The two major party candidates vying for the 2024 presidential election are Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. However, dozens of others are running as well.
Although there are so many known names ruling the roost when the scorching 2024 presidential campaign sets in, this election season also bears within it a plethora of lesser-known names yet quite influential. Let’s get a sneak peek into some of the notable presidential candidates and what they offer:
Contents
Jill Stein
Activist and doctor Jill Stein was a candidate for the Green Party in both 2012 and 2016.
Now 74, she recently told America that “Americans are not voting for a candidate they like… They’re generally voting against the candidate they hate the most.
“That’s no way for a democracy to function.”
Ms Stein advocates for an “economic bill of rights,” including universal access to healthcare and a right to employment. She has also promised to take on climate change, protect abortion access and transgender rights, and was recently arrested at a student protest on behalf of Gaza.
She is unlikely to win more than 2% of the vote-but that could still play spoiler to Ms Harris. Hillary Clinton supporters partly blame her for the Democrat’s narrow defeat in 2016.
In three critical states, Mrs Clinton lost to Mr Trump by fewer votes than Ms Stein received.
She says Democrats are trying “to sue us off multiple state ballots to cheat and change the rules to maintain their grip on power during this election cycle”
Her name: On at least four states’ ballots, per the party’s website although she keeps working toward trying to have her placed upon more. The running mate by Stein’s side is Professor of University of California Santa Barbara; Butch Ware.
Jill Stein: The Green Party’s Veteran
Jill Stein: Veteran of the Green Party Making Another White House Bid. Stein, a physician and former Green Party candidate, is known for very strong stances on issues related to the environment, social justice, and anti-corporate policies. She ran as the Green Party’s nominee in 2012 and 2016 and is back again this year focusing more on climate change, health reform, and less military spending. Her campaign has been centered on sustainability and breaking free from traditional party politics.
Cornel West: Progressive Voice
Cornel West is a philosopher, author, and activist who brings a powerful progressive voice to the race. A third party candidate, West is known to be vocal on economic inequality and racial justice, democracy, and other issues at the heart of the policy. His campaign is one to confront systemic issues in politics and economics, with policies to weaken corporate power and foster more equal economic conditions. West’s candidacy is getting attention because it sharpens criticisms of the two major parties and speaks for radical change.
The 70-year-old activist and famous academic has a complicated presidential candidacy.
He started it in June with the People’s Party. He then quit and declared he would accept the nomination of the Green Party, then changed his mind again and ran as an independent.
His socialist program includes providing public healthcare and cutting the US defense budget. His running mate is Melina Abdullah, who sits on the board of directors of the Black Lives Matter Grassroots organization.
He has attacked Mr Biden as a “war criminal” and Mr Trump as a “fascist pied piper”.
Cornel West speaks to HARD talk
His candidacy could have threatened Ms Harris in vital swing states such as Michigan, although his application to be on the ballot there has just been rejected. He is on the ballot in nine states and has yet to prove he can bring in the cash.
Chase Oliver: The Libertarian Perspective
A candidate that has also thrown his hat in is Libertarian Party candidate Chase Oliver, a fervent supporter of liberties as well as limited government and believes it’s time to roll the Federal Government back, as do I. He touts himself as a strong and business-minded individualist whose goal is to lower tax, limit government interference, not just in economic matters, but even personal ones. His campaign aims to provide a choice to the traditional two-party system, advocating a platform of minimal government and maximum personal freedom.
The Libertarian Party – the third largest political party in the country – has nominated Chase Oliver as its presidential candidate, with Mike ter Maat as his running mate.
While doing this, they forgot about Mr Trump and Mr Kennedy too who addressed the party convention held this month in a bid to solicit help from this. The reception was antagonistically cold to the reception of Mr Trump with outburst against the gathering in his speech.
Mr Oliver, openly gay sales executive and one-time Libertarian candidate for US congressional races in Georgia, believes the people have had it with the choice between “the lesser of two evils.”
“I’m just about to be the age of 40. I’m living the life of a normal American,” he recently told BBC Americas.
“I know what it’s like to go to the grocery store with the same amount of money but seeing less and less filling up the cart. Those are things that Donald Trump and Joe Biden are so far-removed from that they just can’t communicate those values anymore.”
Robert F Kennedy Jr
A former environmental lawyer known for his anti-vaccination activism, the nephew of former President John Kennedy first ran – and lost – as a Democrat.
The 70-year-old then ran in an independent bid against what he called the “two-headed monster” of American politics. Nicole Shanahan, a California lawyer and philanthropist, was his running mate.
His populist economic message and attack on the two major parties boosted him at first in the polls, riding the tidal wave of the many disenfranchised voters dismayed at the choice being between Biden or Trump but he barely missed the cut off to participate in the first presidential debate at the end of June.
In August, he dropped his independent candidacy for president, saying the same principles that had driven him out of the Democratic Party now compelled him “to throw my support to President Trump”.
Other Notable Candidates
In addition to these, many other personalities are vying for the presidential seat. Independents and representatives of smaller parties also have their candidates with distinct views and proposals. Of course, they don’t get the same coverage by the media as the big candidates, but they give spice to the political talk show and give the people the option to choose between these candidates.
The Impact of Third-Party Candidates
Third-party and independent candidates have a tougher time getting mainstream media attention. However, their presence does change the political debate and what is discussed by way of policy in this election. These candidates point out issues that the majors may miss and offer alternative points of view for those desiring something other than the mainstream options.
Looking Ahead President
All the candidates will remain in their campaigns and activities to push their agendas further during the 2024 elections. Their inclusion in the elections brings complexity and diversity into the race, therefore granting voters a wider option list. No matter how impossible it is for them to make media attention or attract the popular vote, it is an indispensable part of the election course that provokes more as well as richer political argumentation.
The 2024 presidential election is shaping up to be one of the most dynamic elections in recent history, as old faces and fresh voices look to vie for the highest office in the land. How do these diverse candidates influence will only be seen as election day draws closer:
Stay connected with Fact and US for more such news.