A presidential race is the competition between candidates for the office of President of the United States. During the campaign season, Democratic and Republican candidates make speeches across the country and participate in televised debates. When voters go to the polls they will select one candidate from each party and a running mate. The candidate with the most electoral votes becomes the president. If no candidate gets a majority of electoral votes, Congress determines who will become president.
With a few exceptions, states choose their presidential electors using a winner-take-all system. This means that in most states except Maine and Nebraska, most electoral votes go to the candidate of one major political party. It also forces a candidate to focus exponentially more time and money on so-called “swing states” where there is no clear majority. Critics argue that this system is inherently undemocratic and discourages voter participation and turnout.
As the election cycle progresses, each state holds a series of primary and caucuses in January and February where delegates (supporters) to the party convention vote for their preferred candidate. These delegates then formally endorse the final nominee for their respective party. The nomination process is incredibly controversial, with many voters and party leaders calling it inherently undemocratic and encouraging extremist candidates.
In a highly contested race, Trump and Harris faced off in a widely-watched televised debate on CNN’s State of the Union. Despite the hullabaloo surrounding a presidential debate, they rarely have much effect on the outcome of the election.