Kamala Harris. Favorable aspects
1. Experience in the current government. As vice president, Kamala Harris has an advantage in terms of direct experience running the federal government. This allows her to present herself as a candidate with solid knowledge about the functioning of the Executive, which could be attractive to voters seeking stability and continuity.
2. Representation of diversity. Harris is the first Black and Asian American woman to serve as vice president, symbolizing a shift in political representation in the United States. This gives it significant support among ethnic minorities and progressive groups that see their leadership as an opportunity to advance issues of racial equality, women’s rights and social justice.
3. Progressive platform. Harris has aligned herself with several progressive policies including advocacy for healthcare access, immigration reform, climate justice and reproductive rights. This allows him to consolidate a base of support among Democratic voters who are committed to the Democratic Party’s agenda and who seek a move away from Trump’s conservative policies.
4. Firm international position. In international affairs, Harris has promoted a multilateral collaborative approach that seeks to restore traditional U.S. alliances. This policy may be attractive to voters concerned about the perception and leadership of the United States on the global stage, especially after the Trump administration, which adopted a more isolationist foreign policy. However, the political position in favor of armed conflict in the Palestine conflict could alienate young moderates who are against American interventionism through Israel.
5. Adhesion of Republican politicians, In recent weeks, nearly 200 Republican politicians have endorsed candidate Harris. Among the most prominent are figures such as Dick Cheney and his daughter Liz, who recently made the public announcement about their position for the upcoming presidential election. Other prominent Republicans have done the same, including Adam Kinzinger, Christine Todd Whitman, Chuck Hagel, Ray LaHood, Stephanie Grisham, Bill Weld, Joe Walsh, Susan Molinari and Jimmy McCain, son of the late Republican John McCain (Fourth EstateOctober 23, 2024).
Kamala Harris. Aspects against
1. Leadership Perception. Despite her position as vice president, Harris has been criticized in some quarters for not having a very visible role in President Biden’s administration. His detractors argue that he lacks a strong presence and that his leadership has not been decisive enough on key issues such as immigration reform, the Gaza conflict and abortion rights.
2. Partnership with the Biden administration. Harris is directly associated with President Biden’s administration, which has faced criticism over inflation, the handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal and other economic challenges. Many undecided or moderate voters could associate Harris with the mistakes of the current administration, which could erode her ability to attract support beyond her progressive base.
3. Internal division in the Democratic Party. Although Harris has the support of much of the Democratic base, she also faces resistance from moderate sectors who may not agree with some of her more progressive positions, such as on the issue of climate change or the regulation of police forces. This could limit his appeal in a conservative electorate.
4. Performance in the 2020 campaign. During the 2020 presidential primaries, Harris failed to mobilize a strong base and was one of the first candidates to drop out of the race. This background can be perceived as a weakness in terms of electoral popularity, especially in a country that requires strong grassroots mobilization to win presidential elections and that is traditionally conservative.
Donald Trump. Advantages
1. Faithful Support Base. Trump has a very loyal base of support that remains strong since his presidency. This group of voters, which includes conservatives, populists and people dissatisfied with the political elite, has proven to be highly participatory in elections. His ability to mobilize this sector of the electorate is one of his main strengths.
2. Charisma and communication skills. Trump is recognized for his charisma and his ability to communicate directly with his followers through unconventional means such as social media. This allows him to bypass traditional channels and carry his message without filters, which has been key to maintaining his influence in American politics.
3. Popular economic positions. During his presidency, Trump was perceived as a champion of economic growth through tax cuts and pro-business policies. Many conservative and centrist voters continue to view Trump as someone who can restore economic prosperity, especially amid concerns about inflation and the economic slowdown under the Biden administration.
4. Heavy-handed foreign policy: Trump has advocated a forceful foreign policy, including negotiating more favorable trade deals for the United States and a tough stance on issues such as immigration and border security. This approach resonates with voters concerned about national security and illegal immigration.
