2024 US Presidential Election: The Battle Between Old and New America

(VTC News) - Mr. Trump's proposed policies are in opposition to Ms. Harris's, one side is nostalgic for America's past glory, while the other side wants to face and move forward.

“Make America Great Again” is the slogan that Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has used for the past eight years. “Charting a new way forward” is the declaration of Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris. The values and proposed policies of the two candidates are very different: One is nostalgic for America’s past glory and wants to return to that time at all costs; while the other wants to face the new reality with fresh thinking and creative ways to shape a new future for America.

Donald Trump and Kamala Harris shake hands before the start of the debate on September 10. (Photo: News24)

Reviving past glory At the recent Democratic National Convention (DNC), when Ms. Harris declared that America "will not go back," the event hall exploded with excitement as thousands of party delegates stood up and cheered in unison. Ms. Harris's repeated calls to never go back were a clear contrast to Mr. Trump's nostalgic thinking and election approach of "making America great again." Mr. Trump reminisced about the former greatness of American society and dominance, expressing deep concern about the decline of traditional American values, a strong economy and national strength. The former president cherished America's past glory, loved the country and hoped that America could be great again. Mr. Donald Trump could not accept the policies of the Democratic Party, which he considered too left-wing and politically correct to the extreme. He has been a fierce critic of the Democratic administration’s lax border policies, which have flooded the country with illegal immigrants; their theft of taxpayer money and abuse of welfare; their tolerance of petty crime; their relaxation of drug and marijuana legalization; their tolerance of crime; their support for cuts to the police budget; their indefinite extension of rights for African Americans and heterosexuals; and their allowing coeds to share bathrooms and dormitories in universities. These are said to be incompatible with traditional American values and have even led to financial deficits, with domestic problems and national prestige suffering. On the foreign front, Mr. Trump is dissatisfied that America’s allies are taking advantage of the United States, relying on its protection without being willing to do anything in return. He asserts that every country must pay for its protection. He is frustrated with the signing of economic and free trade agreements with US allies that only reaffirm international commitments, and he wants to return to America's traditional isolationism when international organizations do not prioritize US interests. These are the thoughts and actions pursued by the old America.

Former President Donald Trump's election approach was to "make America great again." (Photo: Getty Images)

Interests of Different Groups Growing up in a wealthy white family, Mr. Trump prioritizes the interests of corporations and the wealthy, and believes strongly in individual responsibility, which is why he supports cutting the corporate tax rate from 21% to 15%. Meanwhile, Ms. Harris was born into a mixed-race family, deeply influenced by her Indian immigrant background. Therefore, the Vice President's political views and supporters lean toward the disadvantaged and interests of the middle and lower classes. She promotes active government involvement in the economy , provides social welfare, and increases the corporate tax rate from 21% to 28%. Due to the increase in income inequality, Ms. Harris wants to create an "opportunity economy" and seeks a fair, compassionate, and dignified society where everyone can fulfill their dreams and succeed despite failure. The rapid decline of the American middle class and the rise of the poor have become irreversible trends. Ms. Harris focuses on the future of American society and people's livelihoods, promoting the construction of more housing, subsidizing down payments for home purchases. At the same time, cutting taxes for middle- and low-income families, considering it her mission to strengthen middle-class households. Ms. Harris compares her middle-class background with Mr. Trump's wealthy image, aiming to unite the majority of the American middle and working class to oppose Mr. Trump, who represents the old era and the super-rich. Ms. Harris's fiscal and tax policies are completely opposite to Mr. Trump's, especially his views on tariffs. In order to restore the competitiveness of American businesses, bring them back and revive the manufacturing industry, Mr. Trump firmly supports a 10% tariff on all imports into the United States. He even proposed tariffs of 60% to 100% on Chinese goods for "stealing" American jobs. Trump even threatened to impose a 200% tax on cheap electric cars made in Mexico that are about to flood the US market to protect the US auto industry and jobs. Harris criticized that Trump's proposed tariffs would lead to severe inflation, costing the typical family an additional $3,900 a year. Regarding Trump's plan to increase US oil and traditional energy production to lower prices, Harris said it was a step backward, and believed in supporting the development of a green economy and clean energy.

Vice President Kamala Harris wants to create an "economy of opportunity" for America. (Photo: Reuters)

The most obvious issue that reflects the contrast in the two men's approaches between clinging to tradition and adapting to new realities is women's reproductive autonomy. Ms. Harris supports abortion rights and has strongly criticized the interpretation of three Supreme Court justices appointed by Mr. Trump, who said that abortion rights are not protected by the Constitution. Ms. Harris argues that opposing abortion is disrespectful to women and deprives them of their freedom of choice, which she believes violates the American liberal tradition. International relations In terms of international relations, Ms. Harris respects international realities and supports cooperation with allies to solve common security and development issues. She is committed to supporting Ukraine, unlike Mr. Trump, who wants Ukraine to recognize the status quo and end the conflict with Russia. In addition, Ms. Harris stands by the traditional US policy of supporting Israel's right to self-defense, while emphasizing the need to respect the Palestinian people's right to self-determination. She believes that this approach is necessary to facilitate the end of the Israel-Hamas conflict and achieve peace . Meanwhile, Mr. Trump is said to support Israel unconditionally, as he did when he moved the US Embassy to Jerusalem during his presidency, strengthening the existing relationship between the US and Israel. According to Lianying Zaobao commentator Chen Kuohsiang, Ms. Harris portrays Mr. Trump as an eccentric who wants to return to the past, while she herself is shaped as a leader who seeks justice, fairness, freedom, new values, and a new future. Ms. Harris wants to build an America full of opportunities for self-realization, emphasizing her role as a representative of the young generation and the future of the country. Meanwhile, Mr. Trump describes Harris as a radical, a radical leftist, and a bringer of chaos. Their differences and opposition have shaped this year's presidential election as a battle between old and new America. As a result, the majority of Americans were caught up in the election, leading to heightened emotions and severe polarization.

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