The 2024 US presidential race has reached a fever pitch as Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump enter the final weekend of campaigning. With both candidates fighting fiercely for every last vote, the race has turned into one of the closest in recent history. Over 70 million Americans have already cast their ballots, reflecting a turnout rate that could rival or even surpass the record-breaking numbers of 2020.
Kamala Harris vs. Donald Trump
Campaigning in Key States Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are spending the final days crisscrossing key battleground states, delivering closing messages aimed at bolstering support. Both campaigns are emphasizing voter turnout, utilizing ground campaigns and digital mobilization to ensure their bases are fully engaged. While last-minute voter opinion shifts are rare, significant events could still impact the undecided, making these final appeals critical.
Key Issues Shaping the 2024 Election: Taxes, Immigration, and Abortion
Economy and Taxes The economy remains a central theme, with Trump and Kamala Harris presenting sharply contrasting visions. Trump has promised substantial tariffs on imports, arguing that these measures would protect American jobs and facilitate tax cuts. Alongside this, Trump has floated the idea of making the US a “crypto capital,” launching a cryptocurrency platform with his sons earlier this fall to engage digital-savvy voters.
Conversely, Kamala Harris advocates for what she describes as an “opportunity economy” aimed at supporting the middle class. Her plan includes targeted tax increases on the wealthy, alongside child tax credits and assistance for first-time homebuyers and small businesses. Harris aims to draw a clear contrast with Trump, positioning herself as a champion for working families and economic opportunity.
Immigration Immigration continues to be one of the most polarizing issues of the 2024 campaign. Trump, who initially gained support in 2016 with his hardline immigration stance, has pledged to carry out mass deportations if re-elected. His vow to conduct the largest deportation operation in US history resonates with his base, but it has also sparked widespread criticism.
Harris has responded by outlining a firm but more balanced approach. During her first visit to the US-Mexico border as the Democratic nominee, Harris highlighted measures to improve border security and crack down on drug smuggling. She supports physical barriers where necessary, though she is quick to distinguish her stance from Trump’s previous attempts to build an extensive border wall. Her focus on humane enforcement and asylum reform aims to strike a middle ground.
Abortion and Gender Divide The issue of reproductive rights has become a pivotal point in the 2024 race, with a significant gender gap in voter support. Polls indicate that women are largely backing Kamala Harris, while Trump draws more support from male voters. Harris has taken a clear stance on restoring abortion rights at the federal level, highlighting the importance of reproductive autonomy following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.
Trump, however, has emphasized his role in appointing conservative justices who were instrumental in overturning Roe. He has suggested he may further restrict medical abortion access if re-elected, promising to uphold what he calls “traditional family values.” Despite his complex history with women’s issues, Trump insists he will be “great for women,” although Harris has been quick to challenge this notion on the campaign trail.
Foreign Policy: Diverging Paths in the Face of Global Crises
The war in Ukraine and the ongoing Middle East conflict have underscored the candidates’ divergent foreign policy approaches. Trump has pledged to “end the war” in Ukraine by pressuring Moscow and Kyiv into negotiations. He remains critical of the substantial US aid to Ukraine, stating that he will cut spending to focus on domestic priorities.
Kamala Harris, on the other hand, has underscored her commitment to supporting Ukraine and NATO. She has condemned Russia’s actions, describing them as “barbaric” and has promised to maintain US support for Ukrainian sovereignty. In the Middle East, she has expressed empathy for Palestinian suffering, a stance that could indicate a slight pivot in US policy toward a more balanced approach, particularly if elected.
Climate Change: Contrasting Agendas
Climate change is another defining difference between Harris and Trump. Trump has consistently dismissed climate concerns, labeling them a “hoax” and pledging to withdraw from international climate agreements, such as the Paris accord. He plans to ramp up oil drilling and reduce renewable energy subsidies, maintaining that these moves will benefit US businesses.
In contrast, Kamala Harris has championed the Biden administration’s Inflation Reduction Act, which includes historic investments in green energy. She has positioned herself as an advocate for long-term environmental responsibility, pledging to build on existing climate initiatives if elected. While not everyone agrees with her approach, it offers a clear alternative to Trump’s fossil fuel-centered energy strategy.
What Lies Ahead: The Final Push and What It Means for America
The 2024 US presidential race has come down to the wire, with Kamala Harris and Donald Trump representing starkly different visions for the country. From the economy to immigration, abortion, foreign policy, and climate, this election is a referendum on some of the most consequential issues in American politics. The results in key swing states will likely decide the outcome, with both candidates working tirelessly to rally their supporters.
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