Staff Reports
As the 2024 election looms, the showdown between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris offers a spectacle worthy of a reality TV season finale—just with higher stakes and less drama about who gets voted off the island. The outcome could send the nation spiraling deeper into the issues that have become the hot-button topics of the day. Voter discontent with the Biden administration fuels this political melee, as both candidates fight to be seen as the beacon of change.
First and foremost, there’s the elephant in the room—or rather, the dollar sign: inflation. Voters can’t ignore the crippling effect that rising prices, led by Biden’s policies, have had on their wallets. Recent polling shows a staggering disapproval rate with Biden’s handling of inflation, a figure that many Americans could recite by heart as they attempt to make sense of their grocery receipts. For Harris, promoting the Inflation Reduction Act might sound great in theory, but folks are more concerned about filling their pantries than the legislative jargon surrounding “reduction.” Meanwhile, Trump’s embrace of increased energy production offers a hands-on approach to tackling the issue, suggesting that common sense solutions could translate into grocery savings.
US election: It’s going to be a long night. As polls open, here are 10 key reads while you await results
Explainers
⏰Key timings and results guide as Trump and Harris bid to become next president
🇺🇸What are swing states and how will they decide the presidency?
👉How does the… pic.twitter.com/LYDxhwNvk9— The Irish Times (@IrishTimes) November 5, 2024
Moving down the list of woes is immigration, a classic Trump campaign stalwart. As the United States grapples with record numbers of illegal border crossings under the current administration’s watch, the chaos of unchecked immigration has become a potent topic for concerned voters. The tactic of busing migrants to “sanctuary cities” illustrates just how serious red states are about showcasing the consequences of lax border control. Trump hasn’t been shy about linking immigration with rising crime rates—a narrative that seems to resonate in a country increasingly concerned about safety. Harris may try to deflect blame onto Trump for past failures, but the present reality weighs heavily on voters’ minds.
Another contentious issue bubbling to the surface is abortion. While Harris aims to paint Trump as a potential national abortion ban advocate, the counter-narrative is that Trump regards the matter as one reserved for the states—not the federal government. With several states now hosting referendums on abortion access during the election, this could shape voter turnout more than Harris would hope. The backlash against Roe v. Wade is driving many conservatives to the polls, eager to solidify a pro-life agenda.
Amid legal troubles that seem to pop up more regularly than a Netflix series, Trump faces the music with multiple indictments clouding his campaign. However, many observers are realizing that these legal challenges may not be the fatal flaw Democrat insiders wish they would be. Instead, they illustrate a legal circus that detracts from any real debate on the issues. Trump’s amps-up narrative of being a target of politically motivated attacks only serves to cement his support among those who feel the judicial system has been weaponized against him.
As for Harris, a little fun can be had here. The VP’s ascension without a primary campaign left her lacking the robust testing ground that usually elevates candidates with significant public appeal. While trying to gain traction through media appearances, she often stumbles across her words like a toddler learning to walk. Yet, she faces the reality of a Trump campaign that points to global disorder and failures, showcasing a clear distinction as voters weigh the balance of risk and return.
The 2024 election certainly offers a fascinating landscape of political dichotomies, from inflation to immigration, abortion debates to judicial implications, each vying for the attention of voters who are increasingly frustrated. As both candidates shine a spotlight on these issues, it becomes clear that this election isn’t just about personalities; it’s about the future direction of the country. Stay tuned; Election Day is shaping up to be quite the ride.
