The Gloves Have Come Off in the U.S. Presidential Election

Simona Tomas

The 2024 U.S. presidential election has taken a striking turn, with the Democratic candidate adopting a central theme that leaves one wondering: where has she been these past four years? It’s almost as if she’s running against her own record, positioning herself as the candidate for change while simultaneously defending an administration she’s been part of.

Her campaign message is clear: “Everywhere I go, in everyone I meet, I see a nation ready to move forward.” But this statement inadvertently raises another question—if the nation is still waiting to move forward, why should voters trust her to lead them to that future? After all, she’s had four years to make that progress happen.

One of her key criticisms of Donald Trump is his approach to NATO, accusing him of threatening to abandon the alliance. In reality, Trump’s stance was rooted in frustration over the U.S. bearing a disproportionate share of NATO’s defense costs. He insisted that other member nations contribute at least 2 percent of their GDP to defense spending. By the time he left office, the number of NATO countries meeting this target had nearly doubled, setting a precedent that continues today.

The candidate also critiques Trump’s trade policies, labeling them as harmful to American households. However, the impact of Trump’s proposed tariffs on foreign goods is more nuanced. While one think tank estimated that these tariffs would cost American families $4,000 per year, another right-leaning institution calculated the figure to be closer to $1,700. Such disparities in estimates often reflect the political biases of the organizations conducting them.

Another point of contention is immigration. Harris accuses Trump of blocking an immigration deal, but the truth is more complicated. The Republican-controlled Congress opposed the deal, and Trump aligned himself with their stance. The narrative that he single-handedly obstructed progress doesn’t hold up under scrutiny.

On the contentious issue of abortion, Harris claims that Trump plans to impose a nationwide ban, an allegation Trump flatly denies. He argues that abortion is a state issue, best left to individual states to decide.

Trump’s ability to craft his own reality is well-known, particularly in the context of the 2020 election, where he maintains that the results in Georgia were stolen from him. This belief resonates deeply with his supporters, who continue to rally around the slogan “Make America Great Again.” The energy at Trump’s rallies is palpable, with a fervor that could translate into significant campaign momentum.

The question of likeability also looms large in this election. In the 1950s, Dwight Eisenhower was nearly unbeatable, not just because of his military accomplishments, but also because of his affable demeanor and warm smile. In 2024, the comparison between the two candidates is telling—one is seen as more likeable, more relatable, and more capable of rallying the nation behind them.

As the election heats up, it’s clear that this battle will be as much about personality and perception as it is about policy. With both candidates digging in for the fight, the American electorate faces a crucial decision that will shape the nation’s future for years to come.