US Elections: Count Down Heat

Ishtiaq Ahmed 

Bradford: The upcoming US presidential election on November 5 is shaping up to be a historic and tightly contested race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.

Harris, the current Vice President, is a Democrat with a centre-left stance who aims to build on the Biden administration’s policies, especially in areas like climate action and international alliances. If elected, she would make history as the first female president of the United States.

Trump, a former president and the Republican candidate, continues to promote his “America First” approach, which emphasizes isolationist policies, reduced international commitments, and significant deregulation domestically

With Kamala Harris leading slightly in the polls by a slim margin of 1.4 percent, the race remains highly competitive, reflecting the deep political divisions in the US Trump continues to be a polarising figure, facing ongoing legal battles, while Harris is working to establish herself as a stable and competent alternative.

Both candidates are now focused on battleground states, where their efforts could secure the electoral college votes necessary for victory.

This election underscores a broader choice for American voters: Harris’s inclusive, alliance-focused vision, building on Biden’s legacy, versus Trump’s assertive, inward-focused approach aimed at deregulation and economic self-reliance. The outcome will shape not only America’s future but also its role on the world stage.

Kamala Harris, currently serving as Vice President, represents the Democratic Party’s centre-left. Seen as a natural successor to President Joe Biden, she’s expected to pursue his policies while making her own mark, especially in areas like healthcare, climate policy, and social equity.

Her campaign emphasises unity, practical solutions, and a willingness to listen to a range of voices, including dissenters. Harris’s candidacy is historic, as she would be the first woman to serve as president.

Donald Trump,  a former president and  on the far right of the American political spectrum, remains a polarising figure, widely recognised for his unyielding stances on issues like immigration, national security, and deregulation. His leadership style is famously direct and often dismissive of opposition, favouring decisive actions and, at times, contentious policies.

Trump’s return to the race is unusual for a former president, adding intensity to this election as he appeals to conservative values and serves as a powerful counter to progressive policies.

Read More: https://thepenpk.com/the-contest-for-the-tory-party-leadership-hotting-up/

In the US electoral system, winning the popular vote does not guarantee victory. Instead, candidates must secure at least 270 of the 538 electoral college votes, which are distributed among the states. Most states award their electoral votes in a “winner-takes-all” manner, so even a slight lead in key states can sway the election.

This year, much of the focus is on battleground states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Florida, which are expected to play a decisive role. These states, with their diverse electorates and political leanings, often reflect the national mood and can determine the outcome even if a candidate wins the popular vote overall

With the race in its final stages, both Harris and Trump are making urgent appeals to voters, emphasising their respective strengths and the future they envision for the country.

Trump’s rallies energise his base, drawing on themes of patriotism and a strong national defense. Meanwhile, Harris’s campaign appeals to a more inclusive and steady approach, aiming to rally the Democratic base and reach undecided voters.

As millions of Americans have already cast early ballots, this election is shaping up to be one of the most significant in recent US history. The narrow margin in the polls suggests every vote will matter, with the final outcome hinging on voter turnout, especially in the swing states.

The world will be closely watching the outcome of the Presidential Elections in one of the world’s most powerful countries with tentacles spread wide afield. The reverberation of the outcome will be felt in different corners of the world.

Both presidential candidates bring  two starkly different approaches to both domestic and international policy, which will indeed reverberate globally, affecting alliances, trade, climate and immigration. 

Foreign Policy

Harris has pledged to uphold US commitments to allies, maintaining a strong stance on global issues. She supports Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia, sees NATO as essential, and advocates a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine.

Harris’s approach suggests continuity with current US strategies, positioning America as a competitor to China while avoiding major shifts in relations with Russia, Iran, and other key nations.

In contrast, Trump’s foreign policy is notably isolationist. He claims he would end the Ukraine conflict within 24 hours through direct negotiations, suggesting he would allow Russia considerable latitude.

He has also repeatedly criticised NATO, demanding that member countries take on more financial responsibility for their defence. Trump’s approach departs from traditional US commitments, emphasising national priorities over international obligations.

Trade Policy

Harris opposes broad tariffs, criticising Trump’s plans as harmful to working Americans. However, she supports targeted tariffs, particularly on some Chinese imports, aiming to leverage economic pressure while minimising the impact on US consumers.

Trump, by contrast, has made tariffs a central focus of his campaign, proposing sweeping taxes on foreign goods to encourage domestic production. He promises additional tax cuts to incentivise companies to keep manufacturing in the US, appealing to voters with a pro-industry and protectionist message.

Climate Policy

Harris has championed renewable energy initiatives, backed by the Inflation Reduction Act, which offers incentives for clean energy and electric vehicles. While she has softened her stance against fracking, her policies still heavily favour environmental protection and climate action.

Trump, on the other hand, has pledged to undo many environmental regulations. His platform includes expanding fossil fuel production, including Arctic drilling, and he is highly critical of electric vehicles. His approach suggests a significant rollback on climate initiatives, prioritizing traditional energy sources and deregulation of the energy sector.

Immigration

Harris was tasked with tackling the root causes of the southern border crisis and helped raise billions of dollars of private money to make regional investments aimed at stemming the flow north.

Record numbers of people crossed from Mexico at the end of 2023 but the numbers have fallen since to a four-year low. In this campaign, she has toughened her stance and emphasised her experience as a prosecutor in California taking on human traffickers.

Trump has vowed to seal the border by completing the construction of a wall and increasing enforcement. But he urged Republicans to ditch a hard-line, cross-party immigration bill, backed by Harris. She says she would revive that deal if elected.

He has also promised the biggest mass deportation of undocumented migrants in US history.The differences in policy between Harris and Trump reflect broader ideological divides. 

Harris’s agenda aligns with a vision of US engagement and leadership in addressing global issues, from climate change to international stability, while Trump’s approach is heavily focused on prioritising US economic interests and reducing global commitments.

The election outcome will thus shape not only domestic policies on healthcare, taxes, and social issues but also have profound effects on international relations, trade policies, and environmental commitments. 

These policy directions underscore the high stakes of the election, with potential global impacts that range from shifts in climate initiatives to changes in international power dynamics. The world will indeed be watching closely to see which vision for America prevails, as the reverberations of this decision will be felt far beyond US borders.

The author is a British citizen of Pakistani origin with a keen interest in Pakistani and international affairs.

The article is the writer’s opinion, it may or may not adhere to the organization’s editorial policy.