrial complex”. Recent tensions between Iran, the arch enemy of the US, and Israel have also put President Biden in a spot. However, he’s made it clear to Israel that the US won’t take part in its retaliation against the Islamic Republic.

Mr. Trump’s approach, on the other hand, is to prioritize swift resolution, showing less consideration for Palestine, echoing his previous pro-Israel stance. He has also hit out at Mr. Biden for his “weakness” in dealing with Iran, especially after the country’s drone attack on Israel. He sees this as a major success, citing low unemployment and steady growth with over 14 million new jobs. However, former President Trump disagrees, pointing to rising debt and inflation, leading to a cost of living crisis and discontent among voters.

Taxes and business concerns are also some of the major issues. Mr. Trump’s 2017 tax plan cut rates for individuals and corporations, but Mr. Biden plans to raise corporate taxes and top-income tax rates. Recent polls indicate that healthcare is a top concern among basic expenses for Americans. Democrats, including President Biden, pledge to support and improve Obamacare, an insurance policy introduced by former President Obama to provide coverage for citizens.

In contrast, former President Trump sees Obamacare as a failed initiative and advocates for a complete overhaul of the system to ensure affordable healthcare for the US population. He had initiated the construction of a border wall with Mexico during his term, but Mr. Biden stopped funding the project after he was elected, leaving it unfinished. According to recent reports from the Pew Research Centre, the unauthorized immigrant population in the United States was around 10.5 million in 2021. Among them, Indians make up the third-largest group, with approximately 725,000 people currently living in the country illegally.

President Biden supports reproductive freedom and opposes the overturning of Roe vs Wade, a landmark ruling that established the right to abortion. This stance contrasts with former President Trump’s support for abortion restrictions, except under certain circumstances. The gender issue has also become a point of contention, with approximately 7% of Americans identifying as part of the LGBTQ community. Democrats advocate for freedom of choice and gender-neutral language, while Mr. Trump and other Republicans, like Vivek Ramasamy, view it as a threat to traditional values and the Judeo-Christian way of life in American society.