First Lady to POTUS — A repeat of 2016?
2024 is the season of elections as 2 key nations of the world go through the electorate. India and United States of America will go through elections this year. The US presidential elections have always been a hotbed of discussion with candidate nomination from Republicans and Democrats setting the tone before the final leg of selecting the President of the United States of America. As things stand today, President Joe Biden and former president Donald Trump could be set for a repeat of 2020 face off, but as the key election month comes closer, lots of opportunities are up for grabs.
On the Republican front, Donald Trump looks like the favorite to grab the nomination despite the criminal charges being filed against him. He recently defeated his closest competitor, Nikki Haley in 3 caucuses and it is unlikely he would lose the other caucuses. Democrats, on the other hand, have long been assuming that Joe Biden will go for a 2nd term, but the underlying talks within the party and the pulse of the nation suggests that he is already too old to lead a nation and another 4 years will only put the US on the backfoot. In the middle of this, a completely new candidate is being proposed within Democrats to lead the presidential race. No, it’s not Hillary Clinton, but Michelle Obama who is being favored by over 20% of the democrats as a presidential candidate as opposed to Kamala Harris or Hillary Clinton who have less than 15% of the support. This is an uncharacteristic nomination but not something new to the nation.
What brings Michelle Obama’s name to the forefront despite having no political career in any capacity?
1. An outfield candidate to challenge Trump: Given Trump’s money power and reputation to strong arm public opinion, Michelle Obama’s candidature could throw him off guard and challenge what seems like a likely return to the office if Joe Biden stays owing to the inactivity by the US government over the past 4 years.
2. Translate public affection to votes: Michelle Obama is a public figure loved by all owing to her work as an author, speaker and philanthropy. The public loves the Obamas and that could work in her favor as the election season sets in.
3. 8-year readiness plan: Since the time Michelle Obama stepped out of the white house, she has been extremely active in the public domain by releasing a book, having a Netflix series, and stayed continuously in the public eye as opposed to her exuberant husband, Barack Obama. This could very well be a though out plan to translate the public admiration into a return to the White House, but as a POTUS
While Michelle Obama’s name might bring a sense of excitement, there is a word of caution as well by bringing such an uncharacteristic nomination to the table.
1. No political experience: While Hillary Clinton had challenged Trump and even secured the Democrat nomination back in 2016, she had a wealth of experience in administration serving as the secretary of state. Michelle’s lack of political experience could work against her as the presidential debates happen and public look for an administrator who can guide the US through tough times.
2. Repeat of 2016: Another fear that Democrats may have is to avoid a repeat of 2016. Back n 2016, Hillary Clinton was a string favorite to become the president, but Donald Trump turned the table and won the elections. With Donald Trump all but confirmed as Republican candidate, Democrats will think twice before pitting another female candidate against him.
3. US of 2008 different from present day US: The US of 2008 was all about positive change and inclusivity which embraced Barack Obama with open arms as he become the first black president of America. Today’s US is very different with natives highly vocal against equal rights and racism increasing at an all time high. The level of inclusivity has significantly reduced from 2008 and people may not accept another black candidate as someone to lead them and their nation.
The next few months will determine the fate of USA, but Michelle Obama’s name indicates that surprises could pop up in this election and it may not be smooth sailing for Joe Biden or Donald Trump.
