Throughout the history of American politics, the idea of holding one’s nose and voting for the “lesser of two evils” has been a common theme. The 2024 election between Donald Trump and Joe Biden is no different, with voters faced with two unpopular choices. The election is seen as the ultimate choice election, with voters fully aware of what each presidency will entail. The last group of undecided voters are struggling to make a decision, with some considering third-party options or not voting at all. This election will come down to swing voters who are truly vacillating between the two candidates and disaffected partisans deciding whether or not to vote.
Both the Trump and Biden campaigns are strategizing on how to appeal to these last undecided voters. They are attempting to lure disaffected partisans back to their side by using tactics such as “guilt by association” or focusing on issues like abortion and the economy. However, there is a segment of voters looking for the candidates to admit to some failure in their leadership and express regret for past decisions. This group wants to see that their concerns are being listened to and addressed.
Past presidents like Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, and George W. Bush have acknowledged voter disappointment and made changes in response to rebukes at the polls. In the current election, both Trump and Biden have areas in which they could admit fault, with their inability to bring the country together being a major failure for both. The lack of unity in the country has left many voters feeling disillusioned, with a sense of doom and gloom prevailing.
While Trump tends to avoid admitting mistakes or showing humility, Biden ran on a platform of unity and bringing the country together. However, he has yet to fulfill this promise, as the country remains as divided as ever. The inability of leaders to bridge the political divide has contributed to a lack of faith among voters. Going forward, both candidates need to address their failures and outline a plan for healing the nation and uniting the public.
In order to succeed in a deeply unpopular incumbent, candidates need to show humility and admit fault when necessary. Transparency and a willingness to acknowledge mistakes can go a long way with voters. While both Trump and Biden have their challenges to overcome, the candidate that can credibly address their flaws and propose solutions is likely to earn the support needed for re-election. The history of American politics has shown that humility and a willingness to listen to the concerns of voters can lead to successful campaigns.
