Divided we stand
Trump and Harris face off on America’s future
As the US presidential race enters its final lap ahead of the vote on Nov 5, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump stand on opposite sides of a significant divide, representing different ideologies and interests. The Business Times examines five key issues concerning the American public, highlighting the stark divisions between the Democrats and the Republicans.
Inflation
HEALTHCARE
IMMIGRATION
FOREIGN POLICY
CLIMATE CHANGE
Inflation is currently a top priority in the US. Over the first 42 months of his term, President Joe Biden's inflation rate was 19% compared to 6% under ex-president Trump, though it has dropped to 2.9% as at July 2024. The GDP growth rate was 2.3% under Trump and 3% for Biden in Q2 2024. Inflation has risen due to Covid-19 and the Russia-Ukraine war. Recently, 45,000 dockworkers on the East and Gulf Coasts went on strike, demanding higher wages and a ban on automation. Analysts estimate this strike could cost nearly US$3.8 billion and lead to shortages, increasing consumer prices.
Overall US economy Percentage of US economic growth rate shown from 2009 to 2024
2010
2012
2014
2016
2018
2020
2022
2024
40
20
0
-20
3%
GDP (%)
SOURCE: US Bureau of Economic Analysis
The vice-president plans to eliminate price gouging on groceries to combat excessive prices and implement tax breaks for first-time homebuyers, including US$25,000 in down payment assistance for eligible buyers. She also aims to eliminate taxes on tips, lower prescription prices, and cancel Americans' medical debt.
As part of his Agenda47 manifesto, Trump has pledged to eliminate inflation, implement tax cuts for workers, and get rid of taxes on tips. Additionally, he has called for higher tariffs on imported goods to protect the nation’s manufacturing jobs, as well as lower corporate tax rates.
68%
93%
Healthcare in the US remains one of the most expensive services globally. The country has an average life expectancy of 77.5 years. The current administration is focusing on healthcare initiatives such as Medicare, the ACA (Affordable Care Act), and the IRA (Inflation Reduction Act).
Health expenditure in selected countries US has one of the most expensive healthcare in the world
55%
Trump plans to import prescription drugs from overseas to lower prices for seniors and has suggested repealing then-president Barack Obama’s ACA due to its costs, aiming to reform it with more reasonable benefits. On abortion, he has stated that he would not sign a nationwide ban, though he has not fully committed to this position.
Harris seeks to strengthen the ACA and the IRA, which she defends as measures that have lowered drug prices for Medicare seniors and younger people with disabilities. Regarding abortion, she would sign a bill to reinstate Roe v Wade protections if passed by Congress and condemn state-level bans that deny emergency medical care or force women to carry pregnancies to term.
76%
HEALTHCARE
Immigration remains a key issue in the US, with only 27% of Americans approving President Biden's handling of it. Republicans favour reducing immigration, while Democrats advocate for an increase. Interestingly, 32% of Democrats now support building a border wall, up from 12% in 2016. Additionally, the number of illegal immigrants living in the country has increased from 10.7 million in 2016 to 11 million in 2022.
Migrants at US-Mexico border Numbers of migrants encountered at the border
SOURCE: PEW RESEARCH CENTRE
82%
Trump plans for ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) to conduct workplace raids, deny due process to unauthorised migrants, construct detention facilities along the US-Mexico border, and overturn the Flores settlement, which protects migrant children. He has only proposed immigration pathways for non-citizen graduates from US colleges and universities.
Harris has proposed a humane enhanced border security policy and a bipartisan border security bill which places asylum seekers either in protection determination within 90 days under governmental supervision or expedited removal. The screening will determine whether they will be deported, moved to a full “merits interview” or granted asylum.
39%
IMMIGRATION
Republicans favour more domestic focus in economic and security policy to deter threats rather than an active role in world affairs. In contrast, Democrats favour international coordination in global affairs to defend democratic values for others and maintain existing alliances.
70%
Trump plans to prioritise domestic policy based on his "America First" principle. He has promised to impose 60% tariffs on all imports from China and expressed that he could end the war in Ukraine by facilitating peace negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv, while also giving his unanimous support to Israel in its war against Hamas by "finishing the job". His commitment to the Nato alliance has been questioned, as he might threaten to withdraw the country from the alliance if other members do not meet the spending requirements.
Harris plans to prioritise upholding the US and its allies. While she has emphasised her “unwavering commitment to Israel”, she also urged a ceasefire agreement and an end to the conflict. Harris reiterated her support for international commitments by standing strong with Ukraine, Nato and allies, along with a renewed commitment to US space policy, as she is the head of the White House National Space Council. She has accused Trump’s tariff proposals of driving up inflation and potentially leading to a recession. However, she may continue Biden’s tariff policy on China if elected.
54%
FOREIGN POLICY
The US is the second-largest greenhouse gas emitter in the world. The most recent severe climate crisis, Hurricane Helene, has led to an estimated 227 to 230 fatalities and US$28 billion to US$32 billion in damages. Consequently, the majority of Americans want the climate crisis to be addressed.
Hefty price tag Cost of damages caused by natural disasters in the US from 2009 to 2023
SOURCE: NOAA NCEI
11%
Trump calls climate change a hoax and has pledged to expand oil and gas production. If elected, he will rescind all unspent funds from the Inflation Reduction Act and has stated that he will withdraw the US from the Paris Climate Agreement again, just as he did in 2016.
Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act with Harris casting the tie-breaking vote in Congress. The plan includes significant investments in clean energy, aiming for a 40% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2045. While she initially pledged to ban fracking during the 2020 nomination, her stance has since changed, and she no longer supports a ban.
62%
CLIMATE CHANGE
SOURCE: OECD
GRAPHICS: HYRIE RAHMAT, BENJAMIN TAN, SIMON ANG
Trump plans to import prescription drugs from overseas to lower prices for seniors and has suggested repealing Obama’s ACA due to its costs, aiming to reform it with more reasonable benefits. On abortion, he has stated that he would not sign a nationwide ban, though he has not fully committed to this position.
Percentage of Republican voters who say inflation is important:
Percentage of Democratic voters who say inflation is important:
Percentage of Republican voters who say healthcare is important:
Percentage of Democratic voters who say healthcare is important:
Percentage of Republican voters who say immigration is important:
Percentage of Democratic voters who say immigration is important:
US' role in the world Do you think it will be best for the country if we take an active role in global affairs or if we stay out?
SOURCE: GLOBALAFFAIRS.ORG
Percentage of Republican voters who say foreign policy is important:
Percentage of Democratic voters who say foreign policy is important:
Percentage of Republican voters who say climate change is important:
Percentage of Democratic voters who say climate change is important:
Trump supporters' priorities:
Harris supporters' priorities:
Trump supporters' priorities:
Harris supporters' priorities:
Trump supporters' priorities:
Harris supporters' priorities:
Trump supporters' priorities:
Harris supporters' priorities:
Aug ‘24 58,038
Note: The findings are based on a survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, a non-partisan organisation based in US.
SOURCES: ABC NEWS, ASSOCIATED PRESS, BBC, BLOOMBERG, CBS NEWS, CFR, CNBC, FORBES, FOREIGNPOLICY.COM, GLOBALAFFAIRS.ORG, KFF, NBC NEWS, NCEI, THE NEW YORK TIMES, PEW RESEARCH CENTER, PIIE, THE CONVERSATION, THE ECONOMIST, TIME, TRADING ECONOMICS, US NEWS, VOX, DONALDJTRUMP.COM, WHITE HOUSE.GOV
(US$)
(US$)
(Spending per capita)