on the fence

A place for fellow baby boomers who are struggling with the state of the nation

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the issues: pardons

In the context of the 2024 presidential race, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump have different records and approaches when it comes to the use of presidential pardons. A presidential pardon is a powerful tool granted by the U.S. Constitution, allowing the president to forgive federal crimes, essentially wiping away a person’s legal liability for offenses committed. The pardon power has been historically used to correct perceived injustices, as well as for political purposes. An examination of how Harris and Trump have engaged with the idea of pardons, either directly or indirectly, can provide insight into their leadership styles and governing philosophies.

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the issues: truth vs. fiction

In the 2024 presidential election, both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump have distinct public personas and political records, which influence how they are perceived when it comes to truthfulness and transparency. While the topic of deception is inherently charged with subjectivity and political bias, it is possible to explore verifiable incidents or claims of misleading statements by both candidates using publicly available information. This essay will focus on notable moments or patterns during their political careers where they have faced criticism or fact-checks related to deception, without delving into speculative or unfounded claims.

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the issues: military

In the 2024 presidential election, both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump present differing perspectives on military policy, defense spending, and the role of the U.S. military in global affairs. Their approaches reflect broader differences in how they view America’s place in the world and the priorities they set for national defense. This essay will explore the military policies of both candidates, highlighting their respective positions on defense spending, military readiness, alliances, and the use of military force, using only factual information based on their track records and public statements.

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the issues: fiscal policy

In the 2024 presidential election, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump present differing visions for the U.S. economy, particularly concerning fiscal policy and how it relates to interest rates. Fiscal policy refers to the government’s use of spending and taxation to influence the economy. While interest rates are primarily set by the Federal Reserve, the fiscal decisions made by the president and Congress can have significant impacts on economic conditions, which in turn affect how the Federal Reserve adjusts interest rates. This essay will explore the positions and track records of both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump regarding fiscal policy, their approach to government spending and taxation, and how their policies could influence interest rates.

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the issues: education

In the 2024 presidential race, Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate, and Donald Trump, the Republican candidate, present starkly different visions for education policy in the United States. Education is a critical issue that impacts not only individual Americans but also the country's economic competitiveness and social stability. Both candidates have outlined their positions and track records on key educational issues, including school choice, funding for public education, higher education, and student debt. This essay will explore the factual education policy positions of both Harris and Trump, providing a comparison of their approaches and past actions.

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the issues: religion in politics

In American politics, the relationship between religion and governance is a longstanding and deeply significant issue. The principle of the separation of church and state, enshrined in the U.S. Constitution, dictates that the government should not endorse any particular religion. However, the personal faith of political leaders often becomes a focal point in elections, as voters are interested in how a candidate's religious beliefs might influence their policies and leadership. In the 2024 presidential election, candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump each have unique relationships with religion, both in their personal lives and in their political careers. This essay will examine their approaches to religion, the role of faith in their political platforms, and whether either candidate regularly attends religious services.

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the issues: rhetoric

In today’s highly polarized political environment, name-calling and derogatory remarks have become more frequent, playing a significant role in public discourse. Both Kamala Harris, the 2024 Democratic candidate, and Donald Trump, the 2024 Republican candidate, have been involved in this aspect of politics, though the frequency and nature of their involvement differ greatly. This essay examines the factual history of name-calling and untrue derogatory remarks made by both candidates during their political careers, highlighting how these behaviors have impacted the tone of American political discourse.

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the issues: healthcare

Health care remains one of the most important and debated issues in American politics. The 2024 presidential election, with Kamala Harris representing the Democratic Party and Donald Trump running for the Republican Party, brings two distinct visions for the future of the U.S. health care system. Harris supports expanding access to health care and building on the Affordable Care Act (ACA), while Trump advocates for market-based solutions and has been a critic of the ACA. This essay will examine the health care plans of both candidates, relying on facts from their records and stated policies rather than speculation.

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the issues: border + immigration

Immigration and border policy have long been central issues in U.S. politics, and the 2024 presidential election is no exception. Kamala Harris, the current Vice President, and former President Donald Trump have starkly different approaches to immigration and border security, reflecting the broader ideological divide between the Democratic and Republican parties. This essay compares their respective immigration policies based on their previous records, current platforms, and public statements.

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the issues: gun control

The debate over gun control in the United States has intensified over the years as mass shootings and gun violence have become more frequent. In the 2024 presidential election, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump present opposing visions on how to address the issue. Harris, representing the Democratic Party, advocates for stricter gun control measures aimed at reducing gun violence, while Trump, aligned with the Republican Party, prioritizes the protection of Second Amendment rights and a more permissive approach to gun ownership. This essay explores the policies and plans of both candidates concerning gun control, using facts rather than speculation.

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