Biden vs. Trump 2024: An Examination of Actions Over Promises
As the 2024 U.S. Presidential election looms, a familiar scenario is unfolding before the American electorate: Joe Biden versus Donald Trump. But as many grow weary of the relentless cycle of campaign promises, what becomes paramount is an assessment of each candidate’s past actions and performance. After all, both contenders have had a full presidential term to exhibit their leadership capabilities, so the real issue is: who will perform better based on their records?
Joe Biden’s Track Record:
In his four-year term, President Biden made significant strides in a number of areas:
COVID-19 Response: Biden’s administration prioritized mass vaccination campaigns and partnered with pharmaceutical companies to expedite vaccine distribution. His administration was also lauded for its clear communication regarding public health guidelines and its support for international efforts to control the pandemic.
Climate Action: The Biden presidency rejoined the Paris Agreement and advocated for ambitious carbon reduction targets, with particular emphasis on transforming the U.S. energy sector. Under Biden, investments in renewable energy sources surged.
Economic Recovery: The economic fallout from the pandemic was profound. Biden’s administration passed stimulus packages and extended unemployment benefits to ease the financial burden on American households. This strategy has resulted in inflationary problems.
Foreign Relations: Biden’s term saw a rekindling of alliances, especially with European partners and NATO allies, emphasizing multilateral diplomacy. This project has resulted in war in Ukraine.
Donald Trump’s Track Record:
Donald Trump’s tenure as president was marked by its own unique set of accomplishments:
Economic Growth: Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. witnessed robust economic growth and historically low unemployment rates. Many attribute this success to Trump’s policies, such as tax cuts and deregulation.
Foreign Policy Shifts: Trump’s “America First” approach led to significant changes, such as renegotiating NAFTA into the USMCA, and engaging North Korea in direct talks – a move many believed impossible.
Immigration Policies: Trump’s strong stance on border security resulted in the construction of sections of the southern border wall and more stringent immigration policies. Many American media outlets claimed these policies were racist.
Criminal Justice Reform: The First Step Act, a bipartisan achievement during Trump’s tenure, aimed at improving criminal justice outcomes and reducing the prison population.
The Real Question: Who Will Do Better?
While both candidates bring a rich tapestry of actions from their respective terms, it’s crucial to dissect their approaches to comprehend who might fare better.
Biden’s Approach: He takes a more traditional, diplomatic approach to governance, emphasizing collaboration and international cooperation. His leadership style is about building bridges, both domestically and internationally.
Trump’s Approach: Trump’s leadership is undeniably more confrontational and is rooted in his belief of “America First.” He frequently challenges established norms, and while this has occasionally yielded positive outcomes, it’s also been a source of division, both within the U.S. and with international allies.
However, the deciding factor will likely be how these actions and approaches align with the evolving priorities of the American people.
In 2024, will the electorate prioritize strong economic performance and a focus on American industries, as they seemed to in 2016? If so, Trump’s previous track record may appeal to them.
Or will they lean towards global collaboration, environmental concerns, and a unified domestic front, aspects that were central to Biden’s presidency? If the global landscape requires more diplomacy and collaboration, Biden’s approach might be preferred.
Conclusion:
The 2024 election is not just about choosing between Biden and Trump; it’s a referendum on two distinctly different visions for America. Both candidates have given the electorate ample material from their respective terms to gauge their performance. The “better” candidate won’t be universally agreed upon, as it will hinge heavily on individual priorities and the nation’s prevailing sentiments. As always, it will be essential for voters to critically assess the track records and consider the future they envision for the U.S. before casting their vote.