Debate Brief: The Policy Case for Kamala Harris

1. The Economy: “The Opportunity Economy” vs. “Inflationary Tariffs”

The Argument: Harris focused on lowering specific family bills (housing, child care, groceries). Trump focused on universal tariffs (effectively a sales tax) and corporate tax cuts.

• Inflation & Costs:
  • Trump: Proposed a 10-20% universal tariff on imports. The Peterson Institute (PIIE) estimated this would cost the average household $2,600/year in higher prices.
  • Harris: Proposed a federal ban on price gouging and a $6,000 Child Tax Credit for families with newborns to offset cost-of-living spikes.
  • Source: PIIE Analysis on Tariffs | Tax Foundation on Harris Plan
• Small Business:
  • Harris: Proposed raising the tax deduction for startup costs from $5,000 to $50,000, effectively making the first year of business tax-free for entrepreneurs.
  • Source: CBS News on Small Business Tax Break
• The Deficit:
  • Comparison: The Penn Wharton Budget Model estimated Trump’s plan would increase the deficit by $5.8 trillion over 10 years, compared to $1.2 trillion for Harris.
  • Source: Penn Wharton Budget Model Analysis

2. Healthcare: “Capping Costs” vs. “Repeal”

The Argument: Harris had a legislative track record of lowering drug prices; Trump ran on “concepts of a plan” to repeal the ACA (Obamacare) without a guaranteed replacement.

• Prescription Drugs:
  • Harris: Cast the tie-breaking vote for the Inflation Reduction Act, which capped insulin at $35/month and out-of-pocket drug costs at $2,000/year for seniors. She proposed extending this cap to all Americans.
  • Source: White House: Inflation Reduction Act Provisions
• Reproductive Rights:
  • Comparison: Harris supported federal legislation to codify Roe v. Wade. Trump appointed the justices who overturned it, resulting in state bans that threaten IVF and emergency care.

3. Immigration: “Border Solutions” vs. “Mass Deportation”

The Argument: Harris supported the toughest bipartisan border bill in decades; Trump killed it to keep the issue alive.

• The Bipartisan Bill:
  • Harris: Supported the Emergency National Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, which would have funded thousands of new border agents and asylum officers.
  • Trump: Lobbied Republicans to vote against the bill in early 2024 to prevent a legislative win for the administration.
  • Source: NBC News: Republicans kill border bill
• Economic Impact:
  • Trump: Proposed mass deportations. Economists warned this would devastate the agriculture and construction sectors, causing food and housing prices to skyrocket due to labor shortages.

4. Housing: “Supply & Assistance” vs. “Deregulation”

The Argument: Harris had a specific plan to fix the supply shortage; Trump relied on deregulation.

• Down Payment Assistance:
  • Harris: Proposed providing $25,000 in down-payment support for first-time homebuyers who have paid rent on time for two years.
• Building Supply:
  • Harris: Proposed tax incentives for builders to construct 3 million new housing units specifically for the starter-home market.
  • Source: Brookings: First-time homebuyer assistance analysis

5. Foreign Policy: “Global Stability” vs. “Isolationism”

The Argument: Harris’s policy strengthened alliances that benefit the US economy; Trump’s tariffs and NATO skepticism invited instability.

• Trade & Alliances:
  • Harris: Supported targeted restrictions (e.g., semiconductors to China) while maintaining trade stability with allies (EU, NATO).
  • Trump: Proposed a universal tariff that would hit allies like the UK and Canada, risking trade wars that hurt American farmers and exporters.
• Global Security:
  • Harris: Committed to NATO and Ukraine aid to degrade Russian military power without risking US troops.
  • Trump: Frequently questioned the value of NATO and suggested he would encourage Russia to do “whatever the hell they want” to members who don’t pay enough.
  • Source: AP News: Trump NATO comments

Summary Table for Closing Statement