As the upcoming presidential election comes closer, the nation stands at a crossroad of options and emotions. The political world is faced with uncertainty and anticipation. This election is not just about choosing a leader, but about deciding the direction in which this country will continue. Both candidates have laid out their visions for the future, both concerning many of the pressing issues facing America today. Find out the latest news, the candidates’ platforms, and the key issues that voters and the people of America need to consider as we head into the most controversial and important week ahead.
How We Got Here
The two well-known candidates in this race are current Vice President, Kamala Harris, and the 45th president, Donald Trump. You may be wondering, how did they get here? Trump’s career started as a successful businessman, while simultaneously hosting a reality TV show. Trump was first inaugurated as the 45th President of the United States on January 20th, 2017, and was in office until January 20th, 2021. Trump ran for re-election in 2020 but lost against current President Joe Biden in a close race. President Joe Biden entered the office alongside his Vice President, Kamala Harris. Kamala Harris had previously been involved in the United States government, acting as District Attorney of San Francisco and Attorney General of California to United States Senator. It was presumed that the 2024 election would again be Trump Vs. Biden, but, on July 21st, Biden officially dropped out of the race, leaving the Democratic party to nominate Kamala Harris as the new candidate. During Biden’s statement, he explained, “It is the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.” People across the country were shocked by the news, especially being only just over a week after Trump’s rally shooting at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, which had strengthened Trump supporters. Two weeks later, Harris became the official Democratic nominee. After mere days, her campaign became trending, leaving the U.S. with another very close and stirring election.
What Are The Candidates Like
Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are both huge national political figures. They have differing political views, and different plans to combat the most important challenges that this nation faces. No matter what, they both have tried to do what is best for America.
To start, over the past four years of Kamala Harris’ Vice Presidential term, she has accomplished many progressive measures while in office. During her time as the President of the Senate, she set a new record for the most tie-breaking votes set by a Vice President, all resulting in significant outcomes. For instance, In 2022, Kamala used her tie-breaking vote to elect Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson into the Supreme Court, making Ketanji Brown Jackson the first black woman and the first former federal public defender to serve on the Supreme Court. Later that year, Kamala Harris had the deciding vote in enacting the Inflation Reduction Act. The Inflation Reduction Act is the largest investment in the fight to protect our Earth and battle the climate crisis. Alongside her series of accomplishments and revolutionizing actions, she is a daughter of immigrants, with Indian-Jamaican ancestry. She grew up in Oakland, California with her sister Maya. Kamala Harris and her husband, Douglas Emhoff, got married in 2014, and now have a mixed family with children, Ella and Cole. Though she accomplished so much, she is still a passionate American like everyone else, and has a goal to help America reach its full potential.
On the other hand, those accomplishments don’t undermine Donald Trump’s achievements in office, either. During his presidential term, he signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which helped more than six million workers in America to collect salary increases and benefits due to the tax cuts. It was the largest tax reform deal in history. Another matter he faced head-on was with trade between the countries of North America. The United States, Canada, and Mexico formerly had an agreement called the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Though NAFTA increased trade and lowered prices, such as groceries and gasoline, it resulted in a severe drop in wages, and many jobs were lost due to manufacturing companies moving to Mexico for lower labor costs. To fix that problem, Donald Trump replaced it with a new deal called the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The reform created new, balanced trade between the countries, and worked to combat harsh working environments, including child labor. Aside from his great work, he is a husband to Melania Trump whom he married in 2005, a father to his 5 children, and a grandfather to his 10 grandchildren. Over the years, he has published many books and even hosted a TV Show pre-presidency. He is always working hard to do his best and, as his slogan goes, he works to “Make America Great Again.”
Their Goals and Visions
One, and probably the most notable deciding factor of a presidential candidate, is how they choose to impact the world during their term, what their plans are to do so, and what they prioritize. When you compare whose overall plan aligns most with your preferences, then you will know who the right person is to lead us into the next four years of America.
Starting with Kamala Harris, her official site states that she, alongside her VP and running mate, Tim Walz, are “charting a New Way Forward”. To do so, she has proposed a variety of paths to offer a more affordable life for Americans, encouraging a vision to strengthen the economy. She has not yet released too many details on how she intends to do so, but explains that it will be partly by raising taxes from big corporations and the wealthy class. She believes that families deserve to live in an economically stable and secure household. Many of her plans include continuing measures taken by President Biden, while still making her mark. Kamala Harris’ priorities for the duration of her term are lowering the cost of everyday needs, securing women’s rights, and strengthening opportunities in communities across America. Overall, she has frequently said that she plans to take a different approach to leading than Donald Trump.
Now shifting to Donald Trump, he has made it clear that he intends to undo many of the procedures put in place under the Biden Administration. Regarding taxes, he has planned to continue tax cuts from his last term, including promising to end income taxes on Social Security benefits. Donald Trump and his running partner/VP, JD Vance, have also planned to strengthen the wall between America and Mexico that was built under Trump in his first term back in 2016. As well as the wall, he intends to pull out any illegal immigrants. Donald Trump believes in economic prosperity, law and order, and patriotism. He has consistently shown his desire to bring America back to its greatness. Overall, most of his choices are fueled by his true patriotism and love for his country.
Independent and Third-Party Candidates
What if on voting day, a voter does not like the Democratic or the Republican candidate, but still wishes to vote? That is why independent and third-party candidates were instituted. Independent and third-party candidates do not side with the Democrats or Republicans and instead are part of their own party. This year’s independent candidates are Cornel West, Jill Stein, Chase Oliver, and Claudia De la Cruz. Each of these candidates has phenomenal stories and reasons to run for President, but they often don’t get many votes due to being an in-the-middle choice. Researching more about these candidates is a great idea if you seem interested in their stories.
Conclusion
To conclude, participating in elections is vital to our democratic process. Understanding the platforms of the main candidates, as well as considering the perspectives of third-party and independent candidates, can provide a well-rounded view of your available choices. Remember that your voice matters, and use it wisely. Presidential elections are not the only way to be an active, voting individual. Research more about your own state and county elections to make sure your current atmosphere adapts to the problems we face in society. Make sure to search up your local rules and regulations on voting and find your local polling location. Every vote contributes to shaping the future of your community and country.
