While we haven't covered all that Trump promised, let's look back at what Harris proposed. It'll provide a good opportunity to compare the policy objectives of each side.
Kamala Harris' campaign for the 2020 U.S. Presidential election included a variety of promises centered around social justice, economic fairness, healthcare, and climate action. Below are some of her key campaign promises:
1. Healthcare Reform
- Medicare for All: Harris supported a version of "Medicare for All," which would provide government-funded healthcare for all Americans. She initially backed a single-payer system but later refined her position, proposing a path to Medicare for All while keeping private insurance options for those who preferred it.
- Expand Affordable Care Act (ACA): She also proposed expanding the Affordable Care Act and increasing subsidies to make healthcare more affordable, including capping out-of-pocket costs.
2. Climate Change and Environmental Protection
- Green New Deal: Harris endorsed the Green New Deal, a bold proposal to tackle climate change and transform the U.S. economy to reduce carbon emissions.
- Zero-Emission Vehicle Standards: She advocated for aggressive measures to shift to zero-emission vehicles and boost renewable energy sources.
- Paris Climate Agreement: Harris promised to re-enter the Paris Agreement and work globally to combat climate change.
3. Economic Justice and Equity
- Tax Reform: Harris proposed raising taxes on the wealthy and corporations, including implementing a "wealth tax" on the ultra-rich.
- Universal Child Care: She promised affordable child care and preschool education, aiming to reduce financial burdens on families.
- Paid Family Leave: Harris advocated for comprehensive paid family and medical leave for all workers.
- Economic Opportunity for Minorities: Harris highlighted addressing racial economic disparities, including expanding access to capital for Black and minority-owned businesses.
4. Criminal Justice Reform
- End Mass Incarceration: Harris called for reforms to the criminal justice system, including eliminating private prisons, ending cash bail, and reforming sentencing guidelines.
- Policing Reforms: She pushed for police accountability, including limiting the use of force and establishing national standards for police conduct.
- Reparations: While Harris supported conversations about reparations for slavery, her campaign was more focused on systemic reforms for racial justice.
5. Education
- Free College for Low-Income Students: Harris promised free community college education for families earning under $125,000, and forgiveness of student loan debt for borrowers working in public service jobs.
- School Equity: She aimed to improve education in underserved communities, providing better funding and resources to public schools.
6. Immigration Reform
- Path to Citizenship: Harris supported a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, particularly for those brought to the U.S. as children (DACA recipients).
- Reversing Trump-Era Immigration Policies: She promised to end family separations at the border and halt the construction of the border wall.
7. Gun Control
- Universal Background Checks: Harris advocated for universal background checks for gun purchases and a ban on assault weapons.
- Buyback Programs: She supported gun buyback programs to reduce the number of firearms in circulation.
8. Women's Rights and Gender Equality
- Equal Pay: Harris supported efforts to close the gender pay gap, including ensuring equal pay for equal work.
- Reproductive Rights: She was committed to protecting and expanding reproductive rights, including access to abortion and contraception.
9. Foreign Policy
- Strengthening Alliances: Harris focused on rebuilding relationships with U.S. allies, especially in Europe and Asia, that were strained during the Trump administration.
- Human Rights Advocacy: She pledged to prioritize human rights in U.S. foreign policy and to be a global leader in defending democracy.
10. COVID-19 Response
- National Response to the Pandemic: Harris supported a national strategy to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, including improving testing, ensuring vaccine distribution, and providing economic relief to those affected.
- Economic Relief: She backed financial relief for workers, small businesses, and families suffering due to the pandemic's economic impact.
These campaign promises were part of Harris' broader vision for a more inclusive, fair, and just society, with an emphasis on addressing the needs of marginalized communities and tackling long-standing inequalities.
