6 Ways Gen Z May Be Impacted by Biden’s Withdrawal From the Presidential Race
In a political landscape already fraught with uncertainty, the historic news of President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race could have significant implications for everyone, but specifically Gen Z. Members of this generation, known for its climate activism and digital native savvy, face unique challenges and opportunities in a rapidly changing world.
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No matter if it’s Vice President Kamala Harris, another democratic nominee or Donald Trump, the next person to run the U.S. from the White House will play an important role in shaping the landscape of the next few years and beyond.
Gen Z, when compared to baby boomers or other previous generations, is one of the most politically engaged groups when it comes to climate protests, voter registration drives and social media campaigns. Biden’s withdrawal could amplify this engagement as young voters recognize the critical importance of their participation in shaping the future political landscape.
The sudden change could serve as a rallying point, driving even more Gen Z voters to the polls. Here are six ways Gen Z could be affected by this late-stage election shake-up.
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A Sudden Shift in Policy Focus
At this point in the race, Biden’s withdrawal is unprecedented. It may significantly shake up voter confidence, especially for the younger and more liberally skewed Gen Z. Biden’s administration has prioritized issues near and dear to this generation’s heart like climate change, student debt relief and healthcare.
Whether Democrats anoint Vice President Kamala Harris or introduce a new candidate, the change may lead to uncertainty about the future of these policies. Gen Z may need to advocate even more vigorously for the issues they care about, pushing new candidates to adopt and expand upon Biden’s initiatives, many of which started during President Barack Obama’s term, during which Biden served as Vice President.
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Changes in Education Policy and Student Loan Forgiveness
Education is a critical issue for Gen Z, many of whom are still in high school, college or recently graduated. Biden’s proposals for reducing student loan debt or even forgiving it in some cases, have been a hot-button issue. A new candidate might alter these plans, potentially making college less affordable and increasing the financial burden on students.
Gen Z might need to be even more proactive in advocating for educational reforms that meet their needs. As this impacts younger people, more so than older generations who were able to pay off their student loans more easily years earlier, Gen Z will have to take the reins on this particular political issue.
Political Uncertainty Equals Economic Uncertainty
Biden’s economic policies, including efforts to raise the minimum wage and support for small businesses, have had a direct impact on young people entering the workforce.
It is yet to be seen if his withdrawal will lead to economic uncertainty, with potential downswings in job prospects, wage growth and financial stability for Gen Z. Just when everyone thought inflation couldn’t get any worse, political upheaval enters the chat.
Evolution of Social Justice Movements
Gen Z has been at the forefront of social justice movements, including Black Lives Matter, Me Too, LGBTQ+ rights and other initiatives that affect you and your friends and family.
Biden’s administration has taken steps to address systemic inequalities, but his withdrawal, particularly until the party either rallies around Vice President Harris or nominates a new candidate, brings uncertainty to these efforts. New leadership might approach social justice issues differently, prompting Gen Z activists to adapt their strategies and continue pushing for meaningful change.
Global Relationships vs. Global Climate Change
Biden’s foreign policy has emphasized rebuilding alliances and addressing global challenges collaboratively. His withdrawal could lead to shifts in international relations, affecting issues like climate change, trade and security. Gen Z, deeply connected to global issues through digital media, may need to reassess their understanding of international dynamics and advocate for policies that promote global cooperation.
Though climate change affects everyone, the younger generations will be here longer to pay the price for decisions made now. Biden’s withdrawal raises questions about future policies.
Digital Media and Mainstream Regulations
Gen Z’s relationship with digital media and technology is unparalleled and political campaigns have increasingly leveraged these platforms to connect with young voters. Biden’s withdrawal may lead to a reevaluation of digital campaign strategies.
New candidates might experiment with different platforms and messaging techniques, influencing how Gen Z consumes political content and engages with the electoral process. Tech regulations are also hard to measure for future impact. Laws are having trouble keeping up with how quickly things such as AI are evolving and Gen Z will be at the forefront of those battles.
Gen Z’s Civic Duty vs. Democracy
The bottom line is that this sudden change in presidential candidates may prompt Gen Z to reflect on the strength and resilience of democratic institutions. This generation might gain a deeper appreciation for the importance of civic duty, voter participation and the need to safeguard democratic processes.
Perhaps it will galvanize a long-term commitment to active citizenship and political involvement to prepare them for whatever is to come — no matter who takes Biden’s place.
Jordan Rosenfeld contributed to the reporting for this article.
Editor’s note on election coverage: GOBankingRates is nonpartisan and strives to cover all aspects of the economy objectively and present balanced reports on politically focused finance stories. You can find more coverage of this topic on GOBankingRates.com.
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