The US Elections: Where do the Democrats and Republicans Stand?

Americans are gearing up for what could possibly be the most important Presidential elections for the country. Voters will head to the polls in November 2024. Meanwhile, parties and their leaders continue to advocate for their causes.

The past four years have been anything but a cake walk for the Biden administration, beginning with a global pandemic and ending with two major conflicts in regions of interest for the United States. This is combined with a steep polarisation in varying issues of concern such as reproductive rights, climate action and cost of living. This article will delve into the Republicans (Trump) and Democrats (Biden) plans to tackle critical issues such as the economy, foreign policy, immigration, abortion and climate. 

The Economy

Under the Biden administration, the US economy saw a steady comeback post the COVID-19 pandemic, its performance being one of the biggest achievement of the current term. The Democrats can also claim steady economic growth and a strong labour market. However, the cost of living concerns run high among the common public, along with rising inflation. Biden’s failure to address these issues have become Trump’s strength. Taxes are another cause for concern, especially for the elite business class. While Biden aims to increase the tax rate from 21 to 28 percent, and 37 to 39.7% for high-income raisers, Trump’s 2017 tax plan offers income-tax rate cuts, reduction in the corporate income tax and other benefits for individuals and corporations. 

Immigration

Illegal immigration has continued to be a pressing issue, as Trump accuses Democrats and the Biden administration of promoting illegal immigration so as to gain an advantage in the elections. While Biden began his term advocating for a sympathetic approach in terms of immigration, severe backlash has convinced the Democrats to adopt a restrictive attitude, and issue orders that limit migrant arrivals. Trump has promised to revive his first-term policies concerning immigration, and carry out “the largest deportation operation” in US history. The Republican has also advocated for terminating birth right citizenship for children of undocumented migrants. 

Abortion

Democrats are crystal clear on their fight for abortion rights, as President Biden has called for Congress to send him legislation that would make the right to abortion a federal law. He has criticised statewide bans on abortion, and has declared he will veto any potential legislation calling for a nationwide ban. Republicans also consider the abortion issue with some level of caution, as Mr Trump has also criticized extreme measures in states including Arizona and Alabama. He has advocated for states to form their own laws concerning women’s reproductive rights, but has not yet shown support for nationwide legislation. 

Climate Action

The climate crisis is not a new development for the people of the United States, as the country has grappled with frequent national disasters such as floods, tornadoes, heatwaves and more. In the same line, Biden can be expected to continue implementing legislation that tackles climate change to meet his goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by half by 2030. However, some climate activists oppose his actions to boost oil and gas production, such as the Willow oil project in Alaska. In contract, Mr Trump aims for the country to have the cheapest energy and electricity, relax restrictions on oil drilling, re-exit the Paris Climate Accords and boost domestic energy production. 

Foreign Policy

The Biden Administration’s response to the revival of the Israel Palestine conflict has not worked in their favour, as the public opposes US’s actions for entirely differing reasons. President Biden and the Democrats tread a fine line as they try to pacify the opposing demands of the Israel lobby and a youth lobby more sympathetic to the Palestinian cause. His administration continues to provide support for Israel in terms of military aid and more, despite the rise in the country’s steadfast stand with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Mr Trump has also expressed his support for Israel’s efforts to destroy Hamas, but has criticized some of its tactics. He has also called for more aggressive enforcement against the pro-Palestinian protests on university campuses. 

Meanwhile, the Russia-Ukraine conflict shows no end in sight, as President Biden continues to support a global coalition against Russia’s actions. However, public support for the cause has dwindled over time and further US aid has been restricted as it waits approval from the Republican cabinet, who demand alterations. Further policies concerning the China problem, and Mr Trump’s disdain for NATO ensures foreign policy to remain a contentious issue for the country. 

Conclusion

Several other issues including healthcare, taxes, gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights and more also play a role in the polarisation of US politics. Regardless of the results of the upcoming elections, the future of the United States remains uncertain, as the public prepares for tough times ahead.