“The most beautiful word in the dictionary is tariff,” recently declared Republican candidate Trump, highlighting his unwavering emphasis on imposing tariffs, especially on imports from China, as the cornerstone of reviving the American economy. Claiming China’s “flood” of cheap goods destroyed American manufacturing, he proposes a 60% tariff on Chinese goods and 10% to 20% on imports from other countries.

Vice President Harris strongly opposes these tariffs, calling them a “national sales tax” on everyday essentials, emphasizing that they will burden ordinary families, potentially costing millions of dollars annually. Nevertheless, Trump remains steadfast:

“It’s my favourite word.”

Trump seeks further substantial tax cuts, echoing the 2017 reductions that significantly benefited higher-income individuals. He promises to extend those cuts, scheduled to expire in 2025, alongside eliminating taxes on tips and Social Security benefits, potentially impacting more than 70 million Americans.

In contrast, Harris proposes an approach that prioritizes middle-class families, suggesting larger tax breaks for earnings between $32,800 and $63,000. Her plan encompasses a $6,000 tax credit specifically for newborns, aimed at alleviating financial pressures families face. Additionally, her strategy includes offering a significant tax break, reaching up to $50,000, intended to stimulate job creation by incentivizing small businesses.

Trump’s stance calls for removing the estimated 11 million undocumented individuals residing in the US.

“Many of these people coming in are criminals,” he asserts, demanding a “mass deportation,” leveraging local police and national guard units, and suggesting the utilization of the archaic Alien Enemies Act of 1798.

Harris, in her approach, advocates for more conventional means, emphasizing legislative solutions and border security augmentation. She proposes greater border patrols and additional judicial resources to efficiently handle asylum claims. “Congress has the authority and the purse,” Harris asserts, reflecting her belief in legislative power over executive action.

Trump’s stance on reproductive rights lacks clear specifics for a potential second term. He readily claims his administration reversed the landmark Roe v. Wade ruling, achieved with support from his appointed Supreme Court justices, emphasizing individual state control over abortion laws, which now impacts 21 states with varying regulations, many with limited to no exceptions for rape, incest, or the preservation of the mother’s life.

Acknowledging his pro-life stance, Trump clarifies his position, stating support for exceptions in cases that are “85%” aligned with Republican voters, but avoids pledging to veto a national ban on abortion.

Harris stands firmly behind the right to choose.

She vows to veto any Congressional attempts at implementing a nationwide abortion ban.

Both candidates demonstrate unwavering commitment to Israel. Trump stands out with his relocation of the US embassy to Jerusalem, symbolizing unwavering loyalty, alongside his pledge, often lacking specifics, towards achieving swift peace in the Gaza conflict. His preference leans towards negotiation, hinting at concessions potentially allowing Russia to retain captured Ukrainian territories.

Harris reflects Biden’s approach in maintaining strong ties with Israel. She underscores Zelensky’s safety and offers assurance: “Ukraine needs what it needs to defeat Russia” during her meeting with Zelensky. Additionally, she warns against Biden’s potential removal stating that, “Putin will be sitting in Kyiv” under a Trump Presidency. Unlike Biden, however, Harris’s solution lacks specific details regarding reaching a resolution with Palestinians and offers vague promises for peace.

Trump prioritizes economic growth, often expressing skepticism about climate change impacts. His actions as President involved withdrawing the US from the Paris Climate Accord and emphasizing domestic energy production and deregulation. His environmental stance is seen as starkly contrasted to Harris and Biden’s focus, marked by substantial investments aimed at expanding renewable energy sectors and green jobs.

Harris aligns herself fully with Biden’s pro-renewable energy agenda.

Donald Trump denies any involvement or familiarity with Project 2025, but numerous policy points align between Trump’s proposed vision and Project 2025, including reduced immigration, stricter presidential executive power, increased oil production, tighter controls on federal departments, and replacing officials with party loyalists, raising questions about the relationship.

Addressing housing affordability, one of the major concerns among younger generations, Vice President Harris proposes a new policy: $25,000 for first-time home buyers, potentially gaining significant popular support.

Vice President Harris’s primary strength might lie in voters concerned about the future with a potential Trump presidency:

Concerns Regarding Trump’s Rhetoric & Retribution Threat

“WHEN I WIN, those people that CHEATED will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the Law, which will include long term prison sentences” (Trump, Truth Social, Sept. 7, 2024 ).

Trump continues to claim wide-ranging election fraud throughout his 2020 campaign loss, pointing fingers at political opponents for interference. He specifically mentioned Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg while claiming Facebook manipulated the results, along with Mark Zuckerberg.

These accusations have fueled concerns around Trump’s potential reaction should he win the White House again, prompting debate around authoritarianism and potential for presidential overreach.

On the other hand, she aims to protect a woman’s right to chose.