The 2024 US presidential election is shaping up to be a historic contest between vice president Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump .
Here's an overview of their backgrounds, current standings, and key issues in the race.
Kamala Harris
Kamala Harris, 59, is the first woman, first Black, and first Asian American to be nominated for president by a major party. She previously served as the Attorney General of California and has been a US Senator since 2017. Harris has a reputation for her strong debating skills and has focused on issues such as healthcare, social justice, and women's rights during her political career.
Following Joe Biden's withdrawal from the race, Harris has gained momentum in the polls.
Recent polling indicates she is leading Trump by a narrow margin, with national averages showing her at 49% compared to Trump's 46%. Her campaign has been energised by the Democratic National Convention and her acceptance speech, which resonated with voters.
Donald Trump
Donald Trump, 77, is seeking a non-consecutive second term after serving as the 45th president from 2017 to 2021. His presidency was marked by significant controversy, including two impeachments and ongoing legal challenges. Trump remains a polarizing figure, known for his populist rhetoric and strong support among conservative voters.
Trump has faced challenges in the polls, particularly after a recent assassination attempt that some analysts believed would bolster his support. However, he has not seen the expected surge in polling numbers, and Harris's recent rise has complicated his campaign strategy.
Key issues in the race
Both candidates are focusing on pivotal domestic issues that are likely to influence voter decisions:
Inflation
Economic concerns, particularly inflation, are at the forefront of voters' minds. Harris's campaign aims to address these issues with proposals for economic reform and support for working families.
Abortion Rights
Following the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, abortion rights have become a critical issue. Harris is expected to advocate for reproductive rights, contrasting sharply with Trump’s more conservative stance.
As per available policy documents, Harris supports legislation to protect abortion rights nationally and has been a vocal advocate for reproductive freedom. As vice president, she visited the first abortion clinic by a president or vice president after Roe v. Wade was overturned. Harris consistently supported abortion rights in the Senate and co-sponsored a bill to ban common state-level restrictions on abortion.
On the other hand, Donald Trump often boasts about appointing the Supreme Court justices who overturned Roe v. Wade. He has stated that decisions on abortion access should be left to individual states.
Trump has not committed to signing a national abortion ban but has remained ambiguous about limiting access to medication abortion pills.
Immigration
Harris announced efforts to raise $3 billion to invest in regional communities and deter migration to the US. She endorsed a bipartisan border security agreement that included funding for border wall construction, although Trump criticized the deal. Harris vowed to "revive the bipartisan border security bill that he (Trump) killed" and promised to work with both parties.
Trump advocates for significant increases in tariffs on imported goods and aims to eliminate tariffs imposed on the US. He plans to focus on reducing reliance on Chinese imports in crucial sectors.
Taxes
Harris intends to collaborate with state authorities to eliminate $7 billion in medical debt for approximately 3 million Americans and push for a permanent child tax credit. She has proposed new tax credits for families and aims to eliminate taxes on tips while advocating for higher taxes on corporations.
Trump has committed to extending the 2017 tax cuts and reducing the corporate tax rate. He aims to repeal any tax increases implemented under Biden and eliminate taxes on tipped income, though this would require congressional approval.
Ukraine war and foreign
Harris has not clarified how her stance on the conflict in Ukraine will differ from Biden's, beyond praising his efforts to rebuild alliances like NATO. The Biden administration has provided extensive military and financial support to
Ukraine, viewing assistance as crucial to countering Russian aggression.
Harris has also affirmed Israel's right to self-defense and denounced Hamas as a terrorist group. However, she has also acknowledged the need for civilian protection in Gaza and supports a cease-fire deal contingent on the return of hostages and endorses a two-state solution.
Trump has expressed skepticism about US aid to Ukraine and has indicated plans to reevaluate NATO's purpose. He has claimed he could end the war before taking office by negotiating with both sides.
Trump supports Israel's campaign against Hamas but has criticized some tactics used by the Israeli government. He advocates for swift action to restore peace and has suggested revoking student visas for those who express antisemitic views.
Climate change
Harris was an early supporter of the Green New Deal as a senator from California. However, as vice president, she has adopted more moderate views, focusing on implementing climate initiatives from the Biden administration's Inflation Reduction Act. Despite these efforts, it seems unlikely the US will meet Biden's goal of halving greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
Trump aims to make US energy and electricity the cheapest globally. He would increase oil drilling on public lands, offer tax incentives to fossil fuel producers, expedite natural gas pipeline approvals, and reverse Biden's initiatives promoting electric vehicle adoption. Trump has vowed to withdraw from the Paris Climate Accords and eliminate subsidies for wind energy, along with regulations targeting energy-inefficient appliances.
Polling dynamics
The race is expected to be tight, with Harris currently leading in national polls but facing challenges in key swing states such as Michigan and Wisconsin, where Trump has historically performed well.
The upcoming debates are anticipated to play a crucial role in swaying undecided voters as the election date approaches on November 5, 2024.
As the campaign intensifies, both candidates are ramping up their efforts in battleground states, with Harris focusing on mobilising Black and working-class voters, while Trump continues to rally his base with promises of economic revival and conservative governance.
