2024 Election: A Fair Review of Both Candidates

Sep 26

Sep 26 2024 Election: A Fair Review of Both Candidates

Photo by Element5 Digital from Pexels.

Hayden Hockerman

According to Pew Research Center, “The 2018 election (49% turnout) had the highest rate for a midterm since 1914. Even the 2022 election’s turnout, with a slightly lower rate of 46%, exceeded that of all midterm elections since 1970.” Although voter turnout is increasing, it still is not reaching even half of the US population. As a whole, the voter turnout in US elections is not as high as it could or should be. With the upcoming election, it is important to know which candidate’s values and plans most closely align with your own so you can be an informed voter.

Kamala Harris (Democratic Party)

Before becoming Vice President in 2021, Harris was the District Attorney of San Francisco and in 2010, she was elected the Attorney General of California. Back in January of 2019 she announced her candidacy for the Democratic nomination for President but ended up withdrawing in December 2019. Furthermore, in August of 2020 she was chosen to run as Joe Biden’s running mate. She announced her candidacy for President on August 2, 2024 following Joe Biden’s withdrawal.

The Issues

Economy

She plans to decrease the cost of living by providing

Mortgage assistance for first time home buyers
Tax credit for parents with newborns
Reduced inflation, accomplished in part by outlawing price gouging at grocery stores

Supports “‘Bidenomics”’- which included major investments in infrastructure and green energy.

Abortion

Pro-choice
An essential part of her campaign
According to BBC news, Kamala Harris stated, “When Congress passes a law to restore reproductive freedoms, as president of the United States, I will sign it into law.”
First Vice President to tour an abortion clinic

Israel-Gaza War

According to BBC, Harris is dedicated to help Israel become secure, free hostages, and end the suffering in Gaza
While she was Vice President she called for an “immediate cease-fire”
Did not offer specifics on how she would handle the issue when asked about it in the 2024 Presidential debate
Has been critical of how Israel has handled its war with Gaza
Has not pulled support from Israel

Taxes

Back in 2019, Harris supported a business tax rate of up to 35%
She plans on keeping the tax rate for those who make $400,000 and below the same
Incorporate a tax cut to support Americans

Healthcare

Help grow publicly-funded healthcare programs that support the elderly, poor, and the youth with disabilities
While Vice-President she has capped insulin prices at $35, decreased prescription drug prices, and she has supported Medicare negotiating drug prices, placed a cap on out-of-pocket Medicare drug coverage

Donald Trump (Republican Party)

Before becoming President in 2016, Donald Trump has had books written about him such as The Art of the Deal. In 1971, he became the head of his father’s real estate company, now known as the “Trump Organization,” which was involved in a variety of projects with hotels, golf courses, etc. However, other people may know him from his first run for President. White House History states, “during the 2016 primary, Trump defeated more than a dozen rivals to win the Republican nomination.” Trump is now on his second attempt at running for his second term.

The Issues

Economy

At a campaign rally in Asheville, Donald Trump laid out his plan for the economy

Drilling for more American energy
Lowering taxes
Reducing inflation, by adding tariffs to imported goods

Abortion

According to KFF, Donald Trump has stated that he was considering a national 15-16 week ban on abortion. However, recently he has supported leaving the policy on abortions up to states (as said in the 2024 Presidential Debate), and he supports abortion in cases such as incest, rape, and concern for the mother’s health
Recently stopped plan of national abortion ban

Israel and Gaza

Has been critical of how Israel has handled its war with Gaza; does not support a ceasefire
Has encouraged Israel to “get your victory and get it over with” according to Reuters
According to CBS, “...Trump controversially moved the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and ended decades of U.S. opposition to Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.”
Did not offer specifics on how he would handle the issue when asked about it in the 2024 Presidential debate

Taxes

Trump plans to extend tax cuts that were enacted in 2017. This will reduce taxes for most Americans; however, top earners will benefit the most
Eliminate federal taxes on tips
End income taxes on Social Security benefits

Healthcare

At the 2024 Presidential Debate Trump stated, "If we can come up with a plan that's going to cost our people, our population, less money and be better healthcare than Obamacare, then I would absolutely do it.”
Trump Administration has proposed less money spent on Medicare and Medicaid
According to KFF, “The Trump Administration has also moved forward with an initiative to improve price transparency in an effort to lower costs…”

How to Vote

Voting is a powerful right that should be exercised, and every vote counts. The voter registration deadline in Wisconsin is as follows:

In-person: election day (Tuesday, November 5, 2024)
By mail and online: 20 days before election day (October 16, 2024)
Further information on how to check your registration status and update your registration can be found here: Wisconsin Voting Information