2024 Presidential Election (A Baker's World)

The 2024 United States presidential election was the 60th quadrennial American presidential election, held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. The Republican Ticket of Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker and Former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley defeated Vice President Tim Kaine and Nevada Senator Catherine Cortez Masto. Upon their inauguration, Nikki Haley became America's first woman Vice President.

Republican Primary
The Republican Primary was filled with nearly 50 candidates. Polling had showed that the country was destined to elect a Republican if they nominated the right one. The economy was strong after 8 years of Barack Obama and 8 years of Hillary Clinton. The Republicans platformed called on decreasing government involvement as the country was going strong. In the midst of a crowded field, Charlie Baker campaigned on a moderate message. He called for smaller government and tax cuts but wouldn't promise to take hard right stances on social issues. Seeing an opportunity, moderate Republican voters and those desperate for the White House again consolidated around the Blue state Governor. With the split of the more right wing and conservative branch of the party, Baker was able to make a path to the nomination.

Running Mate:
For Baker to win the Presidency, he needed to turn out the base and give a reason to the more conservative Republicans to vote. Word from various sources reported that he was interested in portraying a more diverse Republican party. And that he was not likely to choose a white man to accompany him on the ticket. In the end, Baker chose SC Senator Nikki Haley. Nikki Haley had legitimate conservative credentials which would appeal to the base, she was a woman of color and had Congressional relationships which made her a key ally in governance.

General Election:
Governor Baker running a moderate campaign left the election a huge toss up. For the last 8 years, the base of power for the Democrats had been coming out of the suburbs. While Trump had lost, the party continued its far right push creating the suburban, rural divide in so many areas.

Baker offered a change of pace for voters. Plus his charisma and charm did outpace Kaine on many levels. Polling showed that in the suburbs there was a reversion going on. When it came to voters of color, Baker was performed extremely well with Latino voters. In polling, he was netting double digit with Black voters.

Having a great economy, took pressure off many Democratic voters feeling the need to turn out and vote. They had no real need to vote, they held the White House for 16 years. They had a insurmountable majority on the Supreme Court. The economy was great with huge social investments in welfare programs. Unlike a Trump style figure, Baker didn't scream worrisome.

On the campaign trail, a reporter on CNN asked about his stance on abortion. Governor Baker said, it was a settled issue and his administration wouldn't focus on it. This caught Democrats off guard, as this was one of there key wedge issues. Strategists applauded the response.

CNN Panelist Jennifer Granholm remarked "Its a win win situation with that answer. Baker and the Republican party knows that right now we hold a 6 seat majority on the Supreme Court. Any case that comes up especially in regards to Roe v Wade or voting rights, the Liberals take the cake. So why fight it, when in the end you will lose. Make the statement, and get some moderate, liberal voters".

By October, Governor Baker had opened a double digit lead over Vice President Kaine. On Election Night, Baker was declared the winner of the Presidency by midnight. In many states, he held on to the rural areas while managing to win back many suburbs. Creating a reversion of the normal trend.