Political Science Experts at Park University to Deliver Discussion Regarding the Impact of U.S. Presidential Elections
In the lead-up to the 2024 U.S. General Election on October 3, 2024, political experts Matt Harris, Ph.D., and Jack MacLennan, Ph.D., have been delving into the public policy implications of the election, focusing on the economic challenges, social issues, and demographic shifts that have emerged.
Their analysis, presented in a discussion titled "The 2024 U.S. General Election: Public Policy Implications", highlights a number of pressing concerns for voters. One such concern is the disillusionment among younger voters, particularly Generation Z, who have been affected long-term by the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of mental health, economic opportunities, and social development. The experts emphasise the importance of addressing economic mobility, wage stagnation, and student debt as key concerns for young voters, with "the economy and jobs" being the most important issue for them.
Another critical issue is public safety and gun policy, with rising violence and school shootings underscoring the need for reforms in gun legislation and the creation of safe, inclusive public spaces for youth. Climate change also remains a pressing issue, with younger demographics viewing political systems as insufficiently responsive. The experts argue that strengthening climate action and sustainability efforts is a public policy imperative.
The election results also reflect shifting racial and ethnic voter coalitions, signalling that future policies must consider increasing diversity and evolving voter preferences in shaping inclusive governance. Furthermore, the election outcome may influence U.S. foreign policy, trade, economic strategy, and international relations, including approaches to the Indo-Pacific region, Middle East, climate diplomacy, and migration policies.
The discussion, which will take place in the Jenkin and Barbara David Theater within Alumni Hall on the Parkville Campus of Park University on October 30, 2024, at 6:30 p.m., will cover the top 10 issues identified in a recent Pew Research Center survey as being very important to registered voters. These issues include the economy, health care, Supreme Court appointment, foreign policy, violent crime, immigration, gun policy, abortion, racial and ethnic inequality, and climate change.
The event is open to the public and will be livestreamed at ourumedia.com. Matt Harris, Ph.D., and Jack MacLennan, Ph.D., who has transitioned to the role of senior director for strategic initiatives and communications, and special assistant to the president for governance in August 2024, will take questions from the audience at the conclusion of their presentation.
The election of Kamala Harris or Donald Trump could lead to vastly different economic and social policies, and this discussion aims to provide insights into the policy implications of the 2024 U.S. General Election based on the issues identified in the recent Pew Research Center survey. This analysis underscores the urgent need for policies that address economic uncertainty, social inclusion, public safety, and environmental sustainability while adapting to changing demographic realities in the U.S.
- In the realm of education and self-development, addressing economic mobility, wage stagnation, and student debt are crucial for appealing to young voters, as they prioritize "the economy and jobs" as the most important issue.
- The ongoing challenges of war and conflicts, such as rising violence and school shootings, necessitate policy reforms in gun legislation and the creation of safe, inclusive public spaces, particularly for the youth.
- Lifelong learning and lifelong adaptability are essential for politics and policy-makers, as the 2024 U.S. General Election will heavily impact learning and governance, particularly in regards to climate change, racial and ethnic inequality, and foreign policy.
