by TOMMY LI
NEWS EDITOR
and GIANNA JEON
STAFF WRITER
Every four years, the United States democratic process is showcased prominently, and the 2024 presidential election is particularly significant. This election features former President Donald Trump running against current Vice President Kamala Harris. Harris, the 49th Vice President of the United States, is notable for being the first woman, African American, and South Asian American to hold the office. Before her vice presidency, she served as a U.S. Senator and Attorney General of California, focusing on criminal justice reform, healthcare access, and immigrant rights. Known for her dedication to social justice and advocacy for marginalized communities, Harris is a significant figure in American politics.
On the other hand, Donald Trump, who served as the 45th President from 2017 to 2021, is an American businessman and television personality. His presidency was marked by controversial policies on immigration, trade, and foreign relations. Trump was impeached twice but acquitted both times. Running as the Republican candidate for a third consecutive time, he aims to secure a second term in office. Few major party candidates have been nominated more than twice, and Trump’s pursuit of a non-consecutive term places him in a unique historical context alongside figures like Thomas Jefferson and Grover Cleveland.
In May, Trump was convicted of falsifying business records. Both candidates are actively campaigning across the country to convey their political agendas to voters. Following President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the race on July 21, Harris formally accepted her party’s nomination during the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. She began her campaign in Savannah, Georgia, marking the first major presidential visit to the city since the 1980s. While Harris has faced criticism for her limited participation in press conferences, Trump’s campaign has been more eventful, highlighted by assassination attempts during rallies and public appearances.
As of October 10, polling data indicates a competitive race, with Harris holding a 48.5% to 45.9% lead over Trump. Harris’s favorability ratings have evened out, showing 47.1% favorable and 46.5% unfavorable, while Trump’s numbers remain more constant, with 42.9% favorable and 52.5% unfavorable. In terms of fundraising, Trump raised $140 million in August, whereas Harris garnered over $300 million during the same period, significantly outpacing Trump.
To win the election, a candidate needs 270 electoral votes, with key battleground states including Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. As Election Day on November 5 approaches, more speeches and rallies are anticipated in these crucial states. Dr. Bryan Nelle, a history teacher at Chadwick, remarked, “We have Trump, who in many ways represents a novel candidacy, and Harris, who also represents a novel candidacy. They are offering very different visions for the country, with significant foreign and domestic policy implications.”
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