The inauguration of Donald Trump on January 20, regardless of political affiliation, was historic. Trump took the same oath as 45 presidents had done before him (he previously served a term 2016-2020) and then took his place as the 47th President of the United States of America.
This sparked curiosity. How does one become president in 2024? As the times have changed, so has campaigning, and it seems that being able to run for president in the 21st century has turned into a privilege more than a right.
According to the U.S. Constitution, to run for president, a person must be a natural born citizen of the United States, be at least 35 years old and have been a resident of the United States for at least 14 years.
However, to actually be considered a candidate, the process and expectations differ from those expressed in the Constitution. It is typical that before running for president, a candidate has had experience in the political arena. For example, 46th President Joe Biden was a U.S. Senator from 1972 to 2009 before being V.P. to President Obama, followed years later by his own presidential election. George H. W. Bush was the governor of Texas before being elected president. Even so, political experience is not the only factor: money is a key component.
According to the Federal Election Commission, over $2 billion was spent by presidential candidates running in the 2024 election. A large amount came from different Political Action Committees (PACs). PACs support the parties and candidates whose policies benefit them. According to ThoughtCo. the biggest PACs are the National Association of Realtors, the National Auto Dealers Association, AT&T, Credit Union National Association and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. According to the Federal Election Commission, PACs raised $12.3 billion and spent $10.9 billion in the 2023-2014 election cycle.
According to USA Today, Kamala Harris, the Vice President during Joe Biden’s presidency and a 2024 Presidential candidate, had a net worth of approximately $6 million in 2019, prior to being elected to V.P. of the U.S. When she ran for president, her net worth had increased to $8 million. President Trump, before turning to politics, was a wealthy American businessman. According to Forbes, in 2024 his net worth was $3.6 billion.
Do candidates want to be president or powerful?
The unspoken requirements to run for president have made the 2024 election increasingly difficult for voters, as political experience does not equate to being a good president, and in today’s day in age, it seems as though only the richest can run.
According to Pew Research Center, 71% of Biden voters said they would rather replace candidates. Although he satisfied his voters over his long and successful 37 year run as a congressman, many were disappointed with Biden’s presidential performance. According to Pew Research Center, 68% of voters said they were not happy with the 2024 presidential candidates. Majorities viewed the campaign as too negative (68%) and not policy focused (76%). 87% of voters said this election did not make them feel proud of their country.
According to the Early 2028 Presidential Poll, the potential candidates are former V.P. Kamala Harris, V.P. J.D. Vance, Governor Gavin Newsom, and Businessman and Politician Vivek Ramaswamy. Hopefully 2028 candidates will satisfy 2028 voters.
Based on campaigning and voter trends in the 2024 election, it looks like 2028 is setting itself up for a big political year. It is impossible to make everyone happy in such an era of political divide, but hopefully the 2028 candidates will satisfy the 2028 voters.
