In 2016, Donald Trump gained support for his presidential candidacy based on the perception that his entrepreneurial background would lead to a new era of pragmatic and bipartisan politics. However, his term was marked by what has been described as failures, especially evidenced by his handling of the global pandemic, displays of nativism, and inciting an insurrection following his 2020 election defeat.
As the 2024 elections approach, Vice President Kamala Harris has garnered support due to her perceived ability to transcend the current cycle of ideological governance, with her policies aligning closely with the goals of economic growth and social inclusion.
At a recent rally in Madison Square Garden, Trump’s rhetoric was likened to Charles Lindbergh’s 1939 pro-“Americanism” rally at the same venue, which was criticized for its fascist and white supremacist overtones. Trump made remarks comparing immigrants to a detrimental force on the country, paralleling past divisive narratives.
The potential economic impacts of Trump’s policies show a divide between rewarding the affluent and negatively affecting the middle and lower classes, with propositions such as mass deportation and tariff increases possibly leading to a severe drop in GDP. Several analyses from places like Bloomberg Economics, The Wall Street Journal, Goldman Sachs, Moody’s, and a group of Nobel laureates have noted the adverse economic effects these policies may have.
Conversely, Vice President Harris’s tax proposals are designed to benefit the lower-income brackets while imposing a slight increase in taxes on the wealthiest individuals.
Emphasizing current economic performance, the Biden-Harris administration has overseen significant job growth and a strong stock market, indicating a robust economic status with increased oil production and falling gas prices, contradicting certain narratives favoring Trump’s business acumen.
The ongoing discourse in 2024 centers around the idea that Trump might be better for business, yet Vice President Harris presents an economic record and strategy aimed at fostering growth among small businesses and working-class families. Despite Trump’s ongoing influence on the race due to perceptions of economic handling, Harris is positioned as the candidate poised to lead change.
