As the pivotal presidential election on November 5, 2024, approaches, the United States faces significant political, social, and economic challenges. The race between incumbent Vice President Kamala Harris, the first female Vice President of color, and former President Donald Trump presents a stark choice between two divergent outlooks for the future of America. Harris emphasizes progressive policies aimed at enhancing healthcare, supporting LGBTQ+ rights, and tackling climate change, while also maintaining a firm stance on international relations, particularly in relation to Ukraine and China. On the other hand, Trump focuses on conservative values, promising tax cuts, deregulation, and strict immigration policies.
Kamala Harris is advocating for renewable energy while accepting some fossil fuel practices, aiming for stronger climate policies and clean energy investments under the Biden administration. Though she initially backed the Green New Deal, her current stance is more moderate. In contrast, Donald Trump focuses on boosting oil drilling and energy production to make energy affordable for Americans. He intends to reduce regulations on fossil fuels, approve new power plants, and reverse some of Biden’s climate policies, arguing that consumers should not be forced to switch to electric vehicles. Subsequently, Kamala Harris promotes a balanced approach to renewable energy and climate policies, while Donald
Trump emphasizes traditional fossil fuel production and deregulation, reflecting their differing views on energy and environmental strategies.
Kamala Harris champions the right to abortion services across the country, believing that women should have the freedom to make personal choices about their bodies without government interference. She stresses the risks of strict state laws, citing real-life cases where women’s health has suffered due to these regulations. In contrast, Donald Trump often highlights his role in appointing judges who overturned Roe v. Wade, asserting that abortion decisions should be managed by individual states rather than the federal
government. While he claims he wouldn’t endorse a national abortion ban, his specific policies on the issue remain vague, although he supports making in vitro fertilization more accessible. On the whole, Kamala Harris advocates for federal protections for abortion rights, while Donald Trump supports state-level decisions and emphasizes a more limited federal role, highlighting the stark differences in their views on reproductive rights and the government’s role in personal health decisions.
Kamala Harris sees Donald Trump as a major threat to democracy, like concerns expressed by some former Trump officials who called him a “fascist.” She points out his legal issues, such as felony convictions and his involvement in the January 6 Capitol attack, arguing that another term for Trump would be dangerous. In contrast, Trump does not accept Joe Biden’s win in 2020 and has not promised to accept the results of the upcoming 2024 election. He has said he would pardon those involved in the January 6 events and has threatened legal action against anyone he thinks is working against him. Trump also claims that his Democratic opponents are a bigger threat than foreign countries and vows to change the Justice Department. Ultimately, Kamala Harris considers Donald Trump a significant danger to democratic principles based on his legal issues and actions related to January 6, while Trump continues to reject Biden’s 2020 victory and threatens legal measures against his critics, illustrating the profound rifts in American politics concerning governance and legal ntegrity.
Kamala Harris criticizes Republicans for blocking a bipartisan immigration bill aimed at enhancing border security and immigration standards. Drawing on her experience as California’s attorney general, she advocates for a comprehensive immigration reform that would provide pathways to citizenship for young immigrants. Meanwhile, Donald Trump is intensifying his hardline immigration stance, vowing to implement the largest domestic deportation effort in U.S. history, reinstate previous policies, and enforce stricter measures, including a renewed travel ban on certain countries. As a result, Kamala Harris champions a comprehensive approach to immigration that offers pathways to citizenship for young
immigrants, whereas Donald Trump emphasizes strict deportation policies and heightened
immigration restrictions, showcasing the clear differences in their strategies regarding immigration in the United States.
Kamala Harris opposes “Project 2025,” a plan linked to Donald Trump aimed at overhauling the federal government. She supports measures that make it harder to fire federal workers and prevent changes that would simplify dismissals. Conversely, Trump has distanced himself from the project despite initially backing it. He seeks to reform the federal bureaucracy by eliminating what he calls the “deep state” and removing bureaucrats he finds problematic. Additionally, Trump plans to dissolve the Department of Education and cut regulations on government agencies. In essence, Kamala Harris stands against “Project 2025” and promotes safeguards for federal employees, while Donald Trump endorses substantial reforms to reshape the federal government and cut regulations, highlighting the differing philosophies of governance that could impact the country’s future.
