(Photo : Trump vs Harris)
Trump vs Harris

• The 2024 U.S. Presidential Election sees a close race between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris.
• Trump's campaign faced backlash over derogatory remarks at a rally, while Harris focuses on job creation and economic growth.
• The candidates have divergent views on support for Ukraine and NATO, tariffs, abortion rights, taxes, and democratic principles.
• The election outcome will have far-reaching implications, both domestically and internationally.

As the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election approaches, the nation is witnessing a neck-and-neck race between Republican Donald Trump and his Democratic rival, Vice President Kamala Harris. The election, scheduled for November 5, has already seen millions of Americans casting their votes early. Georgia, a southern swing state, is expected to account for up to 70% of the ballots through in-person early voting.

Trump, in a bid to secure the religious vote, attended a National Faith Advisory Board event in Georgia. He expressed his belief in the country's need for religion and criticized the new administration, referring to them as a new radical left group of people. However, his campaign faced backlash over a rally in New York, where a comedian's derogatory remarks about Puerto Rico sparked outrage among Latino celebrities and drew criticism from politicians across the spectrum.

The Trump campaign has since distanced itself from these remarks, stating they do not reflect their views. This incident underscores the high stakes and intense scrutiny in the election, with every statement and action potentially impacting the candidates' standing with key voter groups.

Trump and Harris: Divergent Economic Visions

On the other side of the political divide, Harris has been focusing on job creation and economic growth. She visited Corning Inc's Hemlock Semiconductor facility in Michigan, emphasizing the importance of investing in manufacturing jobs. The company recently received a preliminary investment of up to $325 million via the Chips and Science Act, which Harris helped pass and Trump criticized.

Harris argued that meaningful partnerships with the private sector and industries lead to a win-win situation for everyone. Despite the strong job market and record-high stock markets under the Biden-Harris administration, elevated prices have hit consumers hard. Harris has proposed policies to bring down prices and alleviate the country's housing crunch.

She contrasted her leadership approach with Trump's, stating that he would be more focused on settling scores with his adversaries. This contrast in leadership styles and economic visions underscores the stark choice facing voters in the election.

International Relations and Historical Echoes

The election is not just about domestic issues; it also has significant implications for international relations. Harris and Trump have divergent views on support for Ukraine and NATO, tariffs that could trigger trade wars, abortion rights, taxes, and basic democratic principles. The election's outcome will determine the stewardship of the world's most powerful country.

Historically, the 2024 election echoes the 2016 election, where Trump, then a political outsider, ran against Hillary Clinton. The 2016 election was marked by deep divisions and high-stakes debates on issues such as immigration, economic policy, and the role of the U.S. in the world. The 2024 election, with its focus on jobs, economy, and international relations, seems to be following a similar trajectory.

In the final week of the campaign, both candidates are making their last-ditch efforts to sway voters. Trump, in his characteristic style, has been holding rallies and making bold statements, while Harris has been focusing on policy proposals and contrasting her leadership style with Trump's.

As the election draws near, the strategies of the candidates and the responses of the voters will shape the future of the U.S. The 2024 election, much like the 2016 one, is a testament to the vibrant and often contentious nature of American democracy. The outcome of this election will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications, both domestically and internationally.