The Economy

After three years of hyperinflation, purchasing power has become a major concern for many Americans.

Republican Donald Trump has lowered tax rates on the wealthiest people and companies during his presidency, promising tariffs of “more than 10 percent” on all imports, which would allow him to fund massive tax cuts. Also promised to make the U.S. the “Bitcoin and cryptocurrency capital of the world.”

Democrat Kamala Harris, on the other hand, is presenting herself as a middle-class candidate who wants to create an “economy of possibilities.” While she has adopted some of Joe Biden's promises about taxing the rich, she has also tempered them. She promised to provide birth tax credits, support homeownership and promote entrepreneurship.

Immigration.

On immigration, the border is the “number one issue” for Trump. It's also the most sensitive issue of the campaign: the number of illegal entries into the country peaked under President Biden.

The former Republican president, who promised to build a wall along the Mexican border during the 2016 campaign, went even further this time around, promising the largest deportation of illegal immigrants in U.S. history.

Kamala Harris (D-CA), on the other hand, is on the defensive on the issue, explaining that she will adopt a tough policy and that there must be “consequences” for illegal aliens. She supports President Biden's plan to significantly strengthen immigration policy, especially by investing in physical barriers.

Abortion.

On abortion policy, the issue at stake could encourage traditionally less politicized citizens, especially women, to vote, which could give Democrats an edge. Ten states are organizing referendums on the issue at the same time as the presidential election.

This is the first presidential election since June 2022, when the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade under Donald Trump's overhaul, striking down federal protections for abortion. Since then, at least 20 states have imposed partial or full restrictions on voluntary terminations.

Harris is at the forefront of this issue, making it a centerpiece of her vice presidency and campaign. She holds her rivals responsible for the current state of affairs, calling it “horrific and heartbreaking.” She wants a federal law that incorporates the provisions of Roe v. Wade.

Trump, for his part, is wavering on the issue. He said he was proud to leave the issue in the hands of the states thanks to the Supreme Court's ruling, but he also said some people have “gone too far.”

He promised that his administration would be “for the good of women,” but after his ambiguous comments, some fear he will use his presidential powers to restrict access to drugs used in medical abortions.

Foreign Policy.

Ukraine, Gaza, Iran, China: when it comes to foreign policy, everything pits Kamala Harris against Donald Trump, while the Democratic vice president follows in Joe Biden's footsteps and favors a multilateral approach.

The campaign comes at a time when wars are raging in the Middle East and Ukraine, and the positions of both candidates are being scrutinized by certain groups of voters.

Trump, who believes the United States has never been so disrespected in the world, has consistently said he will resolve the conflicts without delay. But he has never explained how. He has denounced the huge sums of money Washington has given to Kiev since 2022.

By contrast, Harris promised she would “stand firmly behind Ukraine” and would not “make friends with dictators,” unlike her rival. While both supported Israel's “right to self-defense,” the vice president also sought to strike a balance by emphasizing the suffering of the Palestinians in his speech.

Climate

The U.S. is the world's second-largest emitter of greenhouse gases after China, but the topic has received little attention from the candidates because of their diametrically opposed views.

Climate skeptic Trump has promised to eliminate subsidies for renewable energy and electric cars. The former president also plans to “drill at every turn” and withdraw from the Paris Agreement again.

Harris pledged to “continue and expand U.S. international leadership on climate.” As vice president, she supported the Inflation Reduction Act, Joe Biden's (D-Del.) major energy transition plan. As a California State Senator, she supported the Green New Deal, a resolution calling for significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions