Trump vs. Harris: Choose Wisely, America!

 

Though he may sound outrageous, Trump's tough-on-crime policies, reduced taxes, deregulation, a stronger border security, and determination to dismantle the bureaucratic swamp created by Harris and Biden are exactly what America needs. On the other hand, Harris’s continuation of Biden's "tax-and-spend" agenda risks bankrupting the country.

If the U.S. 2024 election were a boxing match, it would be a clash of not just two personalities, but two starkly contrasting visions for America. On one corner, we have Vice President Kamala Harris, promising a continuation of the Biden administration’s policies. On the other, former President Donald Trump is back, ready to take another swing, this time arguing he’s learned from past mistakes and can bring prosperity that was derailed by the COVID-19 pandemic and what he calls “overreach by the current administration.”

The polls have been swinging back and forth, much like a pendulum, as the candidates campaign in key battleground states. The latest data from Washington Post and Emerson College polls show Harris with a razor-thin lead nationally—sometimes by just one percentage point. Swing states are seeing both candidates battling neck-and-neck, with neither side gaining a clear upper hand. Trump leads in Arizona and North Carolina, while Harris maintains an advantage in states like Georgia and Pennsylvania. It’s anyone's guess as to which way the uncommitted 20% of swing voters will lean when push comes to shove on Election Day.

For many voters, the economy is the main event. Inflation, which has gripped the country over the past few years, is front and center in this election. Harris is seen as the heir apparent to Biden's economic strategies—more government spending, expanded welfare programs, and investments in green energy. While she has broad support among young voters and minority communities, there are concerns among voters in more economically conservative circles. In contrast, Trump touts his previous administration’s tax cuts, deregulation, and a tough stance on trade, positioning himself as the only candidate who can bring America back to pre-pandemic economic strength.

Those who back Harris see a continued focus on social safety nets and welfare. However, critics argue that expanding these programs could mean higher taxes and more spending, potentially spiraling into higher inflation. Trump, meanwhile, portrays himself as the answer to "stabilize taxes" and cut red tape to boost business growth, pledging that he'll avoid the fiscal pitfalls that marked Biden's era. Supporters remember his administration as a period of lower unemployment, reduced federal regulations, and tax cuts that were seen as favorable to the middle class and businesses alike.

Immigration also sits heavily on the agenda for this election. Trump remains unflinching in his pursuit of tighter border security, describing his approach as tough but necessary for America's security. He leans on his previous policies, such as the 'Remain in Mexico' program, arguing that they are effective deterrents against illegal crossings. Harris, on the other hand, has advocated for more humane immigration policies, emphasizing pathways to citizenship and working with Central American countries to reduce migration pressures. Yet, voters concerned about border security and immigration feel Trump’s strict stance provides much-needed control.

In terms of social policies, Harris promises an expansion of healthcare and a softer approach to issues like crime, advocating for police reforms and community-based alternatives. This positions her strongly with progressives and voters in urban areas, where calls for police reform have grown louder in recent years. However, in suburban and rural areas, there are concerns about how these reforms could impact community safety. Trump, by contrast, has doubled down on his “tough-on-crime” rhetoric, pledging to increase funding for police forces nationwide and crack down on what he describes as “rampant crime waves” under liberal leadership. He has criticized Harris and her allies for what he calls an irresponsible leniency on crime, which he argues leads to higher rates of offenses and a less safe America.

Polls also show the demographics of the supporters for each candidate are almost stereotypical. Harris does better among women, young people, and minorities, while Trump garners strong support from white, non-college-educated voters, particularly men. Interestingly, the support among older voters—the traditionally Republican Baby Boomers—has begun to wane. Many in this demographic are now undecided or even leaning towards Harris, partly due to concerns about Trump's often controversial behavior and rhetoric.

The Republican Party itself is facing some troubles on other fronts, as internal polling suggests GOP candidates are trailing Democrats in key Senate races, which could impact Trump’s ability to effectively govern if he wins. Nonetheless, Trump’s fiery rallies and hard-hitting speeches seem to be resonating with his base, rallying them around a banner of “Make America Great Again, Again,” promising a future free from what he claims are the excesses of liberalism under Harris.

Trump is no stranger to controversy, and his campaign is not without its flaws. He was recently called out for downplaying climate change, stating, "the planet has actually gotten a little bit cooler recently," despite overwhelming scientific consensus to the contrary. While such statements galvanize his loyal supporters, they also alienate younger voters and environmentally conscious groups, a demographic that is increasingly pivotal in swing states.

In this electoral fight, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The choice, as framed by Trump and Harris, is stark: it’s either a continuation of progressive policies, with a focus on welfare, regulation, and an expanded federal role under Harris, or a return to conservative fiscal policies, deregulation, and strict law and order under Trump. Both candidates have left American voters with a lot to think about, and the race will likely be decided by those still sitting on the fence.

As the campaigns gear up for their final stretch, one thing is clear: the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election will be a decision between two drastically different paths for the country. For Trump supporters, Harris represents the continuation of everything they oppose—big government, high taxes, and an unchecked border. For Harris’s supporters, Trump represents a step backward—a return to divisive rhetoric and policies that they argue benefit the wealthy at the expense of others.

Ultimately, the choice will come down to which future Americans believe will lead to a stronger, safer, and more prosperous country. Trump, despite all the controversies, has painted himself as the only leader capable of steering America back on track—a track that, according to him, leads to lower taxes, higher wages, and a stronger nation. As the ancient proverb says, “The person who has been burned fears the fire.” For many Americans, the prospect of another four years of instability and unchecked policies under Harris is that fire, and Trump, despite his flaws, might be the lesser evil in this electoral battle.

Perhaps, in the end, the choice between Harris and Trump is like choosing between the frying pan and the fire, but at least in Trump’s America, as his supporters claim, you know how hot the flame will be. Whether that’s a comforting thought or a terrifying one depends entirely on who you ask.