The 47th President of the United States
- Marcelo Serafim
- Nov 8, 2024
- 4 min read
Donald Trump’s political journey has been one of the most unconventional and scrutinized in modern U.S. history. Originally a real estate mogul and television personality, Trump’s entry into politics shocked both the public and political pundits. In 2015, he announced his bid for the presidency, riding on a populist platform that prioritized nationalism, immigration reform, and economic policies aimed at “Making America Great Again.” Despite his lack of prior political experience, his ability to appeal to a broad swath of American voters led to a decisive victory over Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential election.
During his first term, Trump focused on policies that aligned with his America First philosophy, such as renegotiating trade agreements, implementing tax cuts, and tightening immigration policies. His approach to foreign policy was markedly different from previous administrations, including negotiating directly with North Korea, altering relationships with NATO allies, and introducing a new stance on China. Trump’s presidency was characterized by both fervent support from his base and significant opposition from his critics, creating a divisive political landscape.
In 2020, Trump ran for re-election but was defeated by Joe Biden. However, in 2024, Trump has made a political comeback as the Republican candidate, aiming to be one of the few presidents in U.S. history to serve non-consecutive terms. His campaign highlights similar issues from his first term, including securing borders, prioritizing the economy, and ensuring American energy independence. Trump’s unique strategy of connecting directly with voters through social media and his signature rallies continues to be a focal point of his campaign.
As the race progressed, Trump’s odds of winning relied heavily on voter turnout and securing battleground states. With an emphasis on traditional Republican strongholds and swing states, his campaign strategies reflected his 2016 approach of rallying strong support among his base. States like Florida, Ohio, and Pennsylvania are critical in this process, as they offer significant delegate counts that can influence the overall outcome.
Trump will be only the second U.S. president to serve two non-consecutive terms, joining Grover Cleveland. The achievement would not only cement his influence on American politics but also redefine expectations for presidential qualifications and experience. Trump’s appeal lies in his outsider approach to politics, which resonates with voters tired of traditional political dynamics and looking for a figure they see as a change agent.
However, his polarizing nature means that his campaign also faces significant resistance. Opposition from various sectors, including progressive groups and established Republican factions, presents a challenge to his bid for re-election. Additionally, Trump’s legal battles and ongoing investigations added a layer of complexity to his political return, as his opponents questioned his eligibility and suitability for office.
The U.S. electoral process is also heavily influenced by the Electoral College, where each state is allocated a certain number of electors based on its population. To win the presidency, a candidate must secure 270 of the 538 electoral votes available. This system sometimes leads to a situation where the popular vote does not align with the electoral vote like in 2016, this was not the case this time, Trump won both the electoral college and the popular vote.
Trump’s success in the 2024 election reflects broader shifts in American political culture, where celebrity status and media influence play significant roles but not enough to influence the outcome of the 2024 election. Trump’s second term could further shape both domestic and international policies, leaving a lasting legacy in the global political landscape.
Questions:
What were the main principles behind Donald Trump’s America First policy?
How does the U.S. delegate system impact the election?
Which states are typically considered swing states in U.S. elections?
Is the electoral college a fair system?
How might Trump’s victory in 2024 change U.S. foreign policy?
Vocabulary Section:
Pundits - Experts in a particular field who offer opinions or commentary.
Populist - A political approach that strives to appeal to ordinary people.
Polarizing - Causing strong divisions or opposing opinions.
Caucuses - Local meetings where members of a political party express support for candidates.
Battleground states - States in which either major political party has a strong chance of winning.
Non-consecutive terms - Terms of office that are not served one after the other.
Majority - More than half of a total.
Rallies - Large public meetings, often used to generate support for political candidates.
Swing states - States where voter support is nearly evenly divided.
Electoral College - A body of representatives from each U.S. state who formally elect the president.
Phrasal Verb:
“Rally around” - To gather support or come together in support of a cause or person.
Example: Supporters rallied around the candidate at his campaign event.
Idiom:
“Level playing field” - A fair competition where no side has an advantage.
Example: The electoral system should provide a level playing field for all candidates.
Grammar Tip:
Using Conditional Sentences to Express Hypotheticals
Example: If Trump wins the 2024 election, he will become the 47th president.
Homework Proposal:
Research the U.S. delegate system and write a short essay on how it affects presidential campaigns. Include examples of past elections where the delegate system had a significant impact on the outcome.
Listening
Homework Proposal:
Research the U.S. delegate system and write a short essay on how it affects presidential campaigns. Include examples of past elections where the delegate system had a significant impact on the outcome.
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