Anticipation about the upcoming election has doubled with the entry of Kamala Harris into the presidential race after president Joe Biden dropped out in July. Especially with the fact that former president Donald Trump is also in the running with hopes that he’ll be reelected. In addition, we are in a time in history filled with significant economic and social issues, ones that may make or break our country’s future. Thus, we must recognize and understand where each candidate stands on those issues.
Taxes
Vice President Harris says that, if elected, she’d install a fairer tax system for Americans earning less than $400,000 a year. Harris’s campaign site also states that the Vice President will ensure that the wealthy pay the same, if not more, in taxes by issuing different reforms such as a billionaire minimum tax.
While Trump plans to cut taxes like he did back in 2017, he also will eliminate federal taxes on tips, a policy that dictates that cash and non-cash tips received by employees are subject to Federal income taxes. The former president also aims to help middle and upper-middle-income seniors by ending income taxes on Social Security benefits.
Inflation
Harris wishes to address the issue of inflation by directing her administration’s focus to the prevention of anti-competitive practices like price fixing (an agreement among companies to raise, lower, or maintain prices) and group boycotts that are committed by large corporations that result in higher prices. In addition, those practices also stop other businesses from being successful.
During his previous presidency, Trump had implemented policies that were intended to lower inflation rates such as tariffs on Chinese goods, and increase the pressure on the Federal Reserve for lower interest rates. On one hand, these tariffs produced a higher revenue but on the other they raised prices for the average American.
On his current campaign website, it is stated he will end Inflation by “unleash[ing] American Energy,” which dictates that American resources will be focused on producing oil and be thrust ahead by lifting restrictions on energy production. Trump also aims to increase the demand for American products. In addition, the former president intends to stop wasteful Government spending and to reinstate the previous Deregulation Policies that allowed for businesses to act more freely. The goal of these policies is to increase competition and thus produce a more fruitful economy by the resulting lower costs.
Housing
The vice president has plans to build three million more rental units and houses that will remain affordable for the average US citizen. In addition, she plans to provide first-time homeowners with up to $25,000 to help with the necessary expenses of owning a house for the first time.
Trump has remained firm in his belief that the above policies for reducing inflation will lead to lower mortgage rates. However, he also means to open federally-owned property to make way for the construction of new private homes, a policy that he originally proposed during his previous presidency but never went through due to the remote location of that federally-owned land. In addition, Trump promises to cut unnecessary federal regulations that raise housing costs and to support first-time homeowners.
Abortion
Both the Vice President and Governor Walz have expressed their “trust in women to make decisions about their own bodies, and not have the government tell them what to do.” Harris promises that, if elected, she’d never allow a national abortion ban to become law and would sign if Congress were to pass a bill restoring reproductive rights.
Trump had appointed three of the five justices who voted to reverse Roe v. Wade (1973) back in June 2022, something he considered a “win for life” but he has remained adamant that the issue of abortion should be determined by the states. Thus, Trump is firm in not signing a nationwide abortion ban. However, it’s important to state that Trump’s position has changed repeatedly and may do so once again if he is elected.
Guns
During her time as Vice President, Harris helped carry through an investment of $15 billion in local law enforcement and community safety programs across the country. As President, Harris promises to ban assault weapons, support red flag laws (laws that allow for the prevention of a person in crisis to have access to guns), and issue universal background checks for gun owners and buyers.
According to his official campaign site, Trump aims to uphold the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. His strong support for the Second Amendment has resulted in his endorsement by the National Rifle Association, an influential gun rights advocacy group. In his previous Presidency, Trump reversed many policies that limited gun ownership. Thus, it is extremely likely that he will continue to make way for increased gun rights if re-elected.
Israel and Palestine
Harris has shown her support for Israel’s right to defend itself and its security but has faced pressure to lessen her support from anti-war activists and pro-Palestinian voters. However, even before facing pressure, Harris had expressed empathy for the Palestinian people’s right to security and freedom. She hopes to free the hostages taken by both sides and to end the war by implementing a two-state solution (creating two new countries in the Palestinian territory).
During his former presidency, Trump acknowledged Jerusalem as Israel’s official capital and moved the US embassy there. Despite this support for Israel, the former president has criticized the Israeli government’s handling of public relations. When questioned during the June presidential debate Trump was not clear on whether he would support an independent Palestinian state, instead commenting a vague “I’d have to see.” However, while he has remained adamant that the war wouldn’t have happened if he had been president, he has not outlined what exactly he plans to do if re-elected.
Ukraine and Russia
With support for Ukraine, Harris declared that Russia had committed “crimes against humanity” a year after the invasion and the war’s beginning. During her presidency, Harris plans to continue sending aid packages that not only contain food but also weapons.
Just like the war between Israel and Gaza, Trump has remained adamant that if he were president, the invasion of Ukraine would have never happened. In the past, Trump had praised Russian President Vladimir Putin and strongly advocated for improved relations. Thus, he has remained adamant that peace talks between Ukraine and Russia are the only way to end the conflict, even if that would entail Ukraine ceasing ownership of the land already taken by Russia.
Border Security
The Bipartisan Security Bill that would increase the number of agents and the range of drug detection technology was introduced during Biden’s presidency. This bill would also give the federal government the power to close the border when too many migrants overwhelm the system. If elected, Harris promises to sign this bill into law and focus on mending the immigration system.
During his previous presidency, Trump was adamant about building a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border with funding from the Mexican government. However, American tax money was instead used but building was then halted by the Biden Administration. While Trump plans to continue construction of the wall if re-elected, he also aims to restore Remain in Mexico, a policy that he introduced in January 2019 that requires migrants seeking asylum to remain in Mexico until approved by a US court. Trump also hopes to deputize the National Guard to assist law enforcement in removing immigrants who are involved with gangs.
Where to vote?
Not only is voting a natural human right but it also impacts policies that directly affect your life. For all of the previous reasons, your vote is important. That’s why Dupage County’s website has detailed instructions on how to register and where to vote. If you’re not old enough to vote but wish to understand how the president is elected via the electoral college, then you should visit USA.gov. In any case, it is important to be well-informed about the election and its candidates.
