The United States is witnessing a sensitive phase in its political history as the upcoming presidential elections approach. Voices are rising and tensions are increasing between supporters of the Democratic and Republican Parties in what seems to be one of the most heated elections in modern American history.

Former President Donald Trump, representing the Republican Party, brings with him political experience from his presidency from 2017 to 2021. During this period, he made bold decisions in the fields of the economy, international trade, and foreign policy. Trump is known for his unconventional style and ability to make quick, decisive decisions, despite facing much criticism for his controversial policies.

On the other hand, current Vice-President Kamala Harris, the Democratic Party nominee, has a long legal background, having served as California Attorney General before becoming a US Senator. As Vice-President under President Joe Biden, Harris has been part of the Administration that dealt with the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic and implemented reforms in public health and the economy. Harris represents diversity and progress within the Democratic Party, focusing on social justice and human rights.

Trump advocates economic policies aimed at reducing taxes on businesses and individuals to stimulate economic growth. He believes that lowering the tax burden encourages investment and increases job opportunities. During his presidency, he oversaw the implementation of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which resulted in significant tax reductions.

In contrast, Harris focuses on economic policies aimed at achieving economic justice and reducing the gap between classes. She supports raising taxes on the wealthy and large corporations to fund social welfare, education, and health programmes. Harris believes that improving the economic situation of middle and lower-class families is the key to enhancing the overall economy.

Trump's foreign policy is characterised by a nationalist and populist approach, with the slogan "America First." During his presidency, he withdrew from multiple international agreements, including the Paris Climate Agreement and the Iran nuclear deal. He focused on renegotiating trade deals to make them more favourable to the United States. Trump promotes a tough stance against China, viewing it as the biggest threat to US security and the economy.

Conversely, Harris supports a foreign policy that strengthens traditional US alliances and rebuilds trust with international partners. She believes in multilateral cooperation to address global challenges like climate change and cybersecurity. Harris sees diplomacy and commitment to international agreements as the best way to enhance the US position on the global stage.

Trump is sceptical about climate change and prioritises the development of traditional energy sectors like oil and gas. During his presidency, he worked to reduce environmental regulations to boost domestic energy production and achieve energy self-sufficiency. Trump believes that strict environmental policies negatively impact the US economy and limit job opportunities.

On the other hand, Harris prioritises climate change as one of her main issues. She supports a transition to renewable energy and calls for significant investments in green infrastructure. Harris believes that combating climate change can create new jobs in the clean energy sector and promote technological innovation.

Trump aims to reduce the government's role in the healthcare system and promotes policies based on free-market principles. During his first term, he attempted to repeal the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), facing resistance from Congress. Trump supports increasing competition among healthcare providers to lower costs and improve quality.

Conversely, Harris supports expanding the Affordable Care Act and providing government-subsidised health insurance options. She believes in ensuring that everyone has access to healthcare regardless of their economic status. Harris focuses on reducing drug prices and enhancing preventive and primary care programmes.

Trump adopted strict immigration policies when President, focusing on building a wall along the Mexican border and enforcing stringent measures against illegal immigrants. He believes that tightening border security is necessary to protect national and economic security. In contrast, Harris supports more humane immigration policies and calls for comprehensive immigration reform. She believes that the US should be a safe haven for asylum seekers and legal immigrants. Harris supports providing legal pathways for undocumented immigrants to obtain legal residency and citizenship.

Trump faces severe criticism from human-rights activists for his strict policies towards minorities and immigrants. Critics argue that his approach undermines social justice and exacerbates racial segregation. Trump, however, sees his policies as aiming to enforce law and order and enhance public safety. As the first Black and Asian woman to be nominated for Vice-President, Harris represents a symbol of diversity and progress. She focuses on promoting social justice, combating racial discrimination, and enhancing the rights of minorities and women. She advocates for comprehensive criminal justice reform and ensuring equal opportunities.

Given the significant challenges facing the United States, it appears that the upcoming presidential elections will be highly competitive. While Trump seeks to return the country to his nationalist and economic path, Harris aims to build a more inclusive and just future for all Americans. The question remains open as to who will be able to convince voters with their vision and guide the country towards a better future.

