As the 2024 US presidential race enters its final weekend, Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump are in a close contest. While most voters are unlikely to change their minds now, key events could still influence opinions.
Both candidates are heavily campaigning in pivotal states, delivering their closing messages and investing in final turnout efforts amid rising misinformation. With over 70 million Americans having already voted—representing 45% of the 2020 total—opinion polls show a deadlock between Trump and Harris in 2024, with outcomes in seven swing states likely to be decisive.
Here’s a look at key issues influencing the race as both candidates make their final bids for the White House for 2024.
Economy
- Trump, who implemented tax cuts for the wealthy and businesses during his presidency, plans to introduce tariffs exceeding 10% on all imports to fund tax reductions for Americans.
- He has also proposed turning the US into a global cryptocurrency hub, launching his own cryptocurrency platform with his sons in September.
- Harris, meanwhile, aims to support the middle class with her vision of an “opportunity economy,” which includes moderate tax hikes for the wealthiest, expanded child tax credits, and support for first-time homebuyers and small businesses.
Immigration
- Immigration is a key issue, with concerns about increased migrant numbers during Biden’s administration.
- Trump, building on his original immigration-focused campaign, promises mass deportations of millions of undocumented migrants if reelected. He’s also committed to executing the largest deportation initiative in US history, aiming to surpass the 350,000 deportations during his first term.
- Harris has taken a strong stance on immigration too, advocating for stricter asylum policies and increased border security, in line with Biden’s approach.
Abortion
- Polling suggests a gender divide on this issue, with women leaning towards Harris and men showing more support for Trump.
- Abortion rights are a central issue, especially since the 2022 overturning of Roe v. Wade led to strict bans in several states.
- Harris has promised to enact a federal law to restore nationwide abortion access, while Trump emphasizes his role in appointing justices who overturned Roe and may further restrict abortion medication.
Foreign Policy
- Trump has pledged to resolve conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine but hasn’t provided details. He criticizes US financial aid to Ukraine and wants to reduce such support.
- Harris, on the other hand, supports continued aid to Ukraine and reaffirms the US’s commitment to NATO, aligning closely with Biden’s foreign policy.
- Both candidates back Israel, though Harris has expressed more empathy for Palestinians, while Trump encourages Israel to act forcefully.
Climate
- While the US is the second-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, neither candidate has presented a comprehensive climate plan.
- Trump, who has called climate change a “hoax,” plans to cut subsidies for renewable energy and reinstate extensive oil drilling, pledging to exit the Paris climate agreement again.
- Harris, by contrast, highlights Biden’s “Inflation Reduction Act,” which promotes green energy investments, and promises to continue US leadership on climate issues.
With the election days away, both candidates are making final pushes to rally their bases and appeal to undecided voters on these pivotal issues.
