OPINION:
The upcoming presidential election is more than just a battle between candidates; it is a critical contest of divergent ideologies that will shape the future of America. On one side, we have former President Donald Trump and his running mate, Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, who champion capitalism, robust foreign policy, and national security. On the other, Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, advocate for a socialist-leaning vision focused on identity politics and social reforms. The stark contrasts between these ideologies underscore the high stakes of this election.
Messrs. Trump and Vance are vocal proponents of capitalism. Their economic plan aims to expand trade partnerships, increase job opportunities, and lower living costs, particularly groceries and gas prices. They emphasize promoting family life and economic stability for all Americans. Their approach is grounded in the belief that a free-market economy, with minimal government intervention, will foster innovation and growth.
In contrast, Ms. Harris and Mr. Walz, who GOP senators are calling the “most radical ticket in American history,” have records of advocating for socialist policies in California and Minnesota. Their economic vision includes substantial government intervention aimed at redistributive justice and social welfare programs. In the words of Mr. Walz, who recently joined a “White Dudes for Harris” livestream last week to help fundraise for the Democrat nominee condemned opponents of socialism, “Don’t ever shy away from our progressive values,” he said. “One person’s socialism is another person’s neighborliness.”
Messrs. Trump and Vance also prioritize a strong, clear foreign policy. As evidenced by Mr. Trump’s four years in the White House, they are campaigning on diplomacy combined with deterrence, ensuring that allies like Israel know they have unwavering support, while adversaries such as Iran’s regime understand the repercussions of their actions. During Mr. Trump’s previous term, his “Maximum Pressure” campaign imposed severe sanctions on the regime in Tehran, crippling its economy and its ability to fund terrorist activities.
Likewise, his fostering of the Abraham Accords sent clear messages throughout the Middle East, particularly to the Islamic Republic in Iran and its proxies, that moderate Muslim nations in the region were choosing prosperity over radicalism, ultimately leading to peace with their neighbor Israel.
On the other hand, Ms. Harris and Mr. Walz’s foreign policy has been characterized by what many see as leniency towards adversaries. Under the Biden-Harris administration, the mullahs were able to generate over $100 billion from oil sales, which has funded the terrorist proxies now attacking Israel. The withdrawal from Afghanistan and continued aid ushered in a more radical Taliban than the 1990s, now equipped with American tanks, munitions and funding.
A recent report indicated that failure on the part of the Biden administration to properly vet has led to the Taliban receiving at least $239 million in U.S. aid meant for counterterrorism. Anti-terror funds have gone into the pockets of the actual terrorists themselves. Ms. Harris’s open criticism of Israel’s response to the horrific Oct. 7 Hamas attacks and most recently, refusing to attend Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Congressional address, have further strained the U.S.-Israel relationship, raising concerns about America’s commitment to its allies.
Messrs. Trump and Vance have repeatedly committed to securing the border and prioritizing national security. They argue that uncontrolled immigration undermines public safety and strains public resources. Their plan includes completing the border wall, increasing border patrol funding, and enforcing strict immigration laws to ensure that those entering the country do so legally.
In stark contrast, Ms. Harris, who served as the Border Czar, oversaw a period during which millions of illegal immigrants entered the United States. Many of these individuals were on FBI and Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) lists, presenting significant security risks. Sanctuary cities have struggled to manage the influx, leading to financial strain and resource depletion. And another caravan is on its way.
In terms of crime, an increasing number of Americans say reducing crime should be a top priority for the president and Congress to address this year. Messrs. Trump and Vance advocate for strong law enforcement and a legal system that prioritizes the protection of citizens. They believe in supporting police departments and ensuring that they have the resources necessary to combat crime effectively. Their stance is that a safe and secure environment is crucial for economic prosperity and societal well-being.
Conversely, Ms. Harris and Mr. Walz have been criticized for their positions on criminal justice reform, which some argue are too lenient and contribute to rising crime rates, particularly in blue cities. Their focus on systemic reform and reducing incarceration rates is seen by critics as neglecting the immediate need for public safety and law enforcement support.
Most Americans can detect a stark shift in American culture and values over the last four years. Despite the media’s characterization of Trump and Vance as anti-IVF and anti-cat woman, claims both candidates refute, their ticket emphasizes the importance of preserving American culture and values, particularly against their radically liberal opponents. They resist attempts to rewrite history or impose radical social changes that conflict with the nation’s foundational principles. There is such a detectible difference that the sight of an American flag signals support for the Trump ticket. The Trump/Vance ticket also represents promoting patriotism, traditional family values, and a shared sense of national identity.
On the other hand, Ms. Harris and Mr. Walz have records that indicate they will continue promoting identity politics, often focusing on race, gender, and other social categories. Both Ms. Harris and Mr. Walz supported the demonstrators and looters in the George Floyd protests which resulted in more than $2 billion in damage for both public and private business owners. Similarly, many have argued that the Biden/Harris White House has not done enough to condemn the recent college protests in support of terror groups Hamas and Hezbollah, instead defending many of these radical movements as ‘free speech’ and the right to protest while failing to protect Jewish students.
The 2024 presidential election is a defining moment for America, arguably the most important election in our lifetimes, and a choice between two starkly different visions for the country’s future. Messrs. Trump and Vance offer a path rooted in capitalism, strong national security, and traditional values. In contrast, Ms. Harris and her choice in Mr. Walz, a governor whose track record doubles down on her vision for the nation, will take the country further to the left, advocating for a socialist-leaning agenda that emphasizes social justice and reform.
American voters must consider these ideological differences carefully. The decision they make will not only determine the next president but will also shape the direction of the nation for years to come. It is a choice between preserving the principles that have long defined America or venturing into new and often dangerous ideological territory. In the end, the future of America rests in the hands of its voters, who must decide not based on gender or racial background, but which ideology aligns best with their vision for the country.
• Lisa Daftari is a journalist and the editor and founder of The Foreign Desk, an online news site about the Middle East.
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