During the campaign, presidential candidates travel to states and cities to meet with voters and explain their plans for the nation. They also compete in nationally televised debates. Advances in technology have helped shape the campaigns, with radio and television a central part of many. National political ads have long been important, with such memorable slogans as Lyndon B. Johnson’s “Daisy” and Ronald Reagan’s “Read My Lips” gaining popularity.
The main vote events, called primaries and caucuses, start in early January and February of the election year. Voters use a secret ballot to choose candidates from different parties, and state delegates who support these candidates will then “endorse” them for the party’s national convention. The party members at the convention will then select their final presidential nominees. In addition to selecting a presidential candidate, the parties will also select a running mate (Vice President) and other party leaders.
In June 2024, Biden’s poor performance in a televised debate with Trump was widely criticized, and the pressure to drop out of the race became more intense. On July 21, Biden dropped out of the race and endorsed Harris for president.
In November, all Electoral College votes are cast, and the candidate with the majority of electoral votes becomes president. If no candidate receives a majority of electoral votes, the House of Representatives votes for a new President and Vice President. The winner of the House vote becomes President, and the Senate votes for a new Vice President.