Navigating the Stages of Grief: The 2024 Presidential Election and the Bargaining Phase

As the 2024 presidential election draws closer, the potential rematch between Joe Biden and Donald Trump looms large. While the race is still in its early stages, the prospect of another divisive and polarizing election has many voters, party leaders, and political elites in the throes of the bargaining stage of grief.

Bargaining: A Collective Response

The idea of a Biden-Trump rematch is met with trepidation by many, stemming from several factors:

Unpopularity of the Candidates

Both Biden and Trump are relatively unpopular with significant portions of the electorate, leaving many seeking alternative options. Recent polls show that a majority of Americans disapprove of both Biden’s and Trump’s job performance.

Desire for a Younger Nominee

Some Democrats believe that Biden’s age and perceived lack of energy make him a less effective candidate. They hope for a younger nominee with more vigor to energize the party’s base and attract younger voters.

Concerns Among Republicans

Non-MAGA Republicans worry that Trump’s polarizing presence and his baggage from the previous term will hurt the party’s chances of winning down-ballot races. They hope to find a more moderate or electable candidate who can appeal to a broader range of voters.

The Bargaining Camps

In response to these concerns, various groups are engaged in the bargaining stage of grief, seeking ways to avoid a Biden-Trump rematch:

Third-Party Dreamers

Many voters are hoping for a third-party candidate to emerge as an alternative to Biden and Trump. They believe that the two major parties do not adequately represent their views and that a third-party candidate could offer a fresh perspective and break the partisan gridlock.

The ideal candidate, according to some, would come from outside traditional politics, someone untainted by partisan affiliations or special interests. Former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is often mentioned as a potential third-party candidate due to his political experience, celebrity status, and perceived independence.

Democrats Wish-Casting for a Younger Nominee

Some Democrats are hoping that a younger, more progressive candidate will challenge Biden in the primaries. They believe that such a candidate could energize the party’s base and attract younger voters who may be less enthusiastic about Biden.

However, the success of Biden’s write-in campaign in New Hampshire suggests that most Democratic voters are not eager for a primary challenge. Biden won the state’s primary with over 80% of the vote, despite not actively campaigning there.

Non-MAGA Republicans Seeking an Alternative

Some Republicans, particularly those who are not aligned with Trump’s brand of politics, are searching for a more moderate or electable candidate. They hope to avoid the negative consequences associated with Trump’s polarizing presence and his baggage from the previous term.

Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley has been mentioned as a potential alternative to Trump. However, her criticism of Trump has been lukewarm, and she may struggle to differentiate herself from him in the eyes of Republican voters.

The I Told You So Maneuver

Some potential candidates, such as Nikki Haley, may be hoping to position themselves as the “I told you so” candidate in case Trump wins the presidency again. They may believe that their opposition to Trump will make them more appealing to voters in the future.

However, this strategy is risky, as it requires Trump to win the presidency, which would have negative consequences for the country. It also relies on the assumption that voters will remember and reward the candidate for their opposition to Trump, which is not always the case.

Conclusion

The 2024 presidential election is still in its early stages, and the potential rematch between Biden and Trump is far from certain. However, the bargaining stage of grief is evident among voters, party leaders, and political elites, as they grapple with the prospect of another divisive and polarizing election. Whether the bargaining efforts will result in a different outcome remains to be seen.