2024 Presidential Election
With the 2024 election coming up soon, do you have all the information about each candidate? We can’t hope to cover everything in this page, but we are able to provide you with some basics about each candidate.
Kamala Harris (D)
Full Name: Kamala Devi Harris
Date of Birth: October 20, 1964
Birthplace: Oakland, California, U.S.
Early Life and Education: Kamala Harris was born in Oakland, California, to immigrant parents. Her mother, Shyamala Gopalan, was a cancer researcher from India, and her father, Donald Harris, is an economics professor from Jamaica. Raised in a culturally diverse household, Harris was deeply influenced by her mother’s dedication to cancer research and social justice. Harris attended Westmount High School in Quebec, Canada, after her mother moved there for a research position. She returned to the United States for college, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Economics from Howard University in 1986. Harris then earned her Juris Doctor from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law in 1989. She also served as the District Attorney of San Francisco where she gained national attention for her innovative approaches to law enforcement and her efforts to address the root causes of crime.
Personal Life: Kamala Harris is married to Doug Emhoff, an attorney, who is the first Second Gentleman of the United States. Harris has two stepchildren, Cole and Ella. Known for her dedication to public service and her commitment to justice and equality, Harris continues to work towards policies that promote fairness, opportunity, and security for all Americans.
Early Career: After completing her law degree, Harris began her career in the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office, where she prosecuted cases of gang violence, drug trafficking, and sexual abuse. Her success as a prosecutor led to a series of higher-profile positions within California’s legal system.
Political Career:
- Attorney General of California: Elected in 2010, Harris served as the Attorney General of California from 2011 to 2017. She was the first woman, the first African American, and the first South Asian to hold the office. Her tenure was marked by efforts to protect consumers, address the foreclosure crisis, and combat transnational gangs.
- U.S. Senate: Elected in 2016, Harris served as a U.S. Senator from California from January 3, 2017, to January 18, 2021. She focused on issues such as immigration reform, criminal justice reform, healthcare, and housing. Harris gained a reputation for her sharp questioning during Senate hearings, particularly those involving the Trump administration.
- Vice President of the United States: Harris was elected Vice President in November 2020 and took office on January 20, 2021. She is the first female vice president, the highest-ranking female official in U.S. history, and the first African American and first Asian American vice president.
Legislative and Policy Initiatives
American Rescue Plan (March 2021):
- Played a significant role in advocating for and promoting the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package. The plan included direct stimulus payments, extended unemployment benefits, and funding for vaccine distribution, which were critical for economic recovery and public health during the pandemic (FactCheck.org) (The Atlantic).
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (November 2021):
- Actively supported and helped promote the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which aimed to rebuild America’s infrastructure, including roads, bridges, public transit, and broadband internet expansion. Harris has emphasized the importance of infrastructure improvements for economic growth and job creation (ActBlue) (Ballotpedia).
Advocacy and Social Issues
Maternal Health:
- Launched the White House Maternal Health Day of Action in December 2021 to address maternal mortality and morbidity, particularly among women of color. Harris has long been an advocate for maternal health, pushing for policies to improve health outcomes for mothers and infants (Ballotpedia) (ActBlue).
Voting Rights:
- Actively campaigned for federal voting rights legislation, including the For the People Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. Despite significant pushback and legislative hurdles, Harris has continued to highlight the importance of protecting and expanding voting rights (The Atlantic) (Ballotpedia).
Immigration and Border Management:
- Tasked with addressing the root causes of migration from Central America, Harris has worked on diplomatic efforts with the leaders of Mexico and the Northern Triangle countries (Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador). Her efforts aim to address issues such as poverty, violence, and corruption that drive migration to the United States (FactCheck.org) (ActBlue).
Foreign Policy and International Relations
Support for Ukraine:
- Played a key role in the Biden administration’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, supporting diplomatic efforts and advocating for humanitarian and military aid to Ukraine. Harris has worked to strengthen alliances and build international support for Ukraine (Ballotpedia) (FactCheck.org).
Global Health Initiatives:
- Advocated for global COVID-19 vaccine distribution, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation to end the pandemic. Harris has promoted initiatives to increase vaccine accessibility in low-income countries and strengthen global health systems (Ballotpedia) (The Atlantic).
