Written By: Daniel Holscher, Staff Writer
ELECTION: As the 2024 presidential campaigns start to wrap up, the two candidates make one final push to outline their policies and appeal to voters.
“Chaotic Beginnings”
The 2024 Presidential Election continues to stay too close to call as early votes are cast and counted; both candidates are in a race to secure some final demographic of critical voters that will push them over the edge to victory. Over the course of this year we have seen many shifts which have impacted voter opinion and efficacy. For instance, the sudden drop out of Joe Biden in the race left Democrats scrambling for a new candidate. The entrance of Vice President Kamala Harris, the first female Vice President of the United States.
Former President Donald J. Trump has also been the victim of assassination attempts two times within the past 3 months as the election treads closer. In the Pennsylvania incident, the Former President was grazed with a bullet on the right ear. The other attempt was carried out in Florida while he was golfing but the culprit was unable to get off any shots. Foreign wars such as the Russo-Ukrainian War and Israel versus Hamas conflict have inevitably shaped the position voters take when considering their candidate. So, how do we go about this? What incentive is there to vote for Kamala Harris or Donald Trump? Why is it important?
“The Policies Of Donald J Trump”
Donald Trump has entered the race for his third and potentially final campaign for the presidency after his win against Hillary Clinton in 2016 and his loss against Joe Biden in 2020. He makes it clear that this will be the final time he attempts to run this route as he campaigns to get America on his side. That leaves the question: Why vote for Donald Trump? Here are five big topics with his stance involved:
Economy: Trump plans to expand energy production to reduce the price of energy, including gas and coal. He also plans to lower housing costs by preventing undocumented immigrants from getting mortgages and deporting hundreds of thousands of undocumented immigrants.
Taxes: Donald Trump wants to extend the tax cuts he established in 2017, paving the way for investment and growth. He also plans to cut corporation tax and remove the federal income tax.
Abortion: Trump has struggled to find a consistent message as a Conservative member, though this is the first election since Roe V Wade was overturned. He has stated that he will NOT sign a National Abortion ban into law, taking a moderate stance to attract voters.
Ukraine and NATO: Trump very much emphasizes the importance of separating the US from other foreign wars in the world. He states that he can end the war within 24 hours as he “knows Zelensky and Putin very well.”
Climate: Trump has declined lots of environmental proposals in the past as he is not the biggest fan of clean climate initiatives. He plans to halt off-shore wind farms as soon as he is elected.
“The Policies Of Kamala Harris”
As Kamala Harris entered the race she emphasized numerous points and policies she wanted to follow through with, even with her short campaign season. Kamala Harris is serving as Vice President Of The United States right next to Joe Biden, and since her nomination has made it very clear she is in it to win this election. As a new face within the Democratic nominee influx, what incentives do voters have to choose her as our next president?
Economy: Vice President Kamala Harris worked with Joe Biden on his Bidenomics plan to invest in more infrastructure and green energy. She promises mortgage assistance for first-time home buyers; tax credit for parents of newborns; and to limit price gouging at grocery stores to help with the fight against inflation. She hopes to appeal to middle-class citizens.
Taxes: Harris has said she will pass a Middle-Class tax cut benefiting more than 100 Million Americans as soon as she was elected the Democratic Nominee. This refers to the Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit, giving families of newborns about $6,000 in tax cuts.
Abortion: Kamala Harris has always supported Abortion Rights which suits her position as Democratic nominee. Her campaign is aimed at safeguarding abortion rights nationwide.
Ukraine and NATO: Mrs. Harris has publicly denounced Russia’s actions and pledges to support Ukraine “for as long as it takes”. She rejects isolationism and promises to safeguard democracy across the world.
Climate: Harris has defended California’s Climate Laws and sued industries for damage to the environment. She was hopeful to ban fracking (recovering natural gasses and oils from the ground) but changed her stance to lease those companies and give money over to the renewable energy moguls. She also plans to hold polluters accountable for their actions.
“November 5th, 2024”
As the Presidential Election is less than a week away, our candidates have done everything they can to demonstrate their capabilities as candidates. While this article does not outline each candidate’s total policies and implementations, it provides a rough outline of the ideals of both candidates and their master plans. As Election Day is just around the corner, it is important to go out and cast a vote that aligns with a party you believe fits your policy positions. America has built itself up from nothing but the fierceness of 13 British colonies, upholding the values of democracy and equal representation. With that being said, all we can do is wait and see what November 5th holds for all of us.