2024 U.S. Elections

• Elaine Kamarck and William A. Galston at Brookings examine that the Republican National Convention highlighted a stark contrast between a verbose Trump and a struggling Biden, leading to widespread speculation about Biden's potential exit and Kamala Harris's possible rise as the Democratic candidate.
• The article argues that while Trump missed an opportunity to solidify his lead with a long-winded, undisciplined speech, Democratic officials and voters are increasingly viewing Biden as a weakened candidate, potentially paving the way for Harris to step in and challenge Trump's controversial policies.

• Elaine Kamarck at Brookings writes that Joe Biden's endorsement of Kamala Harris for the Democratic Party's nomination is due to her extensive presidential-level vetting, practical time constraints, and her robust political experience.

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• The article asserts that Harris' widespread delegate support, substantial financial backing, and the urgent need for party unity and focus on the general election are key reasons for the swift consolidation around her candidacy.

• William H. Frey at Brookings argues that Vice President Kamala Harris's nomination as the Democratic presidential candidate has invigorated the race, with a particular impact on female voters who have historically supported Democratic candidates.

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• The analysis reviews that women's votes were crucial in recent elections, highlighting how post-Roe v. Wade changes and Harris’s advocacy on women's issues could lead to a significant voting surge, potentially favoring her in the 2024 election.

• Samantha Gross and Louison Sall at Brookings argue that Donald Trump advocates for a shift in U.S. energy policy, focusing on fossil fuels, reducing regulations, and opposing renewable energy initiatives to lower energy costs and achieve "energy dominance."
• The article asserts that Trump's ability to implement his energy agenda depends on Congress and the courts, with recent Supreme Court decisions potentially aiding his deregulatory efforts in a second term.

• Elaine Kamarck at Brookings writes that in selecting Senator J.D. Vance as his running mate, Donald Trump aimed to solidify his hard-right agenda, emphasizing Vance's alignment with Trump's core messages and MAGA base.
• The article examines how Trump's choice of Vance follows the "reinforcing model" of vice-presidential selection, where the VP candidate strengthens the presidential candidate's message and governance, rather than providing a traditional ideological or geographic balance.

• Elaine Kamarck at Brookings argues that President Biden's poor debate performance against Trump has raised doubts about his ability to lead, prompting questions about the delegates' role in deciding nominations.
• The article examines the history of delegate roles in U.S. party conventions, noting that although modern delegates are typically bound by primary results, under certain circumstances, they may exercise more independent decision-making.