 

Views on Trump: Sam Yono, a Republican Party member, believes that Donald Trump will reshape the international alliances of the US after reclaiming the White House, relying on his diplomatic skills and extensive record.

Yono thinks that Trump will use a softer and more friendly approach to attract a greater number of countries to his side, highlighting his ability to stop wars, including the European war in Ukraine and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

"Trump will bring his appointees to manage his government and independent committees, focusing on security and safety," says Yono. He believes significant changes will occur in the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), including appointing a new director, as well as reforming immigration laws in collaboration with Congress. Yono also notes that Trump will work on improving the healthcare system, social security, and reducing taxes on the middle class.

Regarding the Covid-19 pandemic, Yono believes that Trump will make significant changes in all agencies, focusing on the healthcare system and reducing drug costs. He adds that Trump will work on lowering taxes and the costs of food and energy, which will lead to reduced inflation, noting that inflation was less than two per cent when Trump left office.

Trump adopts the slogan "Drill, Baby, Drill" to achieve energy self-sufficiency in the United States. Yono believes that Trump will bring manufacturing back to the country and push his policies abroad, without hesitating to impose sanctions if necessary.

Yono thinks that Trump's priority is the American people, noting that he will use executive orders to achieve his goals, including closing the borders immediately and implementing a comprehensive vetting system for immigration. Trump will also reconsider the status of all illegal immigrants and deport many of them, especially those with criminal records in their home countries.

Yono believes that Americans are tired of the liberal and progressive policies adopted by the Biden Administration, particularly regarding families and children in schools, inflation, the cost of goods and energy, and crime. He thinks that Trump's previous record between 2017 and 2020, which witnessed economic prosperity, job creation, and the elimination of many terrorists, makes him the best choice for the upcoming elections. He points out that Trump's popularity is significantly increasing among minorities, including African-Americans and Hispanics, and that he united the Republican Party and held the best Party Convention under his leadership.

Regarding Kamala Harris, Yono believes that she did not win her position fairly and that she received the support of a few Democratic leaders after Biden was pressured to withdraw from the electoral race. He expresses concern over Harris's record and actions, noting that she is a partner in the Biden Administration that has made many catastrophic decisions, such as the withdrawal from Afghanistan and the increase in inflation and the costs of energy and food.

Yono thinks that the US liberal media is the only factor supporting her, but he asserts that the race is in favour of Trump and he is confident in his ability to make America great again.

 

Views on Harris: On the other hand, Professor John Dabit, a member of the Democratic Party's central committee, affirms that Harris is capable of succeeding thanks to her intelligence and effective utilisation of influential factors in her upcoming campaign.

"She will continue what Biden started but will add her own touches to highlight her achievements," Dabit says. "The biggest change we may witness will be in international relations, such as exerting pressure to solve the Palestinian issue and end the war in Ukraine." In domestic matters such as the economy, health, and infrastructure, it is expected that current policies will continue with her unique imprint.

Dabit says that Harris will start her presidency with a strong economy, building on the successes achieved by the Biden Administration in recent years. "If we remember when President Biden took office in January 2021, the country was suffering from the repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic. Biden worked hard to make a significant change in the economy over the past three and a half years. I believe Kamala Harris will start her presidency with a strong economy, as the economy at this moment is a strong economy,” he says.

Dabit points out that the current Administration, led by Biden and Harris, has provided over $325 million to various institutions and projects to develop the environment and climate in the United States. "This investment reflects the Administration's commitment to making tangible progress in facing environmental and climate challenges, which enhances Harris's position and gives her a strong start,” he adds.

Regarding healthcare, Dabit notes that Harris will continue the policies set by the Biden Administration, such as reducing drug prices, especially the injections used by diabetes patients. "Pharmaceutical companies were forced to produce drugs at lower prices so that American citizens can afford them. Harris supports these policies and will work on developing them in the future, to curb the dominance of pharmaceutical and insurance companies over the healthcare sector and the lives of American citizens,” he says.

Regarding Harris's chances of winning the upcoming elections, Dabit says that "Kamala Harris is neither Trump nor Biden, and the majority of the American people are looking for a new President.”