ATLANTA — Election Day is here, and with hours to go, many Georgians are still wondering who to cast their ballots for in the 2024 presidential race.
Based on information from the Associated Press and NBC News, here’s a breakdown of former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris' positions on key issues like the economy, foreign policy and social issues.
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The Economy
Housing
Kamala Harris has prioritized affordable housing during her time as vice president, advocating for federal programs to expand access and combat homelessness. In May, Harris highlighted the racial disparities in home appraisals, citing instances of Black families receiving lower valuations than their homes are worth. Harris has also supported federal funding for new housing projects and proposed tax credits for renters who spend more than 30% of their income on housing, according to AP News.
Donald Trump, on the other hand, favors reducing housing costs by encouraging the construction of new developments on the outskirts of urban and suburban areas, where land is cheaper. Trump’s administration rolled back regulations to ease high-density housing development in 2020 but faced criticism after he later opposed building affordable housing in suburban neighborhoods, labeling it a “dystopian vision,” AP News reports.
Social Security
Harris has echoed the Biden administration’s commitment to protecting Social Security, rejecting any cuts to benefits and supporting increased taxes on high-income Americans to ensure its solvency. She has consistently advocated for expanding benefits for seniors and disabled people.
Trump’s stance on Social Security has been less clear. While he stated earlier this year that he would never jeopardize the program, he previously hinted that “entitlement reforms” could be on the table to address long-term solvency issues. AP News noted his campaign has not outlined a definitive plan for sustaining Social Security.
Taxes and Trade
Harris has supported reversing Trump’s 2017 tax cuts, arguing it would increase revenue from wealthier Americans and corporations, which would then be used to invest in public services and infrastructure. During her 2019 campaign, she proposed raising the corporate tax rate and implementing a 25% minimum tax on billionaires.
Trump, on the other hand, has committed to extending his tax cuts and has proposed a sweeping 10% tariff on all imports, which he argues will protect American jobs but could raise costs for consumers. He has also suggested imposing even higher tariffs on goods from China, according to NBC News.
Foreign Policy
China
Both candidates view China as a significant challenge, but their strategies diverge.
Harris has backed the Biden administration’s approach to countering China’s influence through international alliances and trade restrictions on advanced technologies that could enhance China’s military capabilities. She has called for continued dialogue to prevent tensions from escalating into open conflict.
Trump has taken a more hardline stance, proposing much higher tariffs on Chinese goods and vowing to prohibit China from investing in U.S. critical infrastructure. He’s also emphasized bringing manufacturing back to the U.S. to reduce dependence on Chinese imports, NBC News reported.
Gaza/Israel
The continued conflict between Israel and Hamas has exposed differences in their foreign policy views.
Harris has aligned with Biden’s push for a cease-fire and a two-state solution, though she’s faced criticism for not taking a stronger stance against Israel’s military actions. In a recent speech, she referred to the humanitarian situation in Gaza as a “catastrophe” and called for a temporary pause in hostilities.
Trump has taken a more aggressive tone, arguing that the Oct. 7 Hamas attack would not have happened under his leadership. He has called for a swift and decisive end to the conflict without articulating a clear path for peace in the region, according to NBC News.
Ukraine
Harris has stood firmly behind the Biden administration’s approach of supporting Ukraine “as long as it takes” to counter Russian aggression. She views military aid to Ukraine as crucial to deterring other authoritarian powers from similar actions.
Trump, however, suggested that he could end the war in 24 hours through negotiations, though he provided few details on what that would entail. He has also floated the idea of treating U.S. aid to Ukraine as a loan rather than a gift to protect American taxpayers, AP News reports.
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Social Issues
Abortion
Harris has been vocal in defending abortion rights, framing it as one of the most critical issues in the campaign. She supports restoring the protections of Roe v. Wade and has condemned Trump’s role in appointing the Supreme Court justices who overturned it.
Trump, who once supported abortion rights, has shifted to a firm anti-abortion stance. He has endorsed leaving the issue to the states and argued that overturning Roe was a courageous move by the Supreme Court. Trump has refused to clarify whether he would sign a national abortion ban if it passed Congress, according to AP News.
Climate Change
Harris has positioned herself as a strong advocate for climate action, backing Biden’s investments in clean energy and supporting the Paris Climate Agreement. She has also called for stricter regulations on industries contributing to carbon emissions.
Trump, in contrast, has vowed to deregulate the energy sector and expand oil and gas production, arguing that environmental regulations stifle job growth. He has also pledged to withdraw from the Paris accord again and opposes the Green New Deal’s approach to combating climate change, NBC News reports.
Immigration
Harris supports a more compassionate approach to immigration, including allowing undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens to apply for green cards and addressing the “root causes” of migration from Central America. The Biden administration, with her backing, has advocated for tighter controls but with pathways to citizenship for those already in the U.S.
Trump has maintained a hardline stance, pledging to end “catch-and-release” policies, reinstate “Remain in Mexico,” and quickly deport undocumented migrants. He has also vowed to deploy the National Guard to assist with removals in states willing to cooperate, according to NBC News.
As metro Atlanta and north Georgia voters weigh their choices, they’ll assess which vision aligns more closely with their values and priorities. Trump’s promises of economic nationalism and a hard stance on immigration contrast sharply with Harris’s focus on social justice, climate policy, and strengthening international alliances.
With both candidates clashing on so many issues, the 2024 election will be a defining moment for the country's direction.
11Alive is committed to helping you vote confidently by understanding the 2024 election issues that impact you. Our goal is to educate and inform our audience about the election process. We plan to do that by verifying facts, providing context, and explaining the system. Get more election resources here at 11alive.com/vote.