Trump vs. Harris: A Side-by-Side Comparison of Their Stances on Key Issues Relevant to Voters

Trump vs. Harris: A Side-by-Side Comparison of Their Stances on Key Issues Relevant to Voters

In the upcoming Presidential election, voters are faced with a clear choice between two distinct political ideologies represented by incumbent President Donald J. Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. In this article, we will provide a side-by-side comparison of their stances on key issues that matter most to American voters.

Health Care

President Trump: Has advocated for repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act (ACA, or Obamacare) since his campaign in 2016. He has taken executive actions to weaken the ACA and supported a lawsuit challenging its constitutionality. His administration has also expanded access to short-term health insurance plans and implemented regulations allowing for association health plans.

Vice President Harris: Has been a strong supporter of the ACA throughout her career. She has defended the law’s protections for pre-existing conditions, and as a Senator from California, she co-authored legislation to strengthen the ACA by lowering health care costs, increasing access, and improving quality.

Economy

President Trump: Has focused on deregulation and tax cuts as keys to economic growth. His administration implemented significant tax reforms in 2017, reducing corporate and individual income taxes, as well as various deregulation efforts, such as rolling back financial regulations and energy regulations.

Vice President Harris: Has supported policies aimed at increasing economic opportunities for all, including raising the minimum wage, investing in infrastructure and education, expanding access to affordable healthcare, and addressing income inequality.

Climate Change

President Trump: Has been a vocal critic of climate science and the Paris Agreement. He has rolled back numerous environmental regulations, including those related to emissions standards for vehicles and power plants, and has opened up large areas of public land for oil and gas drilling.

Vice President Harris: Has been a strong advocate for climate action. She has called for the United States to rejoin the Paris Agreement and supports policies to transition to renewable energy, invest in clean technology, and protect natural resources.

Immigration

President Trump: Has implemented a series of immigration policies, including travel bans from certain countries, ending DACA, and increasing border security through physical barriers and increased ICE enforcement. His administration has also pursued a “zero tolerance” policy at the southern border, resulting in family separations.

Vice President Harris: Has criticized the Trump administration’s immigration policies and called for comprehensive immigration reform. She has supported policies to address the root causes of migration, provide a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, and protect Dreamers through legislation or executive action.

Introduction:

The upcoming U.S. Presidential Election on November 3, 2020, is shaping up to be a highly contentious and significant event that could shape the future of American politics for years to come. With incumbent President Donald Trump running against former Vice President and California Senator Kamala Harris, it is essential for voters to have a clear understanding of each candidate’s stances on the key issues that matter most to them. This article will provide a side-by-side comparison of President Trump and Vice President Harris’ positions on important matters, including the economy, healthcare, immigration, climate change, foreign policy, and social justice.

Brief Overview of the Upcoming U.S. Presidential Election:

The 2020 U.S. Presidential Election marks a pivotal moment in American political history, with the two major parties presenting starkly different visions for the future. The election comes at a time when the country is grappling with numerous challenges, including a global health crisis, an economic downturn, and heightened social unrest. The outcome of the election could have far-reaching implications for domestic and foreign policy, as well as for the very fabric of American society.

Importance of Understanding Candidates’ Stances on Key Issues:

Amidst the noise and political rhetoric, it is essential for voters to be well-informed about where each candidate stands on the issues that matter most to them. By understanding the candidates’ positions and evaluating their records, voters can make informed decisions based on their values and priorities. In this article, we will examine the key issues that are shaping the 2020 election, and provide a side-by-side comparison of President Trump and Vice President Harris’ positions on each one.

Background of the Candidates

Donald J. Trump:

Born on June 14, 1946, in Queens, New York City, Donald J. Trump is a businessman, television personality, and the 45th President of the United States. Raised in a wealthy family, Trump received an economics degree from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He took charge of his family’s real estate business in 1971, renamed it The Trump Organization, and expanded its operations from Queens and Brooklyn into Manhattan.

Political Career:

Trump entered politics in 2015, announcing his candidacy for the Republican Party’s nomination for President. His unconventional campaign style and controversial statements attracted significant media attention. After winning the Republican nomination, he defeated Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton in the general election on November 8, 2016. During his presidency, Trump implemented various policies on immigration, taxation, healthcare, and foreign affairs.

Kamala Harris:

Born on October 20, 1964, in Oakland, California, Kamala Harris is the First woman, Black, and South Asian American Vice President of the United States and a former California Senator. Her parents emigrated from Jamaica and India, respectively. Harris received her undergraduate degree from Howard University and her law degree from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law.

Political Career:

Harris began her career in law enforcement, serving as the District Attorney of San Francisco from 2004 to 2011 and the Attorney General of California from 2011 to 2017. In 2016, she was elected as a Senator from California and served until her election as Vice President in 2020. Harris’ political views are centered on issues such as civil rights, criminal justice reform, healthcare, and the environment.

