Former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden are the presumptive nominees for the Republican and Democratic parties respectively for the 2024 presidential election.

The general election campaign has begun, with a focus on battleground states and an expected increase in campaign advertising.

Trump has conveyed intentions to implement authoritarian policies if re-elected, including mass deportations and military deployment to suppress civil unrest.

There is concern about the lack of strong alternatives to the main candidates and a perceived erosion of political engagement in the U.S.

Despite a recent State of the Union address, President Biden has not seen a significant uptick in support and remains behind Trump in the polls.

The upcoming presidential debates are seen as critical in shaping public opinion, overshadowing the impact of Trump's legal issues and the Democratic convention.

The 2024 campaign is anticipated to be highly polarized with the potential for personal attacks and violence.

Journalists, like CBS's Robert Costa, highlight the need for rigorous and impartial reporting, especially on legal matters involving Trump.