Democratic Candidate

The Democratic candidates for the upcoming election are Ms. Kamala Harris and her running mate, Tim Waltz. Both are known for their liberal views, contrasting sharply with those of their Republican opponent, Donald Trump. This article will summarize their positions on key issues: economy/taxes, immigration, abortion, Ukraine aid, the Israel-Gaza conflict, healthcare, crime, climate and fracking, and gun laws.

Economy/Taxes: Harris’s economic plan includes raising taxes on the wealthy to fund the expansion of the child tax credit and provide tax breaks for first-time home buyers. While this could add about $3 trillion to the federal deficit over the next decade, Trump’s tax policies are projected to increase the national debt by over $7.5 trillion. Harris emphasizes that investing in small businesses strengthens the middle class, stating, “When you invest in small businesses, you invest in the middle class.”

Immigration: During her vice presidency, the U.S. saw a significant increase in immigration. The Biden administration has since implemented more restrictions on asylum seekers, a stance Harris supports despite having a more lenient past view. She acknowledges the need for a balanced approach to immigration policy.

Abortion: Harris is a staunch advocate for abortion rights, making it a central focus of her campaign against Trump. “When Congress passes a law to restore reproductive freedoms, as president, I will sign it into law,” she stated at a recent rally. Harris was the first sitting vice president to visit an abortion clinic after the overturning of Roe v. Wade, highlighting her commitment to reproductive rights.

Ukraine Aid: Harris is a strong supporter of NATO and emphasizes international alliances. She met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky just days before Russia’s invasion, to warn them of the attack, demonstrating her proactive approach to global security.

Israel-Gaza Conflict: Harris has urged Israel to cease hostilities and has called for an immediate cease-fire, raising concerns about the humanitarian impact on Palestinians. Her approach aims to balance support for Israel with advocacy for Palestinian rights.

Healthcare: Harris’s healthcare policy focuses on reducing costs and increasing accessibility. She aims to ensure that healthcare is affordable for all Americans, promoting reforms that could lower prescription drug prices.

Crime: As a former prosecutor, Harris prioritizes combating child abuse and human trafficking. She promises to implement policies that enhance public safety while ensuring justice for victims.

Climate and Fracking: Initially, Harris supported a ban on fracking, but her position has evolved to favor a diversified energy portfolio that reduces reliance on foreign oil while protecting public lands.

Gun Laws: Harris advocates for stricter gun control measures, including a ban on assault weapons and universal background checks, emphasizing responsible ownership. She however is a gun owner herself.

Republican Candidate

On the Republican side, the candidates are Donald Trump and JD Vance, representing conservative viewpoints.

Economy/Taxes: Trump’s strategy focuses on addressing inflation and expanding U.S. energy production, although experts are skeptical about his effectiveness.

Immigration: Trump proposes higher tariffs on foreign goods and stricter border security, including deportations and ending birthright citizenship for children of undocumented parents. His comments about immigrants have been controversial and widely criticized.

Abortion:Trump’s position on abortion has been inconsistent, suggesting that states should decide on abortion laws, leaving many confused about his actual stance.

Before we get into relations with other countries it is important to note that because Trump is a convicted felon he will not be allowed in over 38 countries no matter if he is president or not.

Ukraine Aid: Trump advocates for an isolationist foreign policy, claiming he could end the war in Ukraine quickly through negotiation while suggesting a reduction in financial support for Ukraine.

Israel-Gaza Conflict: Trump is a strong ally of Israel, asserting that the current conflict would not have occurred under his leadership but providing no clear solutions.

Healthcare: Trump pledges to protect Medicare and has promised not to cut it, despite his previous attempts to dismantle the Affordable Care Act.

Crime: Trump focuses on combating drug cartels and gang violence while pledging to pardon many January 6 rioters, raising questions about his commitment to law and order.

Climate and Fracking: Trump opposes environmental regulations and supports fracking, particularly in protected areas, emphasizing fossil fuel production.

Gun Laws: Trump firmly opposes any gun restrictions, pledging to reverse Biden-era gun safety measures.

Third Parties and Voter Participation 

While the primary focus has been on major party candidates, third parties like the Green Party and Libertarians often struggle for electoral success. However, participating in the electoral process is crucial. If you’re 18 or older, consider registering to vote on election day at any voting center just ask how they can help you register. For those under 18, you can still get involved, such as working at the polls or advocating for voter engagement through babevote.org.

Voting is essential for making your voice heard, regardless of your candidate preference. Engaging in the democratic process shapes the future of the country, and every vote counts in determining leadership and policy direction.