I Healthcare

Overview of the current state of healthcare in America: The American healthcare system is a complex and multifaceted issue, with numerous challenges and ongoing debates. According to the National Health Expenditures data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), healthcare spending in the US reached an all-time high of $3.8 trillion in 2019, with an average growth rate of 4.6% over the previous year. Despite this significant investment, millions of Americans remain uninsured or underinsured, and many struggle to access affordable and quality care.

Trump administration’s approach to healthcare:

Efforts to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA)

The Trump administration made numerous attempts to repeal and replace the ACA, also known as Obamacare. These efforts included multiple legislative proposals, such as the American Health Care Act (AHCA) and the Better Care Reconciliation Act (BCRA), which aimed to eliminate key provisions of the ACA, such as the individual mandate and Medicaid expansion. However, none of these efforts were successful due to opposition from Democrats and some Republicans who felt that the proposed legislation would leave too many Americans without health insurance coverage.

Expansion of telehealth services

One area where the Trump administration did make significant progress was in expanding access to telehealth services. Through various executive orders and regulations, the administration worked to remove barriers to remote healthcare delivery, including increasing reimbursement for telehealth services under Medicare and expanding access to telehealth in rural areas.

Lowering prescription drug costs through various executive orders and regulations

The administration also took steps to address the high cost of prescription drugs, which has been a major concern for many Americans. This included several executive orders and regulations aimed at increasing price transparency, such as requiring drug manufacturers to disclose list prices in advertisements and allowing consumers to compare prices between pharmacies.

Harris’ stance on healthcare:

Support for expanding the Affordable Care Act (ACA)

Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris has been a vocal advocate for expanding and strengthening the ACShe has supported efforts to protect and defend the law from Republican attempts to repeal it, as well as proposals to build on its successes, such as expanding access to affordable coverage for low-income Americans and increasing funding for preventative care.

Proposed Medicare-for-All and a public option

Harris has also advocated for more ambitious healthcare reforms, including Medicare-for-All and a public option. Her Medicare-for-All plan would provide comprehensive health coverage to all Americans through the existing Medicare program, while her public option proposal would allow Americans to purchase affordable insurance plans directly from the government.

Support for lowering prescription drug costs and expanding access to mental health services

Like many other candidates, Harris has also focused on addressing the high cost of prescription drugs and improving access to mental health services. Her proposals include allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices directly with manufacturers, expanding telehealth access for mental health services, and increasing funding for mental health research and treatment programs.

Economy

Current economic situation in the United States: As of now, the U.S. economy is showing signs of resilience after a challenging year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The unemployment rate has decreased significantly, and the stock market has reached new record highs. However, there are still concerns about the long-term effects of the pandemic on the economy, particularly in industries such as travel, hospitality, and entertainment.

Trump administration’s economic policies:

Tax cuts for corporations and individuals: The Trump administration implemented the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in 2017, which lowered corporate tax rates from 35% to 21% and reduced individual taxes for many Americans. The administration argued that these tax cuts would stimulate economic growth and create jobs.

Trade policies:

a) Renegotiating NAFTA (USMCA): The administration renegotiated the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and replaced it with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) in 2018. The new agreement aimed to update NAFTA for the modern economy and address concerns about trade imbalances between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.

b) Imposing tariffs on China: The Trump administration imposed tariffs on billions of dollars’ worth of Chinese imports in a bid to address what it perceived as unfair trade practices by China. This move led to a trade war between the U.S. and China, which negatively impacted global economic growth.

Harris’ stance on the economy:

Support for investing in infrastructure and job creation: Kamala Harris has expressed her support for investing in infrastructure projects to create jobs and boost economic growth. She believes that this investment will lead to long-term benefits and help address the country’s infrastructure needs.

Raising the minimum wage and expanding paid family leave:

Harris has advocated for raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour and expanding access to paid family leave. She argues that these measures will help reduce income inequality and support working families.

Closing tax loopholes and implementing a progressive tax system:

Lastly, Harris has called for closing tax loopholes and implementing a more progressive tax system to ensure that the wealthiest Americans pay their fair share. She believes that this approach will help reduce the national debt and invest in vital programs and services for all Americans.

Immigration

Current State of Immigration in the United States: Including the Ongoing Border Crisis

The United States‘ immigration system is currently undergoing significant challenges. The ongoing border crisis, marked by an increase in unaccompanied minors and families seeking asylum, has put immense pressure on the government to address the root causes of migration and improve processing times.

Trump Administration’s Stance on Immigration:

During the Trump administration, immigration policy took a controversial turn. Some notable actions include:

• Building a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border: The administration prioritized constructing a physical barrier and implementing “zero tolerance” policies, leading to family separations.
• Ending Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA): The administration terminated the program, putting the future of hundreds of thousands of young immigrants in jeopardy.
• Travel Ban targeting Muslim-majority countries: The administration issued several executive orders restricting travel from certain countries, causing widespread controversy.

