If there was ever going to be stark contrasts drawn between two front-running candidates, the upcoming debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump on September 10, 2024, promises to serve just this purpose. With energy policy, climate change efforts, and their broader visions for America's future taking center stage, this debate is bound to be dramatic and enlightening.
The backdrop for their fiery exchange is painted vividly by recent weather patterns, as scientists have recorded some of the hottest days ever measured on Earth. Amidst four blisteringly hot days this summer, both candidates have pledged to address climate issues, but their plans are as different as night and day.
Vice President Harris has ardently supported President Biden's environmental policies, which include landmark legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act aimed at reducing carbon emissions and promoting clean energy. While campaigning, she has noted the fundamental importance of clean air and water, reflecting the democratic agenda focused on battling climate change. Harris's aim is clear: strive toward energy independence but through clean means—especially when it involves steering clear of traditional fossil fuels like coal and oil.
Contrastingly, Trump has rallied for what he describes as America's 'liquid gold,' emphasizing the abundance of fossil fuels the nation possesses. His rallying cry, "drill, baby, drill!" exemplifies his aggressive stance on boosting fossil fuel production, including coal, natural gas, and oil, through policies he has labeled as anti-regulatory. Trump even referred to the current climate initiatives as "a green new scam," making his intent evident: to dismantle Biden's environmental policies entirely and restore the fossil fuel industry to its former glory.
During her time as California's senator, Harris was one of the early sponsors of the ambitious Green New Deal, envisioned to jumpstart America's transition to renewable energy sources. Her efforts reinforced her image as a champion for environmental protection. But it's worth noting—Harris's position on key energy practices has evolved over time, particularly concerning hydraulic fracturing, also known as fracking. She initially opposed it but later walked back her stance, asserting, "I will not ban fracking," to appeal to voters from states like Pennsylvania who rely heavily on the industry. This change stirs frustration among environmental advocates who view it as abandoning progressive environmental ideals.
Trump's critique centers around Harris's apparent indecisiveness and specter of mistrust. By citing her earlier anti-fracking sentiment, Trump draws attention to what he sees as her hypocritical change of heart. He pushes the narrative by saying, "You’ll have energy prices going up three, four, five times," insinuations aimed at heightening fears around energy costs under Harris’s leadership. Indeed, the spotlight will also fall on fracking during the debate as both candidates aim to sway voters from Pennsylvania and other key battleground states.
Both energy policies are under scrutiny, as Harris's team has vested interests tied to increasing electric vehicle usage and enhancing clean energy initiatives through government incentives. Every dollar spent on transitioning to cleaner technologies—like funding for electric school buses—aims at not just improving air quality for future generations but at boosting the economy through clean energy job creation. The Biden-Harris administration reported 250,000 energy jobs being created, and clean energy was credited with over half this total.
Yet, Trump's return to the stage feels almost like unleashing pent-up energy. His narrative stresses dollar values and job preservation—key talking points for the GOP. He plans to try selling voters on the supposed benefits of deregulation and increased drilling, promising to produce energy “cheaper and more abundantly than ever.” His claims invite skepticism, especially since growing emphasis on renewables has led to declining fossil fuel prices and increasing domestic production under Biden’s presidency.
At the same time, Trump will likely take the offensive on economic issues, arguing against what he describes as burdensome regulations by Democrats. He is expected to invoke criticisms of how the current administration's policies are perceived to inflate consumer costs. For example, he cites the recent EPA rules on emissions and insists they would force coal-fired power plants to shut down, driving prices higher for the average American family.
On the other hand, Harris could turn the tables by asserting Trump has cherry-picked facts to bolster his energy strategies and play to fear-based narratives. The true shutdown of many plants stems from changing market dynamics and the competitive edge renewables now hold—primarily driven by technology advancements and economic benefits. The Biden administration paused consideration of new liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminals earlier this year—an action made to review the ramifications more comprehensively. Harris could seize on this point, discussing operational timestamps and how the industry and environment have benefited from policies supported by her and Biden.
Still, the debate will not be solely about energy. Hot-button issues include abortion rights and immigration, both central to the candidates' platforms. Following Roe v. Wade's reversal, Harris argues Trump's party endeavors to impose strict national abortion laws. She paints her opponent as out of touch with women’s rights and health issues; meanwhile, Trump positions himself as the defender of states’ rights, sidestepping national mandates.
Trump's misrepresentations have become part of his strategy, aiming to deflect criticism from his own administration’s policies. He has attempted to frame the immigration issues since the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and the rise of the Taliban, often implying Harris's involvement without acknowledging the roots of the agreements established during his presidency.
These assertions will be put to the test during the debate. Trump's history of making controversial statements around immigration will create moments aimed at rattling Harris, pushing her to differentiate her administration's policies from the previous fallout. Given how many recent discussions on crime arise from perceptions of safety, the candidates will also tackle crime statistics, which Trump often touts when calling for stricter law enforcement policies.
With much at stake, voters’ expectations surrounding the upcoming debate are high. It seems likely to serve as the perfect platform for both candidates to reinforce their agendas, air grievances about the opposing party, and articulate how they envision America's energy future. Harris's camp will want clarity on her current energy policies, hoping clarity prevails over contradictions, especially as the election rapidly approaches.
Meanwhile, Trump will be expected to showcase not just assertiveness, but evidence of alternative solutions to energy independence—solutions so appealing they are immediate and distinct from Harris’s green agenda. Expectations for the debate amplify with murmurings of how candidates prepare, anticipating accusations, and the strategy shifts both will employ to win voters. While supporters already align with their preferred candidate’s stances, the debate could shift the focal points to key issues swing voters care about. The tension is palpable; their strategies, so fundamentally different.
This upcoming face-off could very well be shaping up to be the most consequential stage debate of this election. With both candidates holding on to their guns, the stark contrasts between their energy policies will no doubt resonate long after the final question is posed. Who will emerge victorious from this highly charged encounter remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the stakes couldn’t be higher for America’s future.
