US Presidential Candidates 2024: Republican former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris are set to face off in the U.S. presidential election on Nov. 5, 2024. As the election nears, both candidates ramp up their campaigns in crucial battleground states, while several third-party contenders are also vying for voter attention. Here’s an in-depth look at the candidates and their platforms.
Democratic Party Candidate: Kamala Harris
Background and Experience
Kamala Harris, 60, is the Democratic Party’s nominee following President Joe Biden’s decision not to run for re-election. She holds a distinguished record as a former U.S. senator, California attorney general, and San Francisco prosecutor. In 2020, Harris became the first woman and person of color to serve as vice president of the United States. If elected, she would be the first woman to serve as president in the nation’s history.
Key Policy Stances
Economic Plans: Harris proposes tax cuts for most Americans, a ban on price gouging, affordable housing initiatives, and a new child tax credit. She supports increasing the corporate tax rate to 28% and eliminating taxes on tips.
Reproductive Rights and Personal Freedoms: Harris has made reproductive rights a core issue, advocating for a national law to protect safe abortion access.
Immigration and Border Security: She has pledged tougher controls on fentanyl and immigration at the border.
Climate and Energy: Harris aligns closely with Biden’s climate change policies, aiming to prioritize environmental protection.
Foreign Policy: Harris is expected to continue Biden’s approach to key global issues like Ukraine, China, and Iran. She has also taken a firm stance on Gaza, supporting a ceasefire but condemning Hamas.
Campaign Support
Harris’s campaign has garnered support from major labor groups, including the Service Employees International Union, the United Auto Workers, and the American Federation of Teachers. She also has backing from former U.S. military officials, business executives, and former top Republican officials.
Republican Party Candidate: Donald Trump
Background and Experience
Donald Trump, 78, secured the Republican nomination in July 2024, marking his third consecutive run for the presidency. Following his 2020 election loss, Trump has positioned his campaign around themes of political “retribution” and has drawn controversy over his rhetoric and legal challenges.
Key Policy Stances
Economic Policies: Trump promises sweeping tariffs on imports, tax deductions for emergency generators, lower corporate tax rates, and expanded access to federal lands for foreign investments. He plans to undo many of Biden’s climate initiatives.
Immigration and National Security: Trump has made immigration a primary focus, proposing mass deportations and ending birthright citizenship. He has also indicated plans for a travel ban on certain countries.
Reproductive Rights: Trump supports leaving abortion laws to individual states and opposes a federal ban on birth control.
Foreign Policy: Trump has signaled a desire to reshape U.S.-NATO relations, potentially broker a peace deal in Ukraine, and adopt a tougher stance on Iran. He condemns Hamas but has provided limited policy specifics.
Civil Service Reform: Trump has supported initiatives to replace federal workers with loyalists through the “Project 2025” policy agenda.
Campaign Controversies
Trump’s campaign has faced criticism from some Republicans for his personal attacks on Harris and controversial comments at rallies. Despite legal challenges, Trump continues to command significant loyalty from his base and has received endorsements from police unions, including the National Fraternal Order of Police.
Third-Party and Independent Candidates
Libertarian Party: Chase Oliver
Chase Oliver, 39, is the Libertarian Party candidate after Trump declined an invitation to their convention. Oliver previously ran for a Georgia Senate seat in 2022, where he received 2% of the vote.
Green Party: Jill Stein
Jill Stein, 74, is the Green Party’s nominee for the 2024 election. A physician and previous Green Party candidate, Stein has positioned her campaign around environmental protection, economic justice, and criticizing both major parties.
Independent: Cornel West
Cornel West, a philosopher and political activist, began his 2024 run as a Green Party candidate but has since declared himself an independent. West, 71, aims to attract progressive voters with a platform centered on ending poverty, guaranteeing housing, and prioritizing “good policies over partisan politics.”
Conclusion: A Close Race Ahead
As Election Day approaches, the 2024 presidential race remains highly competitive. With Harris and Trump polling closely in key battleground states and third-party candidates presenting alternative visions, American voters face a pivotal choice about the nation’s direction.
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