Harris’ Stance on Immigration:

In contrast, the Harris administration‘ stance on immigration reflects a more compassionate approach. Some key initiatives include:

• Support for a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants and DACA recipients: Harris supports legislative efforts to provide a clear path to citizenship.
• Reversing Trump’s travel ban and family separation policies: The administration has taken steps to reverse these controversial measures.
• Increasing resources for processing asylum claims at the border and addressing root causes of migration: The Harris administration aims to improve border processing, address the root causes of migration through diplomacy and foreign aid, and expand legal channels for seeking asylum.

VI. Climate Change

Climate Change: A pressing global issue, the Earth’s climate is undergoing rapid and significant changes, leading to rising temperatures, melting glaciers, increased extreme weather events, and sea-level rise. The United States, as the second largest emitter of greenhouse gases, has faced notable impacts including more frequent and intense heatwaves, droughts, heavy precipitation events, and increased damage from storms and wildfires.

Trump Administration’s Stance on Climate Change

Under the Trump administration, the United States took a significant step back in addressing climate change, with key actions including:

Withdrawal from the Paris Agreement

In June 2017, President Trump announced the United States’ intention to withdraw from the link, a global accord aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and limiting the increase in global temperatures to well below 2 degrees Celsius. The withdrawal process began in November 2019 and is expected to be complete by late 2023.

Dismantling Various Environmental Regulations

The administration also worked to rollback numerous environmental regulations aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating the impacts of climate change. These include:

• The Clean Power Plan, which set targets for reducing carbon emissions from power plants
• Methane emission regulations for oil and gas production on public lands
• Fuel efficiency standards for cars and trucks

Harris’ Stance on Climate Change

Should Joe Biden‘s running mate, Kamala Harris, become president, her administration would take a markedly different approach:

Rejoining the Paris Agreement

One of Harris’ first actions as president would be to rejoin the Paris Agreement, committing the United States to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions and contributing to international efforts to combat climate change.

Implementing a Green New Deal or Similar Legislation

Harris has also expressed support for a Green New Deal, a comprehensive legislative package aimed at addressing climate change while creating jobs and promoting economic growth. The proposal includes investing in renewable energy, upgrading infrastructure, and expanding public transportation.

Support for Renewable Energy, Electric Vehicles, and Clean Technologies

Harris has voiced her commitment to investing in renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and geothermal power. She also supports expanding the use of electric vehicles and increasing research and development for clean technologies to reduce emissions in industries like transportation, agriculture, and manufacturing.

Acknowledgement of the Role of Climate Change in Natural Disasters and Health Issues

Harris recognizes the role climate change plays in increasing the frequency and severity of natural disasters, such as hurricanes, wildfires, and droughts. She also acknowledges the health impacts of climate change, including heat-related illnesses, asthma exacerbation, and vector-borne diseases.

V Conclusion

In the final analysis, it’s essential for voters to be well-informed about the key issues and stances of both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris before casting their ballots. Let’s take a quick recap of where each candidate stands on some pressing matters:

Healthcare

Trump: The current administration has advocated for the repeal and replacement of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare. They propose a healthcare system that would offer tax incentives for individuals to purchase insurance and allow states more flexibility in designing their own programs.

Harris:

Harris: The Democratic vice presidential nominee supports expanding the ACA, including preserving its protections for people with pre-existing conditions and allowing younger adults to stay on their parents’ insurance plans until age 26.

Economy

Trump: The incumbent president’s economic platform focuses on tax cuts, deregulation, and promoting job growth. He has also taken a protectionist stance on trade, implementing tariffs on imports from various countries.

Harris:

Harris: The Democratic ticket aims to address income inequality and create jobs by investing in infrastructure, education, and renewable energy. They propose increasing the minimum wage and providing tax credits for middle-class families.

Immigration

Trump: The current administration has taken a hardline stance on immigration, implementing policies such as the travel ban and family separation at the border. They argue that these measures are necessary to secure the country’s borders.

Harris:

Harris: Democrats, including Harris, advocate for comprehensive immigration reform that would include a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants and strengthening border security. They believe in treating refugees and asylum seekers with compassion.

Climate Change

Trump: The current administration has rolled back numerous environmental regulations, including those aimed at addressing climate change. They argue that the cost of mitigating climate change is too high and that economic growth should be prioritized.

Harris:

Harris: The Democratic ticket supports rejoining the Paris Agreement and investing in renewable energy sources. They believe that addressing climate change is essential for future generations.

Note:

This article aims to provide readers with valuable information about the key issues and stances of both candidates. It does not endorse or support any candidate, but rather encourages informed voting decisions.

Encouragement

We encourage readers: to engage in open and respectful dialogue about the issues presented in this article and others that may be relevant to their communities. Let’s strive for a more informed and civil political discourse.