Kamala Harris criticizes Donald Trump and his party for trying to take away freedoms related to LGBTQ+ rights, emphasizing the importance of love and acceptance. She supports policies that protect the LGBTQ+ community, including reversing Trump’s ban on transgender individuals serving in the military. In contrast, Trump wants to keep transgender women out of women’s sports and has pledged to establish laws recognizing only two genders. There are also plans to limit access to gender-affirming care for minors (such as hormone therapy, which helps transgender youth develop physical traits that align with their gender identity) and to impose penalties on educators who provide support for transgender students. These differing views highlight the stark divide in how each candidate approaches LGBTQ+ rights and protections. Thus, Trump’s policies and rhetoric may foster a less supportive and more hostile environment for LGBTQ+ individuals, especially transgender youth, whereas Kamala Harris’s advocacy encourages acceptance and provides access to vital healthcare, creating a more inclusive atmosphere that improves their health, safety, and overall quality of life.
The Biden-Harris administration has worked to strengthen trade relationships with allies while maintaining tariffs on China, including increased tariffs on electric vehicles and steel. They aim to boost U.S. industries while restricting exports of advanced technology to China. In contrast, Donald Trump wants to significantly increase tariffs on all imported goods, suggesting rates of 10% to 20% on foreign products and even up to 100% on Chinese goods.
The Biden-Harris administration has worked to strengthen trade relationships with allies while maintaining tariffs on China, including increased tariffs on electric vehicles and steel. They aim to boost U.S. industries while restricting exports of advanced technology to China. In contrast, Donald Trump wants to significantly increase tariffs on all imported goods, suggesting rates of 10% to 20% on foreign products and even up to 100% on Chinese goods. He views these tariffs as a way to fund tax cuts and other initiatives, although economists warn they could raise consumer prices. Thus, the Biden-Harris administration emphasizes strengthening trade relationships and maintaining targeted tariffs on China, whereas Donald Trump advocates for broad increases in tariffs on all imports, highlighting their contrastingapproaches to trade and economic policy for America’s future.
Kamala Harris is promising tax cuts for over 100 million working and middle-class households, aiming to make certain tax credits permanent, including a $3,600 credit per child. She plans to raise the corporate tax rate and expand tax credits for first-time homebuyers. In contrast, Donald Trump proposes a series of new tax cuts, including lowering the corporate tax rate for U.S. manufacturers (like Ford and General Motors) and eliminating taxes on certain benefits (such as tips received by workers). He aims to extend the tax cuts from 2017 while promising to keep government debt in check. Thus, Kamala Harris aims to provide tax cuts for working and middle-class families by raising corporate taxes, while Donald Trump focuses on lowering corporate tax rates for manufacturers and introducing new tax cuts, highlighting their contrasting approaches to economic support for Americans.
Kamala Harris asserts Israel’s right to defend itself and labels Hamas a terrorist organization. She highlights the urgent need to protect civilians in the ongoing conflict, which has resulted in over 42,000 Palestinian deaths. Harris and President Biden support a proposed cease-fire aimed at resolving the conflict and endorse a two-state solution for achieving lasting peace. In contrast, Donald Trump strongly backs Israel’s actions against Hamas, advocating for a quick resolution to the conflict and proposing stricter measures against pro-Palestinian protests in the U.S. Consequently, Kamala Harris supports Israel’s right to ensure its security while advocating for civilian protection and a two-state solution, whereas Donald Trump strongly endorses Israel’s actions against Hamas and calls for a quick resolution to the conflict, highlighting the significant differences in their approaches to the Israel-Palestine issue and foreign policy.
Kamala Harris has yet to clarify how her perspectives on the conflict in Ukraine differ from those of President Biden, but she is a supporter of NATO and advocates for significant military assistance to Ukraine, totaling tens of billions of dollars. Conversely, Donald Trump has openly criticized U.S. support for Ukraine and has stated that he would reassess NATO’s significance if he were to be elected again. He argues that he could swiftly broker peace by proposing that Ukraine concede some territory for a cease-fire, and he has made remarks that appear to encourage Russia concerning NATO member countries that do not fulfill their military spending obligations. Thus, Harris supports NATO and robust military aid to Ukraine, while Trump questions the current U.S. support and advocates for a more lenient approach
toward Russia, highlighting their contrasting views on foreign policy and the ongoing situation in Ukraine.
As voters weigh their choices, the results will significantly impact both domestic policies and the United States’ position in the world. This election will influence the country’s direction for years to come, highlighting the importance of understanding the key issues and the candidates’ differing governance styles. Ultimately, the decision made on Election Day will chart the course for America, affecting the lives of millions both nationally and internationally.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article reflect my personal analysis of the statements made by U.S. presidential candidates regarding potential policies. They do not necessarily represent the views of any institution or organization with which I am affiliated.
Dr. Narendra Raj Tiwari ([email protected])
Economics Faculty at Texas A & M University–Commerce
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