Here's an overview of their backgrounds, current standings, and key issues in the race.
Kamala Harris
Kamala Harris, 59, is the first woman, first Black, and first Asian American to be nominated for president by a major party. She previously served as the Attorney General of California and has been a US Senator since 2017. Harris has a reputation for her strong debating skills and has focused on issues such as healthcare, social justice, and women's rights during her political career.
Following Joe Biden's withdrawal from the race, Harris has gained momentum in the polls.
Recent polling indicates she is leading Trump by a narrow margin, with national averages showing her at 49% compared to Trump's 46%. Her campaign has been energised by the Democratic National Convention and her acceptance speech, which resonated with voters.
Donald Trump
Donald Trump, 77, is seeking a non-consecutive second term after serving as the 45th president from 2017 to 2021. His presidency was marked by significant controversy, including two impeachments and ongoing legal challenges. Trump remains a polarizing figure, known for his populist rhetoric and strong support among conservative voters.
Trump has faced challenges in the polls, particularly after a recent assassination attempt that some analysts believed would bolster his support. However, he has not seen the expected surge in polling numbers, and Harris's recent rise has complicated his campaign strategy.
Key issues in the race
Both candidates are focusing on pivotal domestic issues that are likely to influence voter decisions:
Inflation
Economic concerns, particularly inflation, are at the forefront of voters' minds. Harris's campaign aims to address these issues with proposals for economic reform and support for working families.
Abortion Rights
Following the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, abortion rights have become a critical issue. Harris is expected to advocate for reproductive rights, contrasting sharply with Trump’s more conservative stance.
As per available policy documents, Harris supports legislation to protect abortion rights nationally and has been a vocal advocate for reproductive freedom. As vice president, she visited the first abortion clinic by a president or vice president after Roe v. Wade was overturned. Harris consistently supported abortion rights in the Senate and co-sponsored a bill to ban common state-level restrictions on abortion.
On the other hand, Donald Trump often boasts about appointing the Supreme Court justices who overturned Roe v. Wade. He has stated that decisions on abortion access should be left to individual states.
Trump has not committed to signing a national abortion ban but has remained ambiguous about limiting access to medication abortion pills.
Immigration
Harris announced efforts to raise $3 billion to invest in regional communities and deter migration to the US. She endorsed a bipartisan border security agreement that included funding for border wall construction, although Trump criticized the deal. Harris vowed to "revive the bipartisan border security bill that he (Trump) killed" and promised to work with both parties.
Trump advocates for significant increases in tariffs on imported goods and aims to eliminate tariffs imposed on the US. He plans to focus on reducing reliance on Chinese imports in crucial sectors.
Taxes
Harris intends to collaborate with state authorities to eliminate $7 billion in medical debt for approximately 3 million Americans and push for a permanent child tax credit. She has proposed new tax credits for families and aims to eliminate taxes on tips while advocating for higher taxes on corporations.
Trump has committed to extending the 2017 tax cuts and reducing the corporate tax rate. He aims to repeal any tax increases implemented under Biden and eliminate taxes on tipped income, though this would require congressional approval.
Ukraine war and foreign
Harris has not clarified how her stance on the conflict in Ukraine will differ from Biden's, beyond praising his efforts to rebuild alliances like NATO. The Biden administration has provided extensive military and financial support to
Ukraine, viewing assistance as crucial to countering Russian aggression.
Harris has also affirmed Israel's right to self-defense and denounced Hamas as a terrorist group. However, she has also acknowledged the need for civilian protection in Gaza and supports a cease-fire deal contingent on the return of hostages and endorses a two-state solution.
Trump has expressed skepticism about US aid to Ukraine and has indicated plans to reevaluate NATO's purpose. He has claimed he could end the war before taking office by negotiating with both sides.
Trump supports Israel's campaign against Hamas but has criticized some tactics used by the Israeli government. He advocates for swift action to restore peace and has suggested revoking student visas for those who express antisemitic views.
Climate change
Harris was an early supporter of the Green New Deal as a senator from California. However, as vice president, she has adopted more moderate views, focusing on implementing climate initiatives from the Biden administration's Inflation Reduction Act. Despite these efforts, it seems unlikely the US will meet Biden's goal of halving greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
Trump aims to make US energy and electricity the cheapest globally. He would increase oil drilling on public lands, offer tax incentives to fossil fuel producers, expedite natural gas pipeline approvals, and reverse Biden's initiatives promoting electric vehicle adoption. Trump has vowed to withdraw from the Paris Climate Accords and eliminate subsidies for wind energy, along with regulations targeting energy-inefficient appliances.
Polling dynamics
The race is expected to be tight, with Harris currently leading in national polls but facing challenges in key swing states such as Michigan and Wisconsin, where Trump has historically performed well.
The upcoming debates are anticipated to play a crucial role in swaying undecided voters as the election date approaches on November 5, 2024.
As the campaign intensifies, both candidates are ramping up their efforts in battleground states, with Harris focusing on mobilising Black and working-class voters, while Trump continues to rally his base with promises of economic revival and conservative governance.
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