Deciding the Future of the Middle Class in America in November 2024: Harris vs. Trump on Key Issues

Ankit Sapkota

Pennsylvania, USA

The U.S. presidential election is now only six days away. The race is not only close and intense, but it appears to be one of the most competitive in American history. The vote margin might even be narrower than the electoral margin between George Bush and Al Gore in 2000. From a glance or an international perspective, America’s electoral college voting system may seem difficult and complex to understand, but with a deep analysis, it doesn’t seem unjustifiable. Polling surveys from various media outlets still indicate a “dead heat.” Not only in national polls but also in seven swing states, Harris and Trump are in close competition with a 49-48 or 48-49 point split.

The United States is currently in a historically risky, divided state. Typically, voters prioritize issues like the economy and immigration, but new and external factors have also emerged in this election. Abortion, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, and recent conflicts involving Israel-Palestine and Israel-Iran may also play a decisive role. The burden of immigration and the shadow of war could damage the establishment, namely the Democrats. However, if the Democrats manage to effectively bring the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade to the forefront, reaching women at the level and influence of the Obama era, the “My Body, My Rights” movement led by strong, independent women could make history in America, with Kamala Harris potentially becoming the first South Asian-origin female president.

Looking Under the Hood- Some Key Issues:

Protecting the Middle Class and Upholding American Principles

Kamala Harris’s policies focus directly on middle-class concerns, including economic stability, healthcare, and education. Her support for an expanded Child Tax Credit exemplifies this commitment; by directing resources toward working families, Harris aims to reduce child poverty and help middle-class families meet rising costs. Trump’s tax cuts, by contrast, heavily favored high-income earners, with limited benefits for middle-class families. Harris’s policies offer more targeted support for the very families who need it most to get ahead.

Harris also advocates affordable housing and rent relief, which has been a crucial issue for working families, especially in high-cost urban areas. While Trump’s administration focused on deregulation to boost economic growth, Harris’s policies provide more direct support, focusing on making life affordable for families in need rather than relying solely on trickle-down effects.

Making Healthcare Accessible and Affordable

Healthcare costs are among the biggest concerns for middle-class families. Harris’s support for a public healthcare option addresses this need by allowing affordable insurance access for those not covered by employer-based plans. Her efforts to reduce prescription drug costs also speak directly to families facing high medical expenses. Trump’s efforts to dismantle the Affordable Care Act without a replacement left millions uncertain about their future coverage, especially middle-income families who don’t qualify for Medicaid but can’t afford rising premiums.

While Trump’s administration supported short-term, low-coverage plans, Harris’s approach prioritizes comprehensive, affordable options, ensuring middle-class families can access essential healthcare without risking financial instability.

Advocating for Fair Wages and Secure Job Growth

One of Harris’s standout policies is her advocacy for a higher minimum wage, addressing wage stagnation that has impacted many middle-income workers. Trump’s economic policies centered on corporate tax cuts and deregulation, which primarily benefited large businesses. Although these policies helped spur economic growth, they didn’t always result in wage increases for middle-class workers. Harris’s push for fair wages is a clear advantage for those who depend on stable income growth to support their families.

Education and the American Dream

For immigrants and the middle class, affordable education is vital to realizing the American dream. Harris’s free community college initiative and advocacy for student loan relief make education more accessible and affordable, reducing the debt burden on working families. Trump’s proposed cuts to student loan programs and limited support for education funding contrast sharply with Harris’s proactive approach to make higher education a realistic goal for more Americans.

National Security and Stability: A Balanced Approach

Harris’s approach to foreign policy emphasizes alliances and stability, aligning with America’s interests and democratic values. Her immigration reform stance emphasizes humane treatment and border security, making it a balanced approach that resonates with immigrants and those who believe in fair treatment. Trump’s immigration policies, including family separations and travel bans, created significant controversies. For communities that value inclusion and compassion, Harris’s stance offers a hopeful alternative, one that respects both security and dignity.

Protecting Democracy and Upholding Constitutional Norms

The strength of America lies in its democratic principles. Harris has consistently supported transparency, bipartisan collaboration, and judicial independence, all of which reinforce democratic norms and fair governance. Trump’s challenges to election results and attempts to question voting security raised concerns about the integrity of the electoral process. Harris’s commitment to democracy reassures many that American values and freedoms remain secure.

How Trump’s Project 2025 Doesn’t Serve Middle Class?

An equally significant topic of concern among voters is Donald Trump’s “Project 2025,” which outlines an ambitious plan to reshape government policies. This plan carries significant implications for middle-class Americans, especially in areas like taxes, healthcare, and education.

Taxes: One of the most controversial aspects of Project 2025 is its tax plan, which proposes reducing the number of income tax brackets to just two (15% and 30%). However, analyses suggest this approach would raise taxes for middle-income families while benefiting the wealthiest households. For example, under Project 2025, only families earning over $170,000 would receive a tax cut, while a median family of four might see their taxes increase by around $3,000 per year. Conversely, households earning over $10 million could receive tax breaks averaging $1.5 million annually.

Healthcare and Social Programs: The plan also targets entitlement programs like Medicare and Medicaid, which are seen as major contributors to the national budget deficit. While Project 2025 aims to reduce government spending by overhauling these programs, it could lead to reduced benefits or increased out-of-pocket costs for middle-class Americans reliant on these services. Many seniors and low-income families would likely experience decreased access to affordable healthcare.

Education and Workforce Training: Project 2025 proposes dismantling the Department of Education and promoting alternatives like trade schools and apprenticeship programs. While it emphasizes “parental control” in education, critics argue that the absence of a centralized education system could widen the gap in educational quality across states, disproportionately affecting middle—and lower-income families.

Overall, Project 2025 promises major tax and budget adjustments, but its provisions are heavily weighted toward benefiting high-income households and corporations. This emphasis could strain middle-class families financially, especially those dependent on public education, healthcare, and tax credits that would no longer be as accessible.

Conclusion: Harris’s Path Forward for Middle-Class Families

In this election, Harris’s policies offer a clear pathway for middle-class families and immigrants committed to achieving the American dream. Her dedication to fair wages, healthcare accessibility, education affordability, and democratic principles sets her apart as a candidate who prioritizes working families and the values that make America a beacon of opportunity.

For middle-class Americans, for working families, and for anyone who believes in the promise of an America that cares for its people, this election represents a choice between targeted support and broad economic policies that haven’t always served those most in need. Harris’s vision offers the security, fairness, and respect that middle-income families and immigrants have always sought in America.