The 2024 presidential election in the United States is happening amid heated debates over cultural and social issues, often called “culture wars” or “woke” issues. These debates cover topics like immigration, racial diversity, gender identity, and American history. Read how these issues are shaping voter opinions and the overall political landscape.
Immigration
Immigration continues to be a polarizing issue in American politics. According to a Pew Research Center survey, there is a stark contrast between supporters of President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump on this topic. Nearly two-thirds of Trump supporters advocate for a national effort to deport all undocumented immigrants, whereas only 11% of Biden supporters share this view.
Gender Identity and LGBTQ+ Rights
The debate over gender identity and LGBTQ+ rights is another significant cultural issue. Republican-backed anti-transgender state policies focus on restricting gender-affirming medical care for minors and limiting transgender individuals’ participation in sports. In contrast, Democrat-backed policies support access to gender-affirming healthcare and anti-discrimination measures.
Race and the Legacy of Slavery
Racial diversity and the legacy of slavery are central to the cultural discussions in the 2024 election. Only 27% of Trump supporters believe that the legacy of slavery affects the position of Black people in America today, whereas 79% of Biden supporters affirm its significant impact. This division underscores the ongoing challenges in addressing racial inequality in the United States.
Criminal Justice and Policing
The criminal justice system and policing are also contentious topics. A majority of voters (61%) feel that the criminal justice system is not tough enough on criminals, with Trump supporters (81%) being more likely to hold this view compared to Biden supporters (40%). Despite this, there is a consensus on the importance of police and law enforcement treating all racial and ethnic groups equally.
Reproductive Rights and Abortion
The Supreme Court’s 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade has intensified debates over reproductive rights. While 88% of Biden supporters believe abortion should be legal in most cases, only 38% of Trump supporters agree. This issue remains a focal point for both parties, with Democrats leveraging it for electoral gains.
The Changing American Family
Views on family structure and societal priorities have evolved significantly. Trump supporters are more likely to favor traditional family structures, with 59% believing society is better when people prioritize marriage and family, compared to 19% of Biden supporters. This disparity reflects differing perspectives on the modern American family and societal values.
Religion and Society
Religion’s role in society remains a divisive topic. While both Biden and Trump supporters acknowledge the importance of discussing America’s historical successes and failures, there are differing views on the influence of religion. This debate is emblematic of the broader cultural divide over the role of religion in public and private life.
Artificial Intelligence and Technological Change
The increasing presence of artificial intelligence (AI) in daily life is met with broad skepticism. More than half of voters (55%) view the rise of AI as detrimental to society. This sentiment is shared by both Trump (59%) and Biden supporters (51%), highlighting a rare area of agreement amid widespread cultural and political disagreements.
Mental Health Awareness
There is a positive consensus on the importance of mental health awareness. An overwhelming majority of voters (87%) support more open discussions about mental health and well-being. This includes 94% of Biden supporters and 79% of Trump supporters, indicating a shared recognition of the need for mental health advocacy.
Climate Crisis and Environmental Policy
Climate change remains a critical issue, with 70% of Americans advocating for meaningful action. Biden’s administration has emphasized clean energy and environmental regulations, contrasting sharply with Trump’s denial of human-caused climate change and opposition to clean energy initiatives.
Foreign Policy and Global Relations
Foreign policy will also be a significant aspect of the election, particularly regarding US support for Ukraine and relations with China. Biden continues to support Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, while Trump and other Republicans have varied stances, some of which include reducing or halting support for Ukraine.
Democracy and Election Integrity
The integrity of American democracy is a pressing issue, especially with Trump’s refusal to accept the 2020 election results and ongoing legal battles. Biden emphasizes protecting democracy, while Trump and his supporters focus on alleged election fraud and tightening voting regulations.
Education and Critical Race Theory (CRT)
Education remains a contentious battlefield with debates over the inclusion of CRT and DEI programs. Republican legislators propose restrictions on classroom content and discussion of race and LGBTQ+ issues, while Democrats promote diverse educational content.
