Securing Their Parties’ Presidential Nominations: An Examination of Biden and Trump’s Road to the 2020 Election
In one of the most significant political events of the 2020 season, both Joe Biden and Donald Trump have successfully secured their respective parties’ presidential nominations. Their journey to this point paints a vivid picture of contemporary America and the political landscape.
Joe Biden, a seasoned politician who has been on the political scene for more than four decades, officially secured the Democratic Party’s nomination in early June 2020. Considered one of the more moderate candidates in the Democratic primary, Biden leveraged his vast political experience and positioning himself as a unifying figure to clinch the nomination. Standing as the 47th Vice President of the United States under the Obama administration, Biden rallied supporters with a campaign focused on restoring ‘the soul of the nation’.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump, the incumbent President at the time, secured the Republican Party’s nomination in August of the same year. The business mogul-turned-politician, known for his unconventional approach to politics, had little opposition within his party for the nomination. Trump, the 45th President, campaigned for re-election under the slogan ‘Promises Made, Promises Kept’, showcasing his presidency’s accomplishments and advocating for a second term to continue his policies.
Both candidates’ campaign strategies were notably different from each other, speaking to the larger divide between their respective parties. Biden adopted a more traditional approach, focusing on compassion and unity, using his experience in politics to navigate complex issues. His platform was based on improving healthcare, addressing climate change, championing social justice, and rebuilding from the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Conversely, Trump’s campaign was more focused on the economy, immigration, and law and order. Continuing with his ‘America First’ philosophy, he promised significant tax cuts, deregulation, and strict immigration policies. Trump’s campaign also promised a swift recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, primarily through accelerated vaccine development.
Their differing political platforms highlight their distinctive approaches to governance. Biden’s focus on unity and compassion contrasts sharply with Trump’s unorthodox, business-like approach to running the country. Despite their differing philosophies, both candidates share a determination to lead, making the 2020 election one of the most fierce and competitive in recent years.
Throughout the campaign, both Biden and Trump faced criticism and faced multiple obstacles. Despite these challenges, both candidates remained steadfast in their path, ultimately securing their parties’ nominations.
The 2020 election showcased not only the political differences that separate Democrats and Republicans but also the diverse ways in which candidates run their campaigns, with Biden opting for a more traditional approach and Trump shattering conventional political norms.
In sum, the securing of the Democratic and Republican nominations by Biden and Trump respectively paints a vivid picture of American politics’ ideologically polarized nature in 2020. Regardless of party affiliation, both men were representative of their party’s distinct principles and, ultimately, the diverse perspectives of the American people.