Staff Reports
In the intense lead-up to the 2024 presidential election, both major parties have showcased their unique—and, one might argue, wildly divergent—strategies for securing the White House. On one end, you have the Democrats, who seem to have opted for a method that puts the “less” in “democratic.” On the other side stands the Republicans, rallying behind former President Donald Trump, who is boldly seeking a third consecutive nomination. In the grand showdown of political tactics, it’s hard not to give a chuckle at the absurdities on both sides.
Let’s talk about the Democrats. While they have repeatedly emphasized their commitment to democracy, their nomination process has resembled more of a closed-door meeting than an open primary. Vice President Kamala Harris was ultimately given the nod, and the manner of her ascension wasn’t exactly how one would imagine a typical democratic process. The party may tout the virtue of inclusivity; however, many prominent Democrats mysteriously disappeared from the race, taking their concerns about Joe Biden’s age and political strengths with them. It’s a strange twist of irony when the party that loves to criticize ‘minority rule’ seems to be running a party show that resembles a ‘none-of-the-above’ voting campaign.
The GOP sure is stuck on this. Democrats overwhelmingly voted for Biden in the primaries. He stepped aside and let Harris take the reigns. Then Democrats held local conventions and elected delegates to represent us at the national convention. Those delegates nominated Harris. pic.twitter.com/oszfwXIAA0
— Joel Montfort (@jmontforttx) October 27, 2024
Biden was shielded from a robust primary challenge, a privilege usually granted to incumbents. Yet when the President voiced his intention to seek re-election at the sprightly age of 86, eyebrows weren’t the only things raised. The cognitive gymnastics attempting to justify his fitness in office became quite the spectacle, particularly following a debate that revealed just how much a gaffe-prone leader can stumble. At that point, Democrats collectively wished they had a time machine or a reset button. With a lack of noteworthy challengers and a curious absence of candidates ready to toss their hats into the ring, Democrats found themselves wishing they could conjure up a fresh face to compete.
In stark contrast, Trump has faced various contenders trying their luck against him within the Republican ranks. Notable names like Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley entered the fray, proving that the GOP is as lively as ever, with a robust competition that Democrats could only dream of. The Republican National Committee treated this primary season like an actual race, showcasing the potential candidates’ abilities to garner support and vying for attention, while Trump, ever the magician, cleverly turned the situation in his favor through strategic maneuvers that left opponents in the dust.
Despite having had no real primary competition in 2020, the Trump juggernaut faced a far more crowded and competitive field when he first ran in 2016. While the Democrats seemed to be whispering sweet nothings about democracy, Republicans boldly rolled through a raucous series of debates featuring a cavalcade of political talents. Rather than a single file line of party loyalists, the GOP primaries were a showcase, including governors, senators, and political newcomers battling it out for the chance to face Hillary Clinton. Trump emerged as not just the candidate but the embodiment of party strategy, proving there’s nothing like a good bout of competition to keep a party exciting.
The Democrats’ predicament raises questions about their approach to leadership and nomination, revealing that the deep-seated fear of a competitive primary can lead to a rather comical twist of fate where the candidate who could energize the base is the one who didn’t even bother to earn the votes in the first place. A lack of significant challengers and the aversion to any real primary competition has led to the party cycling back to someone who has not been the face of victory in prior contests. In a party that’s supposed to be the champion of the common voter, it sure does ring hollow when only a select few are allowed a shot at the big game.
As the stage is set for the 2024 election, two contrasting political philosophies are on display. On one side, the GOP is showcasing a vigorous primary process, while on the other, the Democrats appear to be clutching tightly to their established order, avoiding genuine competition. If history is any guide, a party that stifles a competitive spirit may just find itself on the losing end come November. The irony of defeating “minority rule” while effectively practicing a political version of musical chairs is certainly rich food for thought as these two giants lumber toward the 2024 finish line.
