The presidential race is a contest between two people to be President of the United States. The winner is not the person who gets the most overall votes, but a total of 538 “votes” are up for grabs in the form of electoral college ballots (a state’s population determines how many votes it receives in the Senate and House). The candidate who wins 270 or more electoral votes becomes the president.
Each state holds a series of primaries and caucuses, in which voters pick their preferred candidate. The winners of these contests then become the party’s nominees for the presidency. Each party also selects a vice presidential nominee.
Once a candidate is officially nominated, the campaign moves into high gear. The candidates hold debates, and they try to convince voters that they are the best choice for president. They also try to woo delegates who will help them win the election.
Debates are sometimes controversial, and a lot of time is spent trying to get the attention of voters. The first debates take place in the early states, like Iowa and New Hampshire, where a big turnout usually leads to a significant impact on the race. Voters in these early states are often called “swing states” because they can tip the race one way or another.
During the 2024 presidential race, polls indicated that Democratic Senator Kamala Harris and Republican nominee Donald Trump were neck and neck nationally and in key swing states. But, in the end, Harris’s youth and her commitment to traditional liberal causes were enough to overcome Trump’s deceptions, brash style, and perceived lack of detailed plans for the nation.
About the Author
