“A Growing List of Challenges Awaiting Biden in 2024: More Woes Ahead?

As President Joe Biden enters the twentieth month of his first term as the U.S. leader, a list of potential challengers for the 2024 presidential election is growing. Although Biden’s approval ratings remain above 50%, and the incumbent currently holds substantial advantages in name recognition and fund-raising, the recent shift of prominent Republicans into the 2024 race signals a new era of political competition. The growth in the list of potential 2024 contenders started with the announcement of former Trump-era U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley’s intention to “take a strong look” at a potential White House run. Haley had previously won two terms as Governor of South Carolina and achieved a national level of visibility as a Trump foreign policy official. Subsequently, Republican freshman U.S. Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas joined the list of potential challengers with the lauch of “Cotton PAC” in March 2021. Cotton has already been testing the waters with campaign stops in key primary states since late last year, and is expected to formally enter the 2022 field soon. The most recent addition to the list of prospective 2024 presidential candidates is current South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem. Noem was an early but frequently vocal supporter of the Trump administration’s agenda. She had previously been a prominent rising star within the Republican Party and a fervent advocate of small government, free market solutions and deregulation. Not only do these three key prospects represent formidable opponents for the election, but they also bring unique constituencies to the table. Nikki Haley’s ability to attract moderates to her fold would challenge Biden’s coalition. Tom Cotton’s strength among the conservative movement would erode Biden’s support within the base. And Kristi Noem’s background in the states’ rights movement could energize an energized battleground. In the wake of these serious contenders emerging, it’s becoming increasingly clear that President Biden will be faced with a flood of challengers in the 2024 presidential election. With the active encouragement of former President Donald Trump for fellow Republicans to enter the race, Biden will have even more headaches to prepare for. The more contenders that join the field, the more complicated the electoral process becomes—particularly as the mid-term’s outcome approaches. This means that with every rising prospect, the chances of a Biden re-election become more difficult. The president has a long road ahead of himself, and he’d better buckle up for the months to come.