Unpopular or Controversial Decisions
Border Management and Migration:
- Harris’s role in addressing migration issues has been met with criticism from various political sides. Some have argued that the administration’s response has been inadequate in managing the influx of migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border, while others have criticized the focus on addressing root causes in Central America as insufficiently addressing immediate border security concerns (FactCheck.org) (Ballotpedia).
Voting Rights Legislation:
- Despite strong advocacy, Harris has faced criticism for the administration’s inability to pass significant federal voting rights legislation. The failure to overcome Senate filibuster rules and Republican opposition has been viewed by some as a significant setback for the administration’s legislative agenda (The Atlantic) (Ballotpedia).
Handling of Maternal Health Initiatives:
- While Harris has made maternal health a key issue, there has been criticism about the pace and effectiveness of the administration’s efforts. Some advocates argue that more immediate and substantial actions are needed to address the maternal health crisis, particularly among marginalized communities (ActBlue) (Ballotpedia).
(*Disclaimer the following information was created very shortly after the announcement of her running for office and might have changed. Much of the info has been pulled from WHDH 7News and will be updated later)
Economy:
- Economic Growth: Ensure everyone has the opportunity to succeed, focusing on reducing income inequality and supporting small businesses.
- Tax Reform: Advocate for higher taxes on the wealthy and large corporations to fund social services and reduce the deficit.
Healthcare:
- Expand Access: Protect and expand the Affordable Care Act, lower prescription drug costs, and improve mental health services.
- Maternal Health: Focus on improving health outcomes for mothers, especially women of color.
Climate and Environment:
- Climate Action: Invest in clean energy and reduce carbon emissions to combat climate change.
- Environmental Justice: Ensure low-income and minority communities have access to clean air and water.
Social Issues:
- Voting Rights: Pass laws to protect and expand voting access for all Americans.
- Reproductive Rights: Safeguard the right to legal and safe abortions nationwide.
- Criminal Justice Reform: Promote police accountability, ban chokeholds, and restrict no-knock entries.
Immigration:
- Reform: Provide a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants and secure the border humanely.
- Root Causes: Address the underlying issues of poverty and violence in Central America to reduce migration.
Foreign Policy:
- Support Allies: Strengthen alliances and support Ukraine against Russian aggression.
- Global Health: Lead international efforts to combat pandemics and increase vaccine access worldwide.
Links to follow Kamala Harris
Full Name: Donald John Trump
Date of Birth: June 14, 1946
Birthplace: Queens, New York City, New York, U.S.
Early Life and Education: Donald Trump was born in Queens, New York, to Fred and Mary Trump. His father was a prominent real estate developer. Trump attended the New York Military Academy, a private boarding school, and later enrolled at Fordham University. After two years, he transferred to the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated in 1968 with a degree in Economics.
Personal Life: Donald Trump has been married three times and has five children: Donald Jr., Ivanka, Eric, Tiffany, and Barron. He is known for his luxurious lifestyle and extensive real estate holdings. Trump resides primarily at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.
Early Career: After college, Trump joined his father’s real estate business, Elizabeth Trump & Son, which he later renamed The Trump Organization. He focused on large-scale building projects in Manhattan, including hotels, casinos, and skyscrapers. Trump gained national attention for his brash style and high-profile developments, such as the Trump Tower in New York City, the Grand Hyatt New York, and the Trump Plaza Hotel.
Business Ventures: Trump expanded his brand into various industries, including reality television. He hosted and produced the popular TV show “The Apprentice,” which premiered in 2004. His catchphrase, “You’re fired,” became a cultural phenomenon. Trump also licensed his name to a range of products and ventures, from clothing lines to golf courses.
Donald Trump (R)
Political Career:
- 45th President of the United States: Trump was elected President in November 2016 and served from January 20, 2017, to January 20, 2021. His presidency was marked by significant policy changes, a contentious relationship with the media, and two impeachment trials (both of which ended in acquittal by the Senate).
- Political Affiliation: Trump has been affiliated with various political parties over the years, but he ran for president as a Republican in 2016 and 2020.
Economic and Domestic Policies
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (December 2017):
- Major overhaul of the U.S. tax code, reducing the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% and lowering individual tax rates for most Americans.
