Speed Candi-dating Potential Presidents

Isabelle Ng

The debate between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris on Sept. 9, likely reaffirmed most citizens’ allegiance to their preferred candidate, however, others still remain torn between the two. This article will briefly explore the policies of both candidates for the following issues: immigration, reproductive rights and climate change. 

Committed to serving his second term to “Make America Great Again,” former President Trump represents the Republican party while Vice President Harris represents the Democratic Party to create “A New Way Forward.” 

Beginning with one of the most divisive issues in this election, the two candidates share almost opposite ideas regarding immigration. During their time in office, both increased border security, then later handled things differently. For this election, Trump states on his official website that he will “seal the border and stop the migrant invasion,” while Harris states on her official website that she will “...secure the border, keep communities safe, and reform our broken immigration system.” Additionally, Trump plans to implement mass deportation of undocumented individuals and continue to expand the “public charge” rule, which would make it more difficult for immigrants to obtain a green card when using public services. Despite Harris not sharing the specifics of her immigration policy plans yet, she stated during the DNC that she plans to “bring back the bipartisan border security bill that [Trump] killed” and will sign it back into law after she repeatedly called the current immigration system “broken.”

With the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022, the constitutional right to an abortion ended, sparking intense debates between the two parties, eventually culminating in 14 states having a total abortion ban. This left only nine states and the District of Columbia to have no abortion ban or restriction. Since 1999, Trump has been changing his position regarding abortion and doesn’t directly address reproductive rights within his Agenda 47. He has claimed credit for the overturning of Roe v. Wade, but later asserted during the debate that he “...believes in the exceptions for rape, incest, and life of the mother.” Harris, on the other hand, has extensively shown her support for abortion rights since her time in the Senate. As she frequently recites in her stump speech, if elected President, she will “never allow a national abortion ban to become law” and “when Congress passes a bill to restore reproductive freedom,” she will sign it. 

Neither Trump nor Harris has released detailed plans to address climate change, but from various news outlets, such as The Washington Post and The New York Times, the two seem to have significantly diverging views on the issue. Trump previously called climate change a “hoax.” Also, during his campaign rallies, he often shares the line, “Drill, baby, drill,” referring to his enthusiasm for oil drilling. Harris has highlighted the threat of climate change and its damage to communities but somewhat inconsistently. In 2019, Harris supported the banning of fracking, which transforms gas and oil drilling, causing safety hazards like poisonous groundwater. But since 2020, she has stated that she will not be banning fracking if she becomes president.

Both candidates have shown their determination to win in different ways. Harris has been working to garner support from unions, minorities and women since President Biden dropped out of the race in July. Trump persevered through 34 felony counts and two impeachments, focusing on strengthening his “MAGA” base in the hopes they can help him win the 2024 election.

For eligible voters: Because this article only provided basic details on complex topics, it’s imperative to read both candidates' policies in detail on their websites and understand their character and morals overall. Additionally, please look at what their running mates’ standpoints are. Voting in this election is extremely crucial to take a step towards improving this country for ourselves and future generations. Make sure your voice is heard and go vote.