As the 2024 presidential election approaches, Americans face a crucial choice between two distinctly different candidates: former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. Both offer contrasting visions for the nation’s future, with Trump aiming to “Make America Great Again” once more, and Harris advocating for unity and progress.
Here’s a breakdown of where Trump and Harris stand on major policy issues that will shape the election.
Foreign Policy: Different Strategies for Global Relations
Kamala Harris is gradually revealing her foreign policy stance, focusing on maintaining alliances and global engagement, much like President Joe Biden. Experts predict she’ll surround herself with a strong team of advisers to uphold these values.
Donald Trump, on the other hand, has often taken an unpredictable approach to foreign policy. His statements have questioned America’s commitment to NATO, he has vowed to impose heavy tariffs on Chinese imports, and he claims he could swiftly end the conflict in Ukraine. Both candidates, however, have expressed support for Israel in its ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Immigration and Border Security: Contrasting Approaches
The Biden-Harris administration has emphasized a tough stance on immigration, with Harris highlighting her experience as California’s attorney general in combatting drug cartels and human trafficking. Harris has also shown support for bipartisan immigration reform, even as Trump has obstructed such efforts.
Trump’s immigration policies are more restrictive. During his presidency, he implemented a travel ban targeting Muslim-majority countries and pushed for stringent border controls. If re-elected, Trump plans to restore many of these policies and launch a large-scale deportation effort.
Economic Policies: Divergent Visions for America’s Economy
Trump’s economic track record includes tax cuts, deregulation, and trade conflicts, particularly with China. His 2024 campaign promises more of the same, including lowering corporate tax rates and rolling back green energy subsidies. Trump has also vowed to address inflation and interest rates, although he hasn’t provided specifics.
Kamala Harris supports a more progressive economic agenda. While linked to the Biden administration’s economic policies, Harris has championed family-focused initiatives like paid leave and child care support. She is also expected to lean towards more progressive economic reforms if elected.
Reproductive Rights: A Defining Issue
Abortion rights are a central issue in the 2024 election. Harris has consistently supported abortion access, and her administration could be more aggressive in defending reproductive rights than Biden’s. Harris has previously proposed measures to protect abortion laws at the state level.
Trump’s position on abortion has varied over the years. While he’s taken credit for states’ efforts to restrict abortion access, he has also indicated that he wouldn’t support a national abortion ban, leaving voters unsure of his true stance on the issue.
Education: Two Different Paths Forward
Harris advocates for increasing investment in education, particularly in K-12 funding, teacher salaries, and universal preschool. She also supports expanding access to higher education, including student loan forgiveness and increased funding for historically Black colleges and universities.
Trump, meanwhile, supports reducing the federal government’s role in education. His agenda includes expanding private school choice programs and cutting funding for schools that promote critical race theory or gender ideology. His close ties to conservative education reformers suggest a more hands-off approach to federal oversight.
Defending Democracy: Polar Opposites
Trump’s stance on democracy is controversial. He continues to defend his actions during the January 6 Capitol riot and has promised to pardon those involved. Additionally, Trump has hinted at taking authoritarian measures if re-elected, including punishing political opponents and revising parts of the Constitution.
Harris, on the other hand, focuses on protecting democratic institutions and ensuring that freedoms, such as voting rights and civil liberties, remain intact. Her campaign emphasizes the potential dangers of a Trump presidency for the future of American democracy.
The Supreme Court: Potential for Major Changes
The next president will have a significant impact on the Supreme Court, with two justices likely to retire in the coming years. Trump’s previous appointments have solidified a conservative majority, and if re-elected, he would likely continue to nominate conservative judges.
Harris, with her background on the Senate Judiciary Committee, would likely prioritize candidates who reflect her commitment to civil rights and justice reform. Her previous interactions with Trump’s Supreme Court nominees garnered national attention and highlight her strong stance on judicial appointments.
As the 2024 election nears, the choice between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump will shape the direction of the country on critical issues like foreign policy, immigration, the economy, and the defense of democracy. Stay informed and make your voice heard in this pivotal moment for the nation’s future.
