The Countdown Has Begun

Each candidate represents one of the two main political parties in the U.S. Trump is a Republican. He is running for a second four-year term as president. Biden is a Democrat. He hopes to replace Trump in the White House.

Each party nominates, or officially chooses, its candidate for president at its national convention. In the past, tens of thousands of people would pack into a sports arena to hear speeches from the candidates and other party leaders.

This year, however, health experts have warned against large gatherings, to lower the risk that Covid-19 will spread. So this year, both parties planned much smaller events for August.

Each candidate represents one of the two main political parties in the U.S. Trump is a Republican. He is running for a second four-year term as president. Biden is a Democrat. He hopes to replace Trump in the White House.

Each party nominates, or officially chooses, its candidate for president at its national convention. In the past, tens of thousands of people would pack into a sports arena. They would listen to speeches from the candidates and other party leaders.

However, health experts want to slow the spread of Covid-19. They have warned against large gatherings. So this year, both parties planned much smaller events for August.

Social distancing measures— such as avoiding crowds and standing 6 feet apart—have also changed the way Trump and Biden are campaigning. They are not crisscrossing the country to give speeches, as candidates have in the past. Shaking hands with voters and posing for selfies are also no longer a big part of their plans.

Instead, Trump and Biden are connecting with voters in other ways. For example, they’ve both held rallies online. And more than ever, they’re using social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube to deliver their messages.

Social distancing measures—such as avoiding crowds—have also changed the way Trump and Biden are campaigning. They are not crisscrossing the country to give speeches. Shaking hands with voters and posing for selfies are also no longer a big part of their plans. 

Instead, Trump and Biden are connecting with voters in other ways. For example, they’ve both held rallies online. And more than ever, they’re using social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube to deliver their messages.

Trump and Biden are also expected to face off in three televised debates—likely without live audiences. They’ll answer questions about their plans to deal with the issues facing the country. Topping the list will be stopping the spread of Covid-19 and helping Americans who lost their jobs because of the outbreak.

Which candidate will convince more voters that he deserves the nation’s top job? We’ll find out in November!

Trump and Biden are also expected to face off in three televised debates. They will likely do so without live audiences. They’ll answer questions about their plans to deal with the issues facing the country. Topping
the list will be stopping the spread of Covid-19 and helping Americans who lost their jobs because of the outbreak.

Which candidate will convince more voters that he deserves the nation’s top job? We’ll find out in November!

1. How were this year’s national conventions different from those of the past?

2. Describe some of the challenges the candidates face.

3. How are the candidates trying to connect with voters?

1. How were this year’s national conventions different from those of the past?

2. Describe some of the challenges the candidates face.

3. How are the candidates trying to connect with voters?