In the 2024 presidential election, both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris have made notable changes to their campaign strategies and positions compared to previous cycles.
Former President Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign, while still focused on issues such as tax cuts, deregulation, and border security, has taken a more defensive tone compared to the likes of his 2020 campaign, due to the legal challenges that he has faced. The Trump campaign has consistently stated that the U.S. Department of Justice has been used to prosecute him due to his political standing. His defensive tone has been noticeable and has taken away from the dominant and confident tones that have been seen in the past.
On the economic front, Trump has deviated very little. He continues to advocate for the reduction in corporate taxes to as low as 15%, similar to his previous platform. Additionally, he advocates for deregulation efforts, which resonate with his base of conservative voters and business interests.
Energy policy in Trump’s campaign continues to focus on energy independence. However, the 2024 platform expands on his previous stance by stressing the importance of developing the U.S. energy infrastructure for oil and natural gas production while downplaying the emphasis on renewable energy. He opposes regulatory measures aimed at reducing carbon emissions, arguing that they hinder economic growth.
Trump’s foreign policy has also evolved. In 2024, he is pushing for what he describes as “America’s comeback” on the world stage, aiming for a less interventionist approach compared to his first term. While he continues to stress the importance of rebuilding relationships with traditional allies, his messaging is more centered on maintaining a strong military presence without committing to new conflicts. Additionally, he emphasizes reducing the U.S.’s financial contributions to global organizations like NATO, a point of contention during his first presidency.
Harris, now campaigning as a sitting vice president, has shifted her platform from her 2020 candidacy as President Joe Biden’s running mate to a focus on social justice and health care.
In her 2024 campaign, Harris has taken a stronger stance on healthcare reform. While she supported the expansion of the Affordable Care Act in 2020, she is now focusing more on measures to broaden access to health care, including advocating for stronger regulations on prescription drug prices, like her proposal to cap Insulin at $35 a month.
Another notable change is Harris’s positioning on social justice issues, especially regarding police reform. In 2020, she advocated for “reimagining” the police following the national reckoning over police violence. However, in 2024, she clarified her stance, stating that she does not support defunding the police. Instead, she advocates for reallocating resources to improve community services while maintaining strong law enforcement, a more moderate stance than her earlier statements from 2020.
This piece was originally published in Zephyrus’ print edition on November 4, 2024
