How the World Would Be Different Between President Trump and President Harris?

As the 2024 U.S. presidential election looms, voters face a stark choice between two candidates with vastly different visions for the country: former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. This election is not just a contest between two individuals but a clash of ideologies and political models that could shape the future of the United States and its role on the global stage.

Policy Differences

Economic Policies

Donald Trump:

• Tariffs and Trade: Trump has promised to enact universal baseline tariffs to protect American jobs and encourage domestic production. He argues that these tariffs will lead to “lower taxes, bigger paychecks, and more jobs for American workers” by taxing foreign companies and rewarding domestic production.
• Tax Cuts: During his previous term, Trump implemented significant tax cuts, particularly for corporations, which he claims spurred economic growth. However, these cuts also contributed to a substantial increase in federal debt.
• Interest Rates: Trump has criticized the Federal Reserve for keeping interest rates high and has promised to push for lower rates to stimulate the economy.

Kamala Harris:

• American Rescue Plan: Shortly after taking office as Vice President, Harris supported the Biden administration’s $2 trillion stimulus package, which delivered direct payments to Americans and boosted unemployment insurance. This plan aimed to mitigate the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Economic Equity: Harris has emphasized the need for economic policies that address income inequality and provide support for marginalized communities. She advocates for higher taxes on the wealthy and increased funding for social programs.

Healthcare

Donald Trump:

• Repeal and Replace: Trump has consistently pushed for the repeal of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare, arguing that it is a burden on businesses and taxpayers. He has proposed replacing it with a system that provides more choices and lower costs.
• Drug Prices: Trump has promised to lower prescription drug prices by allowing the importation of cheaper drugs from other countries and negotiating directly with pharmaceutical companies.

Kamala Harris:

• Medicare for All: Harris has been a vocal supporter of expanding access to healthcare through a Medicare for All system. She argues that healthcare is a fundamental right and that a single-payer system would ensure that all Americans have access to quality care.
• Women’s Health: Harris has been a staunch advocate for women’s reproductive rights, opposing any efforts to restrict access to abortion and other reproductive health services.

Climate Change

Donald Trump:

• Deregulation: Trump has focused on rolling back environmental regulations, arguing that they stifle economic growth and job creation. He withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement and has promoted the use of fossil fuels.
• Energy Independence: Trump has emphasized the importance of energy independence through increased domestic production of oil, natural gas, and coal.

Kamala Harris:

• Green New Deal: Harris supports the Green New Deal, a comprehensive plan to address climate change by transitioning to renewable energy sources and reducing carbon emissions. She has called for significant investments in clean energy infrastructure and technology.
• Rejoining Paris Agreement: Harris has pledged to rejoin the Paris Climate Agreement and take aggressive action to meet its targets, emphasizing the need for global cooperation to combat climate change.

Political Models: Prince vs. Party

The 2024 election also represents a choice between two distinct political models: the “Prince” and the “Party.”

Donald Trump: The Prince:

• Outsider Influence: Trump entered politics as an outsider and reshaped the Republican Party to align with his populist-conservative vision. His leadership style is characterized by personal instincts and direct communication with the public through social media.
• Centralized Power: Trump’s approach centralizes power in the hands of a single leader, magnifying both his strengths and weaknesses. This model can lead to rapid policy changes but also creates instability if the leader is removed or incapacitated.

Kamala Harris: The Party:

• Party Loyalty: Harris represents the Democratic Party’s model, where leaders are seen as figureheads who advance the party’s agenda. This model emphasizes stability, continuity, and collective decision-making.
• Adaptability: The party model is durable and adaptable, capable of quickly replacing leaders and maintaining a consistent policy direction. However, it may lack the creativity and boldness that individual leaders can bring.

Global Implications

The outcome of the 2024 election will have significant implications for the United States’ role on the global stage.

Under Trump:

• Isolationism: Trump’s “America First” policy emphasizes national sovereignty and a reduced role in international organizations and agreements. This approach could lead to strained relationships with traditional allies and a more unpredictable foreign policy.
• Trade Wars: Trump’s use of tariffs and trade restrictions could lead to increased tensions with major trading partners, potentially sparking trade wars that disrupt global markets[6].

Under Harris:

• Multilateralism: Harris is likely to pursue a more multilateral approach, re-engaging with international organizations and agreements. This could strengthen alliances and promote global cooperation on issues like climate change and security.
• Human Rights: Harris has emphasized the importance of human rights and democracy in foreign policy, potentially leading to increased support for international human rights initiatives and a focus on diplomatic solutions to conflicts.

The 2024 presidential election offers voters a clear choice between two candidates with contrasting visions for the future. Donald Trump’s policies focus on economic nationalism, deregulation, and a centralized leadership style, while Kamala Harris advocates for economic equity, environmental sustainability, and a collaborative approach to governance. The decision will shape not only the direction of the United States but also its role in the world, highlighting the profound impact of this pivotal election.