In a typical year, political conventions provide the parties’ candidates with a platform to build momentum, rally supporters, and showcase their visions for the country. However, the 2020 presidential election cycle has been anything but typical. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic throwing a wrench into traditional campaign strategies, both the Republican and Democratic parties have had to adapt and innovate in order to secure their nominations for President.
For Democrats, the path to securing the presidential nomination for Joe Biden was marked by a series of unexpected turns. Biden, a veteran politician and former Vice President under President Barack Obama, emerged as the frontrunner early on in the primary season. However, his path to victory was far from smooth sailing. Facing off against a diverse field of candidates, including Senator Bernie Sanders, Biden struggled in the early primary contests, leading to speculation about the strength of his candidacy.
Despite these early setbacks, Biden’s campaign received a significant boost following a string of victories in key primary states, culminating in a decisive win in the South Carolina primary. This victory, which was largely attributed to strong support from African American voters, provided Biden with much-needed momentum heading into Super Tuesday. On Super Tuesday, Biden won a series of crucial primaries, solidifying his status as the Democratic frontrunner.
As the primary season progressed, Biden continued to build on his momentum, winning a series of key contests and consolidating support from party leaders and voters alike. With the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, Biden was forced to shift his campaign online, hosting virtual events and rallies in order to connect with voters. Despite these challenges, Biden’s campaign persevered, ultimately securing the Democratic nomination for President.
On the Republican side, President Donald Trump faced a different set of challenges in securing his party’s nomination for a second term. The incumbent President, who faced minimal opposition within his own party, was able to secure the nomination relatively early in the primary season. However, Trump’s path to victory was complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced his campaign to cancel in-person rallies and events.
Despite these challenges, Trump’s campaign adapted to the new normal, leveraging social media and digital platforms to communicate with supporters and reach voters. The President also made strategic use of his position, leveraging the powers of the presidency to dominate media coverage and shape the narrative around his re-election campaign.
As the general election approaches, both Biden and Trump now turn their attention to the task of winning over undecided voters and rallying their respective bases. With the COVID-19 pandemic casting a shadow over the campaign, both candidates face a unique set of challenges in reaching voters and making their case for the Presidency.
In a year marked by uncertainty and upheaval, the 2020 presidential election promises to be a closely contested and consequential race. As Biden and Trump secure their parties’ nominations for President, the stage is set for a historic showdown that will shape the future of the country for years to come.