As the 2024 presidential election approaches, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump will face off for the first time in a high-stakes debate this Tuesday. With Election Day just weeks away and early voting beginning in several states, the debate promises to be a critical moment in the race, addressing a range of pressing issues that are central to voters’ concerns. Here’s a detailed look at the key topics likely to dominate the debate: the economy, immigration, reproductive rights, crime, and foreign policy.
Economy and Inflation
The economy is expected to be a major battleground. Trump has been a vocal critic of the Biden-Harris administration’s economic policies, blaming them for the sharp rise in inflation that hit a 40-year high in 2022. Although inflation has since moderated to 2.9% year-over-year as of July, Trump continues to argue that the administration’s approach is flawed. He advocates for restoring “energy independence” through increased oil drilling, reducing the national debt, and implementing tax cuts for domestic corporations, alongside tariffs on foreign imports.
In contrast, Harris will highlight her administration’s economic achievements and her proposals for further improvements. She is advocating for an “opportunity economy” that includes $25,000 in down-payment assistance for first-time homeowners, the construction of 3 million new housing units, raising the minimum wage, and a federal ban on corporate price-gouging on food and groceries. Harris is also pushing for a $50,000 tax benefit for new small businesses and a lower long-term capital gains tax rate of 28%.
Immigration
Immigration is another contentious issue. Trump has intensified his anti-immigrant rhetoric since his 2016 campaign, promising to complete the U.S.-Mexico border wall, reinstate the “Remain in Mexico” policy, and undertake a large-scale deportation operation for undocumented immigrants. He has also proposed ending birthright citizenship through an executive order.
Harris, on the other hand, has defended the current administration’s immigration policies and her role in addressing the root causes of migration from Central America. She has criticized Republicans for rejecting a bipartisan border bill that aimed to tighten asylum rules and improve legal immigration pathways. Harris advocates for comprehensive immigration reform, including an earned pathway to citizenship, and vows to continue pushing for such legislation if elected.
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Reproductive Rights
Reproductive rights will also be a focal point of the debate. Harris has been a leading advocate for abortion access following the fall of Roe v. Wade, calling on Congress to restore abortion protections and criticizing state-level restrictions. Trump, who previously supported a nationwide abortion ban, has shifted his stance, suggesting that abortion regulation should be left to the states. He has recently proposed that insurance should cover the costs of in vitro fertilization (IVF), although details on how this would be implemented are unclear.
Crime and Gun Violence
The debate will likely touch on crime and gun violence, highlighted by the recent tragic school shooting in Georgia that resulted in the deaths of two students and two teachers. Harris has called for nationwide red flag laws, universal background checks, and an assault weapons ban, describing the shooting as a “senseless tragedy.”
Trump, in contrast, has often attributed mass shootings to mental health issues rather than gun access and has positioned himself as the “most pro-gun” president in history. He has not indicated support for additional gun control measures and has claimed that violent crime is on the rise, despite overall violent crime rates being down compared to the previous year. Harris will emphasize her record as a prosecutor and her commitment to public safety through continued funding for law enforcement agencies.
Foreign Policy
Foreign policy will be another key topic. Harris is expected to support President Biden’s approach, advocating for continued support for Ukraine and NATO, and taking a firm stance against Iran and its allied terrorist groups. She has also called for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas conflict while expressing support for Israel’s security and addressing the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Trump has criticized the Biden-Harris administration’s handling of foreign affairs, particularly regarding the Ukraine and Israel conflicts. He has suggested that these wars would not have occurred under his presidency and has proposed reducing U.S. aid to Kyiv. Trump continues to emphasize his strong support for Israel’s right to defend itself but advocates for a swift end to the conflict. Additionally, Trump has recently criticized the chaotic withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan, blaming the current administration for the loss of American lives in a suicide bombing at Abbey Gate.
Democracy and Election Integrity
Finally, the debate will address issues of democracy and election integrity. Trump has continued to make baseless claims about the 2020 election being rigged or stolen, facing both state and federal charges related to his efforts to overturn the election results. He has suggested that those he deems responsible for “cheating” would face severe legal consequences if he wins. Trump has also been inconsistent on voting methods, simultaneously criticizing mail-in voting while encouraging his supporters to vote through various methods.
Harris has condemned Trump’s efforts to undermine election integrity, criticizing his role in the January 6th Capitol riot and his attempts to overturn the 2020 results. She supports legislation to protect voting rights, including the John Lewis Voting Rights Act and the Freedom to Vote Act, and emphasizes her commitment to upholding democratic principles and ensuring a fair and transparent election process.
As the debate unfolds, these critical issues will offer voters a clearer choice between the two candidates’ visions for the future of the United States.
