The recent presidential debate between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris was an event that starkly highlighted the differences between a seasoned businessman who delivered results during his presidency and a vice president who, after 3 ½ years in office, has yet to establish any meaningful accomplishments. Yet, despite Harris’ lack of a concrete policy record, a large segment of voters, particularly Black women, remain steadfast in their support for her over Trump—a paradox worth exploring.
The Trump Record: Policies Over Personality
During his time as president, Donald Trump faced significant criticism for his brash demeanor and inflammatory rhetoric. However, beyond the surface level, his presidency boasted several measurable successes:
– Strong Economic Growth: Under Trump, the U.S. economy experienced record highs, with unemployment reaching historic lows across all demographics, including African Americans. Small businesses thrived, and consumer confidence was robust.
– Foreign Relations: Although many global leaders found Trump’s style unconventional, he maintained a level of respect and peace, negotiating significant international deals and avoiding new wars.
– Domestic Policies: Trump’s administration cut taxes, rolled back burdensome regulations, and placed a strong emphasis on law and order, which contributed to a more robust domestic economy.
Despite the media’s fixation on Trump’s personality, his tangible results in office earned him praise from a wide array of voters, even some who initially opposed him. His approach as a businessman may not have been liked by all, but he undeniably “got the job done.”
The Harris Conundrum: Lack of Policy and Substance
In sharp contrast, Kamala Harris’ performance as vice president is notably lacking in substance. After 3 ½ years in office, Harris has failed to establish a clear track record of any major accomplishments. Her policy positions remain vague at best, and she has yet to provide a comprehensive vision for the country if she were to become president.
During the debate, Harris struggled to present concrete plans for the future, relying instead on generalities and emotional appeals. This lack of policy depth raises serious concerns about her ability to lead the United States, one of the most powerful nations on the planet.
The Emotional Vote
What’s perplexing to many observers is the unwavering support Harris receives from certain demographics, particularly Black women. Despite her lack of achievements and questionable track record, Harris has maintained a strong base of support. Some argue this loyalty stems from emotional reasons rather than a critical evaluation of her qualifications.
This emotional support persists even though Harris has explicitly stated that she has no plans to implement specific policies for Black Americans. During her 2020 campaign, she famously remarked, “I’m not going to do anything only for Black people. No.” This position, coupled with her administration’s prioritization of undocumented immigrants, especially Venezuelans, receiving government benefits like food stamps and housing stipends, has alienated many voters who feel left behind.
For many working-class Americans, this is a bitter pill to swallow. Harris’ focus on non-citizens over the American taxpayer feels like a slap in the face. The millions of Americans who struggle to access basic services are watching as undocumented individuals are offered financial assistance and debit cards to maintain a standard of living that many citizens can’t achieve.
The Truth About Kamala Harris’ Background
Another aspect of Harris’ rise to prominence that has drawn criticism is her identity. Kamala Harris has long positioned herself as a Black woman, a move many argue was intended to garner support from the Black community. However, upon closer inspection, Harris’ ethnic background reveals that both of her parents are Indian, making her claims of Black identity questionable at best. This calculated attempt to align herself with African Americans, despite her true heritage, is seen by many as a deception to win votes.
Kamala Harris’ Lies: A Pattern of Inconsistency
The American public has grown increasingly frustrated with the numerous inconsistencies and outright falsehoods Harris has propagated during her time in the public eye. Here are 15 notable lies or misleading statements she has told:
- On her identity: Harris claimed to be the first Black woman vice president, yet her heritage is Indian, not African American.
- Supporting Black Americans: Harris repeatedly promised to stand with the Black community but later stated she wouldn’t enact any specific policies for them.
- Health care promises: During her 2020 campaign, she promised universal healthcare, but no serious effort has been made toward this.
- The border crisis: Harris claimed the border was secure, despite the overwhelming influx of undocumented migrants, especially from Venezuela.
- On COVID-19: Harris criticized the Trump administration’s vaccine efforts, but later took credit for the distribution plans already set in motion under Trump.
- Criminal justice reform: Harris touted herself as a reformer but had a record as a prosecutor that disproportionately impacted minority communities.
- On fracking: She initially supported a ban on fracking but reversed her stance during the 2020 campaign.
- Student loan forgiveness: Harris promised significant relief for student debt, but minimal action has been taken since taking office.
- Climate change: Harris claimed to have a detailed plan to combat climate change, yet no significant strides have been made in her tenure.
- Defunding the police: While claiming to support law enforcement, her administration quietly supported defunding movements in certain cities.
- Foreign policy: Harris stated she had clear plans for handling international relations, yet she has been notably absent from major foreign policy decisions.
- On the Afghanistan withdrawal: Harris claimed the chaotic withdrawal was well-planned, despite the disastrous results.
- Voting rights: Harris spoke on protecting voting rights, but no major legislative victories have been achieved in this area.
- On education reform: Despite promises to revolutionize public education, little has changed for students in underfunded schools.
- Bipartisanship: Harris claimed she would work across the aisle, but her time as vice president has been marked by deep political division.
The Question for Voters
Given Harris’ lack of accomplishments, the lies she has told, and her inconsistency on important issues, the question remains: How can voters, particularly those who have suffered most under ineffective leadership, still support her? The debate has brought this question into sharp relief, as Trump’s record of economic success and clear policies stands in contrast to Harris’ nebulous platform.
One possible explanation is that voters are basing their support on emotion rather than logic. In an era where identity politics and symbolism have taken precedence over substance, many voters seem to overlook Harris’ shortcomings in favor of what she represents. However, this emotional vote comes at a cost, as it overlooks the very real need for capable leadership in a world facing increasