The future of the country hangs in the balance, and Harris’s leadership offers the best path forward.
The 2024 U.S. presidential election is not just another political event but a moment of urgent significance in the nation’s history. It could either restore democratic faith or entrench deeper divisions that threaten the integrity of the U.S. political system. On one side, Kamala Harris leads the Democratic ticket, offering a historic and hopeful vision for progress, inclusion, and the protection of democratic norms. On the other side, Donald Trump’s return to the political stage threatens to drag the nation back into the chaos, authoritarianism, and deep division that characterized his presidency.
The stakes are high, with both political polarization and the fate of democracy itself hanging in the balance. This cycle, unlike past elections, is less about specific policies and more about the broader battle for the soul of the American political system. Democrats, now nominating Kamala Harris to head the ticket, face significant challenges and opportunities as they attempt to rally a diverse coalition against a Republican Party dominated by former President Donald Trump. The importance of this election cannot be overstated. It is a pivotal moment in the nation's history, one that will shape the future of the nation and determine the path we take as a country.
Kamala Harris represents a fresh, dynamic, and forward-looking leadership. After serving as Vice President under Joe Biden, Harris has been a key figure in driving policy initiatives on everything from healthcare to climate change. Her nomination is groundbreaking: the first Black and South Asian woman to lead a major party ticket. Harris’s candidacy offers not just diversity but competence and vision—a commitment to tackling the nation’s most pressing challenges, from economic inequality to racial injustice. Her debate performance against Trump projected strength and vision, reshaping perceptions and framing her as a capable leader who can unite the party—reflected in her latest approval ratings. Her policies aim to strengthen the economy, ensure healthcare for all, and protect the environment, offering a comprehensive vision for the future of the nation.
Trump, by contrast, remains a deeply polarizing figure who seems to thrive on discord and division. His first presidential term was marked by authoritarian impulses, constant attacks on democratic institutions, and the erosion of norms that had previously underpinned American governance. Even now, as he campaigns for 2024, Trump continues to undermine faith in the electoral process by perpetuating the baseless lie that the 2020 election was stolen. This dangerous rhetoric has led to widespread mistrust in the system, fueled extremist violence like the January 6th insurrection, and threatens the very foundation of democracy in the United States.
While we expect some policies from another Trump administration that may be ideal for certain interests – such as a more active foreign policy and increased neo-liberal trade policies – the shadow of Trump looms large. His open contempt for democratic institutions is a threat that cannot be overstated. His attacks on the media and electoral processes have left lasting damage. Should he be re-elected, legitimate fears exist that his disregard for the rule of law and admiration for authoritarian regimes could further erode democratic norms. Trump's ongoing claims of a stolen 2020 election have seeded distrust that, if amplified, could irreparably harm the credibility of future elections and deepen national division. The potential impact of Trump's re-election on the nation's democratic future is not just a possibility but a stark reality that cannot be ignored.
Trump's rejection of democratic norms, particularly his refusal to accept electoral outcomes, poses a profound threat to the stability of American democracy. If Trump is re-elected in 2024, there is little doubt that he would take more aggressive steps to consolidate power, possibly weakening federal agencies, undermining the independence of the judiciary, and further sidelining Congress. His flirtation with authoritarianism during his previous term suggests that another four years under Trump could further erode the already fragile checks and balances of the U.S. political system.
Radical initiatives like Project 2025, which envisions a significant shift toward dismantling federal agencies and restoring Trump-era policies, highlight the Republican party's vision. While this appeals to the core conservative base, it risks alienating moderate Republicans and swing voters, potentially costing the GOP in critical battleground states. The Democrats, however, face their own internal divisions, and Harris must work to reassemble Biden’s winning coalition from 2020, targeting African Americans, Latinos, suburban women, and young voters.
A potential return of the Trump administration could also significantly reshape U.S. foreign policy, particularly regarding its approach to Ukraine and long-standing alliances. If Trump reduces or halts foreign aid to Ukraine, as he has previously suggested, this could weaken Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression and diminish U.S. influence in Eastern Europe.
In his previous administration, Donald Trump reversed several foreign policy agreements made during the Obama administration, such as the Paris Climate Agreement, the Iran Nuclear Deal, and the Trans-Pacific Partnership. These moves already eroded trust among NATO allies, who questioned the reliability of U.S. commitments. This shift in U.S. engagement would further strain diplomatic relationships, undermine collective security efforts, and challenge the U.S.'s role as a stabilizing force in international affairs.
Perhaps the most pressing issue, however, will be the future of U.S. democracy itself. The aftermath of the January 6th Capitol insurrection and ongoing Republican efforts to limit voting access have transformed the state of democracy into a central issue for the 2024 election. Harris must continue to push for reforms to protect voting rights and oppose gerrymandering, framing Republicans, particularly Trump, as an existential threat to democratic governance. The stark contrast between Trump’s authoritarian leanings and Harris’s defense of democratic norms could serve as a powerful motivator for Democratic voters who fear the consequences of a second Trump presidency.
In this historic election, the choice is clear. The U.S. is not only choosing its next president but setting the course for the nation's democratic future. Kamala Harris offers a vision of hope, progress, and unity—one where democracy is strengthened, the economy works for all, healthcare is a right, and the planet is protected. Donald Trump, on the other hand, represents division, chaos, and a continued assault on the very principles that make America a democracy. The stakes couldn’t be higher.
Read our opinion on the 2024 election from the Republican perspective.