This past week, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris participated in their first debate against one another. With roughly 50 days remaining until the 2024 Presidential Election, the participants showcased their stances on some of these important issues:
Economy:
Trump: During his time as president, Trump enacted a large package of tax cuts and encouraged protective trade policies. He currently supports cutting taxes further and enacting more tariffs. He has also stated he would not cut Social Security or Medicare benefits, but he seeks to eliminate taxes on Social Security.
Harris: Following the Biden-Harris’ economy reaching a high in inflation for the first time in 40 years, Harris is looking to enact new economic policies. Throughout her campaign and the debate, Harris has been continually calling for an “opportunity economy.” This proposal includes a $25,000 down payment support for first-time homeowners, construction of 3 million new housing units, raising the minimum wage and a long-term capital gain tax.
Immigration:
Trump: According to ABC News, if elected, Trump plans to align with many of the immigration policies he enacted during his time in office. The news outlet states, “He plans to finish the U.S.-Mexico border wall, revive ‘Remain in Mexico’ and asylum restrictions.” In an interview with Time magazine in April, Trump said he would seek to deport 15 to 20 million illegal immigrants.
Harris: Harris has drawn attention to her support for a bipartisan proposal that would increase border security. She has publicly denounced Trump’s stance on immigration and has endorsed many of President Joe Biden’s decisions surrounding immigration. She also has stated that she supports DACA and wants to focus on addressing the root causes of immigration in Latin America by funding development projects.
Reproductive Rights:
Trump: In 2022, Trump’s Supreme Court appointees provided the numbers for Roe v. Wade to be overturned by a vote of 5-4. This ended the constitutional right to abortion and thus, the federal protection of abortion. During his current campaign, Trump has stressed he would not order a federal abortion ban but would leave the decision to the states.
Harris: Throughout her tenure as vice president, Harris has frequently spoken out in favor of abortion rights. She became the first White House official to make an official visit to an abortion clinic during her time in office. She supports the protection of reproductive rights and, according to The New York Times, “…wants to prevent states from banning the procedure prior to fetal viability.”
Foreign Policy:
Trump: According to ABC News, “Trump has claimed neither the Israel-Hamas war nor the Russia-Ukraine war would have started if he were president.” In response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Trump has expressed that he would cut U.S. aid to Ukraine, and instead place pressure on the U.S.’s NATO allies. Trump also supports Israel’s right to defense and is calling for the Israel-Hamas war to end quickly.
Harris: Harris has been a supporter of many of Biden’s foreign policy stances throughout her campaign. She has said she will continue to support Ukraine and NATO. In terms of the Israel-Hamas war, she has stated she supports Israel’s security, but has also expressed her sympathy for the people of Gaza. She has reiterated that she and Biden are working towards and encouraging a ceasefire.
Gun Violence:
Trump: Following the Georgia High School shooting this past month, he blamed a “sick and deranged monster” for the tragedy. In the past following shootings, Trump has cited mental health and not guns as the primary blame. He has not expressed if he would enact gun control measures if elected.
Harris: In response to the same tragedy, Harris said, “It doesn’t have to be this way.” Throughout her campaign, she has called for nationwide red flag laws, universal background checks and an assault weapons ban.
