In a rematch that appears to be on the horizon, Joe Biden and Donald Trump are set to face off once again in the upcoming election, despite the public's reservations. With nearly 300 days left until Election Day, voters are grappling with the reality of these two aging and unpopular leaders clashing once more.

The notion of another Biden-Trump showdown has led to a range of emotions among the electorate. Some are still in denial, refusing to accept these as their only choices. Others are angered by the potential matchup, while a few centrist donors are fervently searching for a third-party option to avoid the inevitable.

Both the Trump and Biden campaigns are eagerly pushing for acceptance, but outside of these entities, there is a general sense of trepidation within both parties about going to war with these polarizing figures once again.

Currently, the nation seems to be in the bargaining stage, with major donors and opinion leaders unwilling to concede to what appears to be an inevitable outcome. Many voters, especially those who fall between the ideological bases of the two major parties, are also hoping for an alternative option, either from within their own party or from an external source.

Despite this, the official acceptance phase of the two nomination fights is still pending. There are three distinct groups that remain in the bargaining stage: the dreamers of a third-party, Democrats wishing for a younger nominee, and non-MAGA Republicans seeking a more electable candidate.

On the Democratic side, Biden's impressive showing in the "write-in Joe Biden" campaign in New Hampshire has helped quell any remaining doubts within the party. Although some wish Biden were younger, they do not believe he should be replaced. The lack of success for Rep. Dean Phillips, who essentially ran unopposed in the state, underscores the fact that many Democratic voters are satisfied with Biden as their nominee.

As for the Republicans, all eyes are on Nikki Haley and her potential future in American politics. While mathematically unlikely to secure the nomination, Haley must determine the direction she wants to take within the party. Observing the experiences of Sen. Tim Scott and Gov. Doug Burgum, who transitioned from Trump critics to endorsers, it is clear that many Republicans opt to align themselves with Trump and Trumpism rather than advocate for change within the party.

Haley's path forward is uncertain, as her criticism of Trump has not been as fervent as her supporters and donors might have hoped. However, she does have an opportunity to position herself as a leader of a post-Trump GOP that rejects Trumpism. Such a campaign would be lonely, given that most elected Republicans will pressure her to drop out while secretly hoping for a different outcome.

Meanwhile, the possibility of a third-party candidate continues to intrigue frustrated voters. However, skepticism remains regarding the viability of former GOP governors or retiring Democratic senators as true game-changers. To truly gain momentum, the third-party candidate must emerge from a different arena, outside of electoral politics.

One potential candidate is Arnold Schwarzenegger. With a mix of political experience and celebrity status, Schwarzenegger could be seen as an uncompromisable figure. As governor of California, he governed with a pragmatic approach, similar to figures like Clinton and Baker, and his personal history in Austria lends him a unique perspective on democracy and the dangers of autocracy.

Although the Constitution restricts the presidency to natural-born citizens, Schwarzenegger's qualifications and distinct background could make him an ideal candidate for frustrated voters seeking a fresh and transformative choice.

As the nation navigates these stages of grief, from denial to bargaining, the inevitable showdown between Biden and Trump draws closer. While some cling to hope for alternatives, others prepare for the campaign ahead, leaving voters to ultimately decide the future leadership of the country.