US presidential election 2024: Democrats taking on Joe Biden
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Loading... - Carla Colombo
- 22 May 2023
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Joe Biden has launched his bid for re-election with a video emphasizing the critical moment the country faces in the upcoming 2024 election. However, the Democratic Party remains skeptical about whether he is their best candidate. Recent polls indicate that approximately half of Democrats prefer another nominee, although many of them still intend to vote for Biden. So, who are the other contenders in the race?
Marianne Williamson
Marianne Williamson, a renowned self-help guru, became the first Democrat to enter the 2024 presidential race by formally launching her campaign in March. At 70 years old, Williamson has a long history as a social justice activist, best-selling author, and former "spiritual advisor" to Oprah Winfrey. She ventured into politics for the first time in 2020, captivating audiences with her energetic performance during two Democratic primary debates. Williamson famously claimed that the key to defeating Donald Trump was to "harness love for political purposes." Although she withdrew from the campaign before the voting began, she continues to be an outspoken advocate for the progressive left. Her policy platform for 2024 includes advocating for universal government-run healthcare, free childcare, allocating at least $1 trillion (£800 billion) in slavery reparations to black Americans, and establishing a federal agency called the Department of Peace. Williamson aims to engage with young voters through TikTok, where her content has garnered millions of views.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., nephew of the assassinated President John F. Kennedy and son of former US Attorney General Bobby Kennedy, announced his presidential campaign in April. Kennedy, 69, is the latest member of the Kennedy dynasty to seek political office, which has contributed to his recent poll support of up to 21%. As a long-time environmental lawyer, he gained recognition for his advocacy on issues such as clean water, including efforts to clean up New York's Hudson River. However, much of his family has distanced themselves from him due to what they perceive as his "tragically wrong" conspiracy theories about vaccines. On the other hand, he has garnered support from far-right figures like Alex Jones and Steve Bannon. Kennedy has been skeptical of vaccines long before the Covid-19 pandemic, but his views found a new audience during the health crisis. Revenues for the anti-vaccine non-profit organization he founded in 2011 doubled in response. Managing Kennedy's campaign is Dennis Kucinich, a former Democratic congressman and two-time presidential candidate known for frequently deviating from the party line.
