As President Biden's 2024 campaign begins to take shape, a focus on key battlegrounds has emerged. The campaign aims to highlight the threat that former President Trump poses to democracy while also showcasing Biden's accomplishments compared to his predecessors. While the president pushes his agenda forward, concerns over slow implementation of key projects funded by legislative achievements have raised questions.
Economists and analysts predicted a recession for the United States at the beginning of this year. However, the country has experienced steady growth, reduced inflation, and rising wages, contrary to expert expectations. The unexpected positive economic trajectory has been a welcomed holiday gift for the Biden administration. The robust supply chain recovery and increased production capacity have kept the economy afloat, resulting in falling inflation and strong growth.
Despite the promising economic indicators, there seems to be a disconnect with middle-class voters. While Secretary of the Treasury, Janet Yellen, highlighted the positive statistics of Bidenomics in a recent op-ed, polls reveal that middle-class voters do not share the same level of optimism. Consumer confidence remains low when it comes to expectations of the future economy, despite the positive state of personal finances. The divergence in sentiment may be attributed to political partisanship, with Democrats expressing more optimism than Republicans. Lingering concerns over inflation, stemming from past years' price rises, may also be influencing households' views.
One noteworthy development on the horizon is the increasing scrutiny on TikTok by US policymakers. The popular social media platform has drawn attention as policymakers worry about its potential manipulation of American minds. Concerns surrounding teenage mental health and possible content manipulation by foreign governments have prompted calls for further investigation. Currently, there is anecdotal evidence suggesting a bias in the content being discussed and promoted on TikTok when compared to Instagram. Pro-Palestinian videos appear to be more prevalent on TikTok, while content critical of China is less common. These patterns have raised questions about the platform's algorithm and whether it is being influenced by external forces.
While firm evidence is yet to be presented to support claims of manipulation, the focus on TikTok's potential influence is likely to intensify. A scheduled hearing in Capitol Hill in January will explore the impact of social media on teenage mental health, primarily focusing on TikTok. As concerns grow, discussions around the Chinese government's involvement in shaping content and manipulating the platform's algorithm are expected to gain momentum.
As President Biden's campaign gears up for 2024, it continues to emphasize the threats to democracy while championing the achievements of his administration. Simultaneously, the economy's upbeat performance offers optimism, despite concerns from middle-class voters. The future of TikTok remains uncertain as policymakers intensify their scrutiny, examining its influence and potential content manipulation in the coming year.
