The 2024 U.S. Presidential Election, scheduled for November 5, 2024, is shaping up to be one of the most contentious and closely watched contests in recent history. With just four weeks to go, candidates Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are ramping up their campaigns, each vying for key voter blocs, particularly among young Americans.
Polling data reveals significant disparities between the candidates, particularly concerning their approaches to the economy, foreign policy, immigration, and social issues. Harris, running as the Democratic nominee, has emphasized her administration's accomplishments and proposed measures to address youth economic concerns, which have emerged as central issues this election.
Recent surveys point to potential disparities in economic impacts between the two candidates. According to the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, Trump’s proposed policies could increase the national debt by $7.5 trillion, whereas Harris’s plans would add about $3.5 trillion over the next decade. Analysts have noted neither candidate has satisfactorily addressed the looming $35 trillion national debt, causing potential voter anxiety. Harris has pointed to her plan to raise taxes on the wealthiest Americans as part of long-term economic growth strategies.
Harris has been making the rounds on various media channels, including 'The View' and podcasts, attempting to win over voters and clarify her positions. During her interview with CBS News’ 60 Minutes, she faced tough questions about immigration policies and U.S.-Israeli relations. When pressed about whether Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is a strong ally, Harris hesitated, focusing instead on the broader, historical ties between the two nations.
Trump, meanwhile, has been quite vocal about Harris's policies, especially concerning immigration, claiming her administration's decisions have exacerbated border issues. He argues these policy shifts have led to increased illegal immigration, capitalizing on narratives of border chaos. Harris, for her part, defended her approach, stating, "The policies we have been proposing are about fixing problems, not promoting them," stressing the need for bipartisan cooperation to achieve effective solutions.
Adding to the national political climate is the rising concern among younger voters, aged 18 to 35, who face economic pressures from high living costs, rising student debt, and stagnant wages. This demographic, which constitutes about one-third of the electorate, has shifted its primary concerns from issues like health care and racism, which were dominant during the last election, to economic issues, including inflation and jobs. Young voters feel the crunch of financial hardship more than previous generations, and as such, both candidates are directing their focus toward this significant voting bloc.
Data from the recent Gen Forward survey highlights how 18-26-year-olds rank issues related to economic growth, inequality, and poverty as the most pressing problems facing the country today. Clearly, as demonstrated by first-time voter Isabella Morris, economic uncertainty will drive many to the polls this November. At just 21 years old and balancing motherhood with part-time work, Morris noted, “We have no savings, nothing. One job used to be enough to live on, even at minimum wage. Now it feels like we’re barely scraping by.”
This sentiment is echoed by many young Americans who, experiencing higher levels of debt than Millennials did at the same age, express dissatisfaction with the current economic climate. Financial expert Kyla Scanlon argues the situation has “degraded” compared to previous generations, indicating the job market's struggle to provide living wages.
The electoral battle for young votes has intensified with candidates strategically enlisting the help of social media influencers to disseminate their messages. Trump has utilized platforms like TikTok to reach younger voters directly, collaborating with various influencers. Conversely, Harris has embraced digital campaigning, enhanced by endorsements from popular figures such as Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish. This focus on dynamic social outreach suggests both candidates recognize the importance of addressing the concerns of Gen Z and Millennials.
Harris's administration has proposed direct economic solutions, such as extending subsidies for first-time home buyers and providing tax credits to families, intending to resonate with financially burdened voters. She is optimistic about her outreach to younger Americans, believing investments made by her campaign will help bridge the gap connecting her policies to this key demographic.
While both candidates have their respective strategies, the race's outcome will heavily depend on which campaign connects more authentically with the electorate's pressing concerns, especially those of young voters. This election isn't merely about casting ballots but rather speaks to the very futures of many Americans who seek reassurance amid economic uncertainty.
Simultaneously, Trump's victory or loss will hinge on his ability to mitigate his past controversies and sell his vision for America's future. His commitment to eliminating tax rates for specific industries aims to reestablish economic faith among those struggling with inflated prices and wages unable to keep pace with living expenses.
The upcoming debates and town halls will play pivotal roles as they feature both candidates addressing not only their policies but also their personal experiences, which could be key to winning over skeptical voters. Harris’s previous successes as California’s Attorney General and Trump’s approach as a former president aiming to restore what he considers lost strength will be put to the test as public enthusiasm swings like the tide.
Both candidates also face pressure to articulate clear plans for handling the country’s debt crisis. Trump's approach of raising tariffs as means of increasing revenue has been met with skepticism, with experts warning of potential negative long-term consequences. Alternatively, Harris's direct tax increases on the nation’s wealthiest, aimed at alleviating economic strains on the middle and lower classes, also come with risks of alienation among core supporters.
Recent polls indicate Harris holds a slight lead over Trump among woman and minority voters, who comprise solid factions of both parties' voter bases. Conversely, Trump holds substantial sway among older voters, particularly white Americans. It remains to be seen if initiatives aimed at youth voter turnout—relationships with influencers, relatable campaign rhetoric, and social media engagement—can sway the undecided electorate this time around.
With only days left until the ballots are cast, the urgency of this election looms larger than ever. Candidates must now face the challenges of not only delivering their messages effectively but ensuring their proposals resonate deeply with impatient and economically anxious voters. Will they rise to the occasion or become victims of their patterns of past behavior and competing ideologies? The voters will decide come Election Day.
