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President Joe Biden has secured a decisive victory in the Democratic primary in South Carolina, confidently pledging to defeat his Republican opponent, Donald Trump, for a second time in the upcoming November election. In Saturday’s primary, Biden outperformed other unlikely Democratic candidates on the ballot in South Carolina, such as Congressman Dean Phillips from Minnesota and self-help author Marianne Williamson. This resounding win echoes his previous success in the state, which played a crucial role in propelling him to the White House in 2020.

However the limelight is not on Biden.

Trump’s aggressive return to the polls

Nikki Haley experienced a significant setback in the Republican primary in Nevada yesterday, enduring a humiliating defeat despite the absence of competition from Donald Trump.

The Associated Press projected that she received fewer votes than the option “None of these candidates” by a considerable margin. The state governor had encouraged voters to choose this alternative as a form of protest because Haley opted to skip Thursday’s caucuses.

In yesterday’s primary, with 86% of precincts reported, “None” secured 63% of the votes, while Haley trailed with 31%. It’s important to note that the contest is non-binding, as the Republican Party has disavowed it. Although the victory for “none of these candidates” will not officially impact the race, it underscores the strength of Donald Trump. The backlash against Haley ultimately resulted in her effectively losing the vote, even though Trump faced no opposition in this particular primary.

Briefing on the U.S. elections and American mindset

In November 2024, Americans are set to participate in the presidential election, where the focus will primarily be on determining the next US president. While the spotlight remains on the presidential race, voters will also play a crucial role in selecting new members of Congress, the legislative branch of the government.

The House of Representatives will witness elections for all 435 seats, and 33 Senate seats are up for contention. Presently, Republicans control the House, while Democrats hold the majority in the Senate. These legislative bodies, by passing legislation, can act as a check on White House initiatives if there is disagreement between the controlling party in either chamber and the president.

Although the Republican primary race has not officially concluded, the prospect of a general election showdown is emerging with no clear pathway to victory for Nikki Haley. The Democratic and Republican conventions, a few months away, will officially unveil each party’s presidential nominee, but the 2024 election appears to be already set.

The contest between Joe Biden and Donald Trump presents a unique scenario in modern history, featuring a rematch between the current president and his immediate predecessor. According to Todd Belt, a politics professor at George Washington University, this election is a comparison rather than just a referendum on the incumbent, making it distinct with no blank slates.

Sean Spicer, Trump’s former press secretary, emphasizes the simplicity of the contrast. Those who benefitted from Trump’s policies during his term may find the choice clear-cut. Both candidates, however, face vulnerabilities – Trump addressing legal troubles and divisive rhetoric, while Biden strives to sell his first-term achievements and assure the public of his campaign energy and readiness for a second term.

Biden’s approval ratings, currently in concerning territory, and negative perceptions of Trump contribute to the anticipation of a closely contested general election in November. While national polls depict a tight race, the outcome will likely hinge on a few key states, as has been the pattern in previous elections.

Economic factors traditionally influence American voters, and the 2024 race is no exception. Despite positive economic indicators such as steady growth, low unemployment, and record-high stock market performance, voters hold a grim view of their economic situation. Factors like inflation and high housing costs contribute to this perspective. However, recent signs of improvement, such as increased consumer confidence and decreases in inflation and gas prices, offer some hope for Biden. As the election year progresses, voters still have time to reconsider their views on the state of the American economy.