Mike Allen and Jim VandeHei: A brand new presidential race
Jul 25, 2024
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Axios co-founders Mike Allen and Jim VandeHei discuss the new presidential race post-Biden, focusing on the candidacy of Kamala Harris, the significance of controlling the presidency, the impact of new voices in the election, and reflections on historical events mirroring 2024.
President Biden's decision to step out of the presidential race emphasizes prioritizing democracy over personal ambition.
The 2024 presidential race is shaping up to be historic due to unprecedented events, campaign strategies evolving, and contrasting future narratives.
Deep dives
Biden's Decision to Step Out of the Presidential Race
President Biden, after considering concerns about his age and the political landscape, made a pivotal decision to step out of the presidential race. Democrats moved through stages of grief, from shock to anger, as they dealt with this new reality. This decision bore significant implications for the future of the nation, with a focus on the fate of democracy and a shift towards a new campaign led by Kamala Harris.
The Importance of the 2024 Presidential Race
The 2024 presidential race, marked by unprecedented events, is poised to be one of the most eventful years in history. Trump's near assassination, a transformative debate, and a surge of political activity within a condensed timeframe have set the stage for a historic election. Conservatives' concerns about the election's legitimacy and the delicate balance of democracy heighten the tension surrounding the unfolding events.
Campaign Strategies and Voter Perspectives
Campaign strategies are evolving to introduce Vice President Harris to voters, highlighting reproductive rights, age disparity with Trump, and her prosecution background. The election narrative now encompasses two contrasting futures represented by the Democrats and Republicans. Voter perspectives are shifting, with considerations of policy, economic impact, and personal comfort influencing electoral decisions in a closely contested 50-50 America.
"Nothing, nothing, can come in the way of saving our democracy. That includes personal ambition." President Biden explained his move to the American people in an address Wednesday night. Now, a new race lies ahead -- one no longer so focused on the past, between two candidates who've already done the job of president. So what is it about? Axios co-founders Mike Allen and Jim VandeHei take us inside their reporting.
Guests: Axios co-founders Mike Allen and Jim VandeHei, authors of the Axios "Behind the Curtain" column
Credits: 1 big thing is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Alexandra Botti, and Jay Cowit. Music is composed by Alex Sugiura and Jay Cowit. You can reach us at podcasts@axios.com. You can send questions, comments and story ideas as a text or voice memo to Niala at 202-918-4893.