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.

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.