TABLE OF CONTENTS
As we get closer to November 5th, 2024, when Americans will choose their next president, the race has taken an unexpected turn.
Initially, it was set to be a rematch between Joe Biden and Donald Trump. However, following a poor debate performance on June 27th, Biden dropped out and endorsed his Vice President, Kamala Harris, in a surprising move to take his place as the Democratic nominee.
Now, we’re looking at a showdown between Harris and Trump—two very different candidates with distinct ideas for America.
Kamala Harris, stepping into the spotlight as the Democratic nominee, is known for her sharp debating skills and background as a prosecutor and California’s Attorney General. Her candidacy introduces a new dynamic to the race among the US presidential candidates.
But she’s got a tough job ahead—she needs to introduce herself to voters while also dealing with the Biden administration’s mixed results, such as high inflation and changes in industrial policies.
One big plus for Harris is that she’s much younger than Biden and Trump, which could help her connect with younger voters who want fresh leadership.
Donald Trump, on the other hand, is still a big player in American politics despite his controversial past.
At 78, Trump carries the weight of his chaotic time in office, including the Capitol riot on January 6th, 2021, which led to multiple federal charges against him.
Despite these challenges, a Trump update reveals that he still has a strong following. As part of his campaign, he’s mixing well-known culture-war issues with fresh criticisms of his legal troubles.
Not to mention, Trump is rallying his base with promises to restore his policies and tackle issues like immigration and energy with renewed determination.
As we approach the second presidential debate on September 10th, Harris wants to learn from Biden’s missteps and avoid the pitfalls that led him to step down.
Trump, who’s pushing for more debates on different networks, will likely use this chance to rally his supporters and challenge Harris on the big issues.
With election day getting closer, Americans are preparing for a heated and possibly long process of counting votes, similar to what happened in 2020.
Congress will officially certify the results on January 6th, 2025—a date that carries heavy memories because of what happened in 2021.
Then, on January 20th, 2025, the new president, whether Harris or Trump, will be sworn in on the steps of the Capitol building.
Although, the two candidates have very different views on almost every major issue.
Abortion: Kamala Harris strongly supports protecting abortion rights at the federal level. She’s against the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade and promises to block any national abortion ban.
On the other hand, Donald Trump, who picked the judges responsible for overturning Roe, thinks decisions about abortion should be left to individual states. And he’s been vague about the details but has said he wouldn’t sign a national ban.
Climate/Energy: Harris used to support the Green New Deal, but now she’s taken a more moderate approach, with a focus on Biden’s climate policies, such as promoting clean energy.
Trump, however, is all about expanding fossil fuels. He wants more drilling and less regulation, and he’s not interested in aggressive climate action, preferring to prioritize economic growth over environmental concerns.
Democracy/Rule of Law: Harris positions herself as a defender of democracy, using her experience as a prosecutor to highlight Trump’s legal issues. She highlights the importance of upholding the law and avoids the more extreme rhetoric some in her party use.
Trump, meanwhile, continues to question the fairness of the electoral process. He’s promised to pardon those involved in the January 6th Capitol attack and wants to overhaul the Justice Department, focusing on what he sees as retribution against his political enemies.
Immigration: Harris is pushing for comprehensive immigration reform, which includes pathways to citizenship and stronger border security. She highlights her experience as California’s Attorney General in dealing with border issues.
Trump, in contrast, wants to launch the largest deportation effort in U.S. history and bring back his tough immigration policies, including the travel ban and stricter border controls.
Foreign Policy – NATO/Ukraine: On foreign policy, Harris closely follows Biden’s stance on supporting Ukraine and NATO. She stresses the importance of maintaining global alliances and condemning Russian aggression.
Trump, for his part, has criticized U.S. support for Ukraine and suggested that NATO’s purpose needs to be re-evaluated. His foreign policy approach focuses on renegotiating international relationships to prioritize American interests.
Economy/Taxes: Harris supports continuing Biden’s economic policies, such as raising taxes on corporations and the wealthy to fund social programs and infrastructure projects. She also proposes tax relief for working families and frontline workers.
As he did before, Trump wants to extend and expand his tax cuts, mainly benefiting businesses and high earners. He also promises to eliminate taxes on tipped income and even lower the corporate tax rate.
As the campaign heats up, the differences between Harris and Trump will become even clearer. Each candidate offers a distinct vision for America’s future, and their policies reflect the deep divisions in the country.
The outcome of the 2024 election will shape the next four years and determine how the nation responds to some of its biggest challenges.
Given the stakes, this election is set to be one of the most important in recent history. And voters face a clear choice between two very different paths. So, as November 5th approaches, the country waits to see which direction it will take.
For the latest updates and insights on the election, visit our politics page.