- Aimed at stimulating economic growth but faced criticism for disproportionately benefiting the wealthy and increasing the federal deficit (Ballotpedia) (The Atlantic).
Deregulation Efforts:
- Implemented significant deregulation across various sectors, including environmental protections, banking, and healthcare.
- Notable actions include rolling back the Clean Power Plan and reducing the scope of the Waters of the United States rule (Ballotpedia) (Biden Campaign).
USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) (July 2020):
- Replaced NAFTA with the USMCA, aiming to create more balanced trade between the three countries and strengthen labor and environmental standards (Biden Campaign) (The Atlantic).
Healthcare
Attempts to Repeal and Replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA):
- While unable to fully repeal the ACA, Trump’s administration significantly impacted it by eliminating the individual mandate penalty through the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (Biden Campaign).
COVID-19 Response:
- Operation Warp Speed accelerated the development and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines.
- Faced significant criticism for the overall handling of the pandemic, including inconsistent messaging and inadequate early response measures (Ballotpedia) (FactCheck.org).
Foreign Policy
Withdrawal from International Agreements:
- Withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Climate Accord, the Iran Nuclear Deal (JCPOA), and the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).
- These actions were intended to prioritize American interests but faced global criticism for reducing U.S. influence in international affairs (FactCheck.org) (The Atlantic).
Engagement with North Korea:
- Held unprecedented summits with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, aiming to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula.
- Despite initial optimism, negotiations did not lead to significant denuclearization progress (FactCheck.org) (Ballotpedia).
Relocation of the U.S. Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem (May 2018):
- Recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, moving the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
- This decision was praised by some but sparked significant controversy and unrest in the Middle East (Biden Campaign) (The Atlantic).
Social Policies
Criminal Justice Reform (First Step Act, December 2018):
- Bipartisan legislation aimed at reforming the criminal justice system, including reducing mandatory minimum sentences for certain offenses and improving prison conditions (FactCheck.org).
Immigration Policies:
- Implemented stricter immigration policies, including the travel ban on several predominantly Muslim countries and the policy of family separations at the U.S.-Mexico border.
- These policies were highly controversial and faced numerous legal challenges and public outcry (The Atlantic) (Ballotpedia).
Environmental Policies
- Environmental Rollbacks:
- Rolled back numerous environmental regulations, including the Clean Power Plan and emissions standards for vehicles.
- Justified as necessary for economic growth but criticized for increasing pollution and undermining climate change efforts (Ballotpedia) (Biden Campaign).
Controversial and Unpopular Decisions
Handling of Racial Protests:
- Criticized for his response to racial protests following the deaths of George Floyd and other Black Americans, including his handling of the events in Lafayette Square.
- Accused of inflaming tensions rather than addressing systemic issues of racial injustice (FactCheck.org) (Biden Campaign).
Impeachments:
- Impeached twice by the House of Representatives: first in December 2019 for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress related to Ukraine, and second in January 2021 for incitement of insurrection following the Capitol riot.
- Acquitted by the Senate both times but left a lasting impact on his presidency and public opinion (The Atlantic) (Ballotpedia).
Economic Policies: Trump advocates for tax cuts, deregulation, and policies aimed at stimulating economic growth. His platform includes reducing government intervention in the economy and supporting business-friendly policies.
Healthcare: Trump aims to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act with a system that increases competition and lowers costs. He emphasizes reducing drug prices and expanding health savings accounts.
Immigration: Trump continues to prioritize border security and reducing illegal immigration. His platform includes building a border wall and implementing stricter immigration enforcement policies.
Foreign Policy: Trump’s foreign policy focuses on “America First,” prioritizing national sovereignty and reducing U.S. involvement in international conflicts. He advocates for renegotiating trade deals to favor American interests.
Social Issues: Trump opposes abortion and advocates for conservative social policies. His platform includes supporting law enforcement and opposing policies that he views as weakening public safety.
Links to follow Donald Trump
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (I)
Full Name: Robert Francis Kennedy Jr.
Date of Birth: January 17, 1954
Birthplace: Washington, D.C., U.S.
