BEIJING, Nov. 5 (Xinhua) -- The quadrennial U.S. elections provide a unique "window" into the country's politics, economy, and society.
Polls from research organizations like the Pew Research Center and Gallup suggested that the issues currently dominating voters' concerns and sparking debate include inflation, healthcare, crime, education, abortion, housing affordability, shale gas, and immigration.
What solutions do Democratic and Republican candidates propose to address these urgent challenges? Why have their approaches failed to alleviate the worries of American voters? Additionally, how have the eight key issues revealed the state of American democracy in light of the current political turmoil?
HIGH INFLATION
To gain more votes, Democratic and Republican presidential candidates have made sweeping promises to tackle inflation. However, many experts remain skeptical about their efficacy and sustainability, citing vague funding plans and the potential strain on a debt-reliant federal government.
Read World Insights: High inflation testing economic promises as U.S. election nears
HEALTHCARE
Both Democrats and Republicans seem unable or unwilling to pursue substantial healthcare reform, with national initiatives frequently stalled due to entrenched conflicts as low-income groups advocate for expanded public coverage while high-income groups resist tax increases.
Read World Insights: Healthcare: a hot topic left cold by both U.S. parties
SURGING CRIME
A growing sense of public insecurity has made violent crime one of Americans' top policy concerns in this election year. A Pew Research Center report in February revealed that 68 percent of Republicans and nearly half of Democrats say crime reduction should be a policy priority.
Read World Insights: Surging crime in U.S. society fuels public insecurity
EDUCATION
As Forbes observed in its article, higher education is now the most politically polarized institution in America, on par with the presidency, "from a talent and economic development perspective, this partisan divide on education will go down as one of the most damaging trends in U.S. history."
Read World Insights: Education falls victim to U.S. partisan fight
ABORTION
Currently, 10 U.S. states have made abortion rights a key topic for the 2024 elections. With the debate over "life" now being completely partisan, abortion rights have been transformed into a political symbol, further widening the divisions splitting American society.
Read World Insights: Battle over "life" in power struggle of American politics
HOUSING AFFORDABILITY
For many Americans, affording a home seems increasingly like an unattainable dream due to soaring prices and limited supply. As the presidential campaigns heat up, both parties are scrambling to present housing proposals to win votes, though detailed plans remain elusive.
Read World Insights: American dream of affordable houses fading away
SHALE GAS
The Democrats have historically promoted green environmental policies as a response to climate change, while the Republican Party supports traditional oil and gas energy. Recent polls indicate that Pennsylvania voters are divided on the issue of whether or not to ban fracking, but there is widespread support for stronger environmental regulations.
Read World Insights: Shale gas fuels fight for votes in U.S. presidential election
IMMIGRANTS
After years of dependency on immigrant labor, why has immigration become such a heated political issue in the United States? Blame a shifting economic landscape that has scapegoated newcomers.
Read World Insights: Immigrants -- scapegoats in U.S. governance dilemma