The 2020 US Presidential election was marked by significant moments that resulted in an exciting and divisive campaign. These events forced candidates to adapt to new rules and tactics while changing the course of the election. The COVID-19 pandemic, Black Lives Matter protests, Presidential debates, Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s death, Hunter Biden scandal, voter suppression tactics, mail-in voting, Joe Biden’s campaign strategy, Donald Trump’s refusal to concede, and the election outcome were ten critical moments that highlighted the differences in policies and personalities of the candidates. As President-elect Joe Biden prepares to take office, he faces a significant challenge in uniting the country and addressing critical issues facing the United States.
10 Key Moments That Defined the 2020 Presidential Election
The 2020 United States presidential election was a historic event that was marked by significant events that changed the course of the campaign, forcing candidates to adapt to new rules and tactics. These key moments defined the presidential election and made it one of the most exciting and divisive elections in US history. Here are the ten critical moments that shaped the 2020 election.
1. The COVID-19 Pandemic
The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic was a critical moment that defined the 2020 presidential election. The pandemic forced candidates to rethink their campaigns and shift their focus onto addressing the public health crisis. It also exposed the flaws in the US healthcare system and highlighted how critical it is for the country to have a robust healthcare infrastructure. The pandemic also forced states to reconsider their voting options, with some introducing extended early voting and mail-in ballot options to reduce the likelihood of people getting infected while voting in-person.
2. Black Lives Matter Protests
The Black Lives Matter protests that began in May 2020 after the killing of George Floyd by the police also had a considerable impact on the presidential election. The protests highlighted issues of systemic racism and prompted candidates to outline their position on anti-racism policies. It also galvanized voters, particularly young people, who were looking for a candidate who was committed to promoting equity and social justice policies.
3. Presidential Debates
The presidential debates were a critical moment that defined the 2020 election, highlighting the differences in policies and personalities of the candidates. The first presidential debate was particularly explosive, with both candidates engaging in personal attacks, interrupting each other, and ignoring the moderator. The debates also provided an opportunity for candidates to clarify their positions on various issues, such as the pandemic, healthcare, and the economy.
4. Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s Death
The death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a seismic moment for the 2020 election. Her death opened up a Supreme Court vacancy that President Trump was keen to fill, which divided the country, particularly on the issue of abortion rights. The nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court after Ginsberg’s death was a crucial moment that defined the election and galvanized voters who were vehemently opposed to Trump having the opportunity to name a third Supreme Court justice.
5. Hunter Biden Scandal
The Hunter Biden scandal was a critical moment that defined the 2020 presidential election, serving as one of the final nails in the coffin for Donald Trump’s re-election bid. The scandal involved unsubstantiated claims of impropriety regarding a business deal in Ukraine involving Hunter Biden, the son of then-candidate Joe Biden. The scandal was viewed by many as a politically motivated smear campaign launched by the Trump administration to undermine Joe Biden’s candidacy.
6. Voter Suppression Tactics
Voter suppression tactics employed by Republican state legislatures targeted minority communities and young voters, which are traditionally supportive of the Democratic Party. The tactics, which included voter ID laws, purging of voter rolls, and the closure of polling stations, were seen as attempts to suppress the vote and tilt the election in favor of the GOP. The tactics prompted significant outrage and lawsuits in several states, particularly in Georgia and Texas.
7. Mail-In Voting
Mail-in voting was a critical moment that defined the 2020 presidential election. The pandemic prompted many states to introduce mail-in voting options, which provided a safe and convenient option for voters. However, the move was opposed by the Trump administration and Republicans, who argued that mail-in voting was more susceptible to fraud. The move to mail-in voting also led to significant delays in vote counting, particularly in Pennsylvania and other states.
8. Joe Biden’s Campaign Strategy
Joe Biden’s campaign strategy was another critical moment that defined the 2020 presidential election. Biden was able to secure the Democratic nomination by positioning himself as a moderate candidate, appealing to a broad spectrum of voters. The emergence of Kamala Harris as his running mate was also a crucial moment, making her the first Black and Asian-American woman to be selected as a vice-presidential candidate for a major party.
9. Trump’s Refusal to Concede
Donald Trump’s refusal to concede the election, despite Joe Biden being declared the winner, was a critical moment that defined the 2020 presidential election. Trump’s refusal to accept defeat prompted significant backlash from the media, the public, and politicians from both parties. His claims of voter fraud and a rigged election heightened tensions and divided the country, leading to fears of political violence and civil unrest.
10. The Outcome of the Election
The outcome of the 2020 presidential election was a critical moment that defined the election. Joe Biden was declared the winner of the election, securing 306 electoral votes, while Donald Trump received 232 votes. It marked the end of one of the most eventful and divisive elections in US history, with Joe Biden pledging to unite the country and address the critical issues facing the country.
Conclusion
The 2020 presidential election was a remarkable event that was defined by ten critical moments that changed the course of the campaign. From the COVID-19 pandemic to the Black Lives Matter protests, the presidential debates, and the outcome of the election, these events had a seismic impact on the election, the candidates, and the voters. As Joe Biden prepares to take the oath of office and assume the presidency, he faces a significant challenge in uniting the country and addressing the many critical issues facing the United States.