Early Life and Education: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was born in Washington, D.C., to Ethel and Robert F. Kennedy, the seventh of their eleven children. His father served as U.S. Attorney General and later as a U.S. Senator from New York. Kennedy grew up in a politically active family and experienced both the heights of American politics and the depths of personal tragedy with the assassinations of his uncle, President John F. Kennedy, in 1963, and his father in 1968.
Kennedy attended Harvard College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in American History and Literature in 1976. He went on to earn a Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1982 and a Master of Laws in Environmental Law from Pace University School of Law in 1987.
Personal Life: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been married three times and has six children. He is currently married to actress Cheryl Hines. Kennedy has faced personal and professional challenges, including battles with addiction, which he has openly discussed in his efforts to promote recovery and mental health awareness.
Kennedy continues to be a vocal advocate for environmental protection and public health, leveraging his legal expertise and platform to address critical issues facing the nation and the world.
Early Career: After completing his education, Kennedy began his career as an environmental attorney. He co-founded and served as chief prosecuting attorney for the Riverkeeper organization, which focuses on the protection of the Hudson River and its tributaries. Kennedy also served as a senior attorney for the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and was a clinical professor and supervising attorney at the Environmental Litigation Clinic at Pace University School of Law.
Political Career:
- Advocacy and Public Service: While Kennedy has not held elected office, he has been a significant figure in environmental advocacy and public health. He has worked on numerous campaigns and initiatives to address environmental issues, climate change, and pollution.
- Vaccination and Public Health: Kennedy has been a vocal critic of certain vaccination policies and has raised concerns about vaccine safety. His views on this topic have been controversial and have sparked significant public debate.
Environmental Policies: Kennedy emphasizes strong environmental protections and combating climate change. He advocates for transitioning to renewable energy sources and addressing pollution.
Healthcare: Kennedy supports a healthcare system that ensures universal coverage and reduces healthcare costs. He focuses on increasing access to preventive care and addressing healthcare inequities.
Economic Policies: His platform includes supporting small businesses, reducing income inequality, and promoting sustainable economic growth. He advocates for policies that balance economic development with environmental stewardship.
Civil Liberties: Kennedy prioritizes protecting civil liberties and ensuring government transparency. He supports criminal justice reform and policies that uphold individual rights.
Links to follow Robert Kennedy Jr.
Full Name: Chase Oliver
Date of Birth: March 10, 1985
Birthplace: Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
Early Life and Education: Chase Oliver was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. Growing up in the South, he developed a keen interest in politics and public service from a young age. Oliver attended the University of Georgia, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. His academic background laid the foundation for his deep understanding of political systems and public policy.
Personal Life: Oliver is actively involved in his local community and various civic organizations. He is known for his commitment to public service and his dedication to promoting Libertarian principles at the grassroots level. He is also a frequent speaker at Libertarian events and conferences. He uses these platforms to educate others about Libertarian values and to inspire political engagement and activism.
Early Career: After completing his education, Oliver began his career in the private sector, working in various roles that emphasized customer service and management. His experiences in the business world provided him with insights into the challenges faced by small businesses and the importance of fostering a competitive and free-market economy.
Chase Oliver (L)
Political Career:
- Libertarian Party: Oliver is a dedicated member of the Libertarian Party. He has held various leadership positions within the party and has been a vocal advocate for Libertarian principles. His political efforts have focused on expanding the party’s reach and influence at both the state and national levels.
- Congressional Run: In 2020, Oliver ran as the Libertarian candidate for Georgia’s 5th congressional district. Although he did not win the seat, his campaign brought attention to key Libertarian issues and highlighted the need for greater political diversity.
Economic Policies: Oliver advocates for reducing government spending, lowering taxes, and promoting free-market principles. He emphasizes reducing the national debt and limiting government intervention in the economy.
Civil Liberties: As a Libertarian, Oliver prioritizes individual freedoms and reducing government overreach. He supports decriminalizing drug use, protecting privacy rights, and upholding the Second Amendment.
Foreign Policy: Oliver advocates for a non-interventionist foreign policy, reducing U.S. military presence abroad, and focusing on diplomacy and trade.
Healthcare: He supports a free-market healthcare system that increases competition and reduces costs. Oliver opposes government mandates and advocates for patient-centered healthcare solutions.