2024 Showdown: Trump, Harris and the Fight for the Youth Vote
As Election Day approaches, the pressure mounts for both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris to solidify a compelling vision for the future of America.
A view of the White House in Washington, D.C. Credit: Aaron Kittredge from Pexels
The clock is ticking down on one of the most closely watched elections in recent history, with the race between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump being anything but predictable.
As the polling numbers have shown, these candidates have been neck and neck. Following President Joe Biden’s drop from the presidential race, the outcome of this election may very well hinge on the candidates’ ability to galvanize their base and sway the undecided voters within these next few crucial weeks.
The 2024 election is shaping up to be a battle of endurance and, most certainly, a well-developed strategy.
Both Trump and Harris are vying not just for votes, but for the heart of a deeply polarized nation. As Election Day approaches, the pressure mounts for these two candidates to solidify their expected base and address the broader electorate with compelling visions for the future of America.
The choices they’re making now, like outwardness of policy stances and Vice President picks, could determine the outcome of the election and the direction the country will be heading in within the next four years.
Trump’s decision to choose Ohio Sen. JD Vance as his running mate initially came as a calculated risk. Vance, known for his populist rhetoric and rags-to-riches story from his book “Hillbilly Elegy,” was expected to help Trump gain momentum in the swing states and among working-class voters.
However, Vance has proven to be more of a liability than an asset for the Trump campaign.
Vance’s past critique of Trump in the 2016 elections remains a concern for Trump’s supporters. Questions about his new running mate’s loyalty have led to distrust within the Republican party, hampering mobilization.
As for the Democratic party, the shift from “Biden-Harris” to “Harris-Walz” has stirred up major support.
As the Gov. of Minnesota, Walz brings executive experience and a strong record on issues like education, healthcare and economic growth. Harris’ pick has helped balance the ticket for some as well, reassuring moderate voters who might be wary of Harris’ “progressive” stances on certain issues. Walz’s Midwestern roots have made inroads for the Democrats, where suburban and rural voters play critical roles in determining the election.
Despite Walz’s support being advantageous for the Harris campaign, the Democratic ticket encounters significant challenges. Harris, the pioneering female Vice President of color, has galvanized various groups, but also faces heightened scrutiny and controversy due to her identity and political background.
Given the polarized political environment, Harris serves as a lightning rod, with progressives critiquing her prosecutorial history, and conservatives targeting her perceived ‘radical leftist’ beliefs.
Although Harris’ ability to connect with voters, particularly youth, raises concerns despite controversy, the Democratic party relies heavily on engaging young voters. While Harris has improved engagement with this demographic, additional efforts are crucial. The youth vote covers various issues, from climate change to student debt, as well as gun control. Genuine interaction via policies and outreach may influence the outcome positively.
Meanwhile, Trump’s approach to gaining the youth vote has been significantly different from Harris’. His reliance on a strong economy as a selling point hasn’t resonated with younger voters.
The presence of Vance on the ticket has done little to shift this dynamic, with his positions on social issues often differing from the concerns of younger voters. Although Vance has a very strong backbone of supporters, his lack of engagement with this demographic has only exacerbated challenges for the Trump campaign.
As a young female voter, I’ve noticed a key issue with the party candidates — they lack effective youth engagement.
Harris should leverage her strengths. Trump should develop fresh appealing factors. Both parties need to reassess their positions from diverse viewpoints, not just from what they believe will secure votes.
Candidates need to address social justice and equality sincerely and back it with an actionable plan. They should engage and motivate youth and minority groups through social media, influencer partnerships and direct involvement to gain support.
The VP picks in this election have undeniably influenced the trajectory of the campaigns. In many ways, Vance has been a drag on Trump’s efforts, failing to bring in new voters and causing fractures within the Republican base. Walz, on the other hand, has provided stability and appeal to the Harris campaign, particularly among moderates and swing voters.
Election day drawing nearer means both candidates must reflect on their strategies and make necessary adjustments.
Trump and Harris must not only solidify their bases, but also reach out to undecided voters, especially in key battleground states. Civic engagement will be crucial, and the support they generate in these final months will likely determine the outcome.