Department of Research, Strategic Studies and International Relations 25-10-2024

Kamala Harris and Donald Trump present two fundamentally different visions for the future of the United States, with critical issues such as economic policy, reproductive rights, foreign policy, and the future of American democracy on the line. Their policies not only reflect divergent political ideologies but also have far-reaching implications for the country’s domestic and global standing.

Economic Approaches

Kamala Harris on the Economy:

As vice president, Kamala Harris has consistently aligned with the economic policies of the Biden administration. She recognizes that despite recent improvements, inflation continues to burden American households, and prices remain too high. Harris’s economic strategy is centered around building a “middle-class opportunity economy.” She emphasizes combating corporate price gouging, supporting affordable housing projects, and providing tax relief for middle-class families and small businesses. Her policy also includes support for first-time homebuyers and expanding tax credits for parents. Harris remains committed to maintaining the Biden administration’s protectionist policies, including tariffs and export controls, to ensure competitiveness with China. She highlights the administration’s investments in infrastructure and clean energy as key achievements.

Donald Trump on the Economy:

Donald Trump, in contrast, frequently promotes his pre-pandemic economic record, advocating for a return to policies that heavily favor deregulation and energy expansion. He proposes addressing inflation by increasing oil and gas drilling and rolling back regulations, despite concerns from economists that his sweeping tariffs and immigration policies could lead to higher consumer costs. Trump has also criticized the Federal Reserve’s role in controlling inflation, arguing for presidential influence over its decisions. He pledges to extend and deepen the 2017 tax cuts, reduce corporate taxes for businesses manufacturing in the U.S., and remove taxes on Social Security benefits. Trump maintains his self-proclaimed title as “tariff man,” promoting tariffs as a solution for revitalizing industries and reducing childcare costs, and advocates for imposing high tariffs on imports from countries like China.

Reproductive Rights and Abortion

Kamala Harris on Abortion:

Harris has long been a staunch advocate for reproductive rights, condemning the healthcare crisis she attributes to Republican-led efforts to limit abortion access. She has committed to restoring the protections of Roe v. Wade by pushing Congress to codify them into law, ensuring that states cannot ban abortion before fetal viability. Harris has also pledged to protect contraception access and fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF), while defending access to abortion medication and supporting women who travel across state lines for abortions.

Donald Trump on Abortion:

Trump has taken a more ambiguous stance on abortion, alternately boasting about his role in appointing Supreme Court justices who helped overturn Roe v. Wade, and expressing concern about how state-level abortion bans may affect him politically. He believes abortion access should be determined by individual states and has committed not to sign a national abortion ban, though his prior comments on the subject have been less clear. Trump’s allies have also discussed using existing anti-vice laws to restrict the mailing of abortion pills, a measure he could potentially enforce without congressional approval.

Democracy and Rule of Law

Kamala Harris on Democracy:

Harris positions herself as a defender of democracy, frequently contrasting her role as a prosecutor with Trump’s legal troubles. She has underscored Trump’s involvement in the January 6 Capitol insurrection and his efforts to overturn the 2020 election as existential threats to American democracy. Harris supports legislative reforms, including the elimination of the filibuster, to pass key laws on issues like abortion rights. As vice president, she also led efforts to pass voting rights legislation aimed at countering voter suppression.

Donald Trump on Democracy:

Trump’s approach to democracy has been marked by his continued denial of the legitimacy of the 2020 election. He refuses to commit to accepting the results of the 2024 election, suggesting that his opponent could only win through fraud. Trump has vowed to pardon those convicted for their roles in the January 6 attack and has promised to use the Department of Justice to target political opponents if elected. His pledge to retaliate against Democratic lawyers, officials, and donors represents a sharp departure from established norms in the U.S. justice system, which is supposed to function independently from political influence.

Border Security and Immigration

Kamala Harris on Immigration:

Immigration remains one of the most politically challenging topics for Harris. She has advocated for stricter penalties for asylum seekers who bypass official ports of entry and supports reforms aimed at improving border security and resources. While Republicans blame her for the situation at the U.S.-Mexico border, Harris insists that Trump’s failure to support bipartisan immigration reform has worsened the issue. She supports comprehensive immigration reform, including pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, particularly for those brought to the U.S. as children.

Donald Trump on Immigration:

Immigration has been a defining issue for Trump, and he promises even tougher policies in a second term. His plans include the largest deportation campaign in U.S. history, reinstating controversial programs like the Remain in Mexico policy and the Title 42 public health order. He has also vowed to eliminate birthright citizenship and conduct ideological screenings of immigrants. Trump’s rhetoric on immigration often stokes fear, and he has used inflammatory language to describe immigrants, which has led to increased tensions in communities across the U.S.

Foreign Policy and Global Alliances

Kamala Harris on Foreign Policy:

Harris aligns closely with the Biden administration’s foreign policy, focusing on strengthening global alliances, particularly NATO, and supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russia. She has condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin’s actions and warned of the risks of Trump’s more isolationist stance. In the Middle East, Harris has called for a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict while maintaining U.S. support for Israel. Her foreign policy approach also includes a commitment to defending Taiwan and standing firm against China’s growing influence.

Donald Trump on Foreign Policy:

Trump’s foreign policy leans toward isolationism and skepticism of long-standing alliances. He has openly criticized NATO and suggested withdrawing from the alliance, while his approach to the Russia-Ukraine war has raised concerns about his willingness to let Russia gain territory. He claims he could end the conflict swiftly but has provided no details on how. On the Middle East, Trump presents himself as a strong ally of Israel but has been critical of its military tactics at times. His stance on China remains combative, though he has praised Chinese President Xi Jinping on multiple occasions.

Climate and Energy Policies

Kamala Harris on Climate Change:

Harris is clear in her recognition of the climate crisis, viewing it as one of the most critical threats to the planet. She played a significant role in passing the Inflation Reduction Act, which aims to reduce carbon emissions and boost renewable energy. Although Harris supports expanding clean energy technologies, she also acknowledges the need for traditional energy sources, citing record-high oil and gas production during the Biden administration. Her focus on climate justice seeks to protect vulnerable communities from the worst impacts of climate change.

Donald Trump on Climate Change:

Trump has frequently dismissed climate change as a hoax, opposing regulations that aim to reduce emissions and protect the environment. He has promised to dismantle Biden’s environmental policies and remains committed to expanding fossil fuel extraction. Trump is particularly hostile toward renewable energy sources like wind power, falsely claiming they cause harm to the environment and human health.

In summary, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump present sharply divergent policy platforms, reflecting broader ideological battles within the U.S. Their stances on the economy, reproductive rights, democracy, immigration, foreign policy, and climate change underscore the high stakes of the upcoming election, as voters choose between two distinct futures for the country.