American voters will confront a distinct choice on election day between Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump. Each candidate represents contrasting views and policies across various topics.

Harris has identified her top priority as reducing food and housing expenses for working families. She aims to prohibit price-gouging on groceries, assist first-time home buyers, expand housing availability, and increase the minimum wage. While inflation surged during Biden’s presidency due to post-Covid supply chain disruptions and the Ukraine conflict, it has since begun to decline.

Trump has vowed to “end inflation and restore affordability in America.” He argues that increased oil drilling will lead to lower energy costs. His promise includes reducing interest rates—though this is not within presidential control—and he claims that deporting undocumented immigrants will alleviate housing pressures. However, economists caution that his plan to impose greater taxes on imports could result in higher prices.

Harris supports raising taxes on large corporations and high-income earners making $400,000 annually, while also proposing measures to lessen tax burdens for families through expanded child tax credits. She diverges from Biden’s stance on capital gains tax, favoring a more moderate increase from 23.6% to 28%, as opposed to Biden’s proposed 44.6%.

Trump’s tax strategy proposes substantial cuts totaling trillions of dollars, including an extension of his 2017 tax cuts which primarily benefited wealthy individuals. He asserts that these cuts will be funded through economic growth and tariffs on imports; however, analysts warn that both candidates' plans may contribute significantly to the national deficit.

Abortion rights are pivotal for Harris’s campaign as she advocates for legislation that would guarantee reproductive rights nationwide. In contrast, Trump has struggled with a consistent abortion narrative despite appointing three Supreme Court justices who played key roles in overturning Roe v. Wade.

On immigration issues, Harris is focused on addressing root causes of the southern border crisis and has raised private funds for regional investments aimed at curbing migration. Despite record crossings from Mexico at the end of 2023, numbers have since decreased significantly. Trump intends to complete border wall construction and enhance enforcement measures while proposing a significant mass deportation initiative.

In foreign policy, Harris pledges unwavering support for Ukraine and aims for U.S. leadership over China in 21st-century competition. She advocates for a two-state solution regarding Israel-Palestine relations and seeks an end to hostilities in Gaza. Trump promotes an isolationist approach, claiming he could resolve the Ukraine conflict quickly through negotiation with Russia.

Both candidates have taken strong stances on economic issues like tariffs and environmental policies. Harris supports targeted tariffs while Trump promises broad new tariffs on foreign goods. On healthcare, Harris has worked to reduce prescription drug costs, while Trump aims to improve the Affordable Care Act without specifics.

As they campaign, both candidates are addressing gun violence; Harris supports tighter regulations while Trump champions Second Amendment rights. Additionally, both have expressed evolving views on marijuana legalization.

Overall, this election presents voters with starkly different paths forward shaped by their respective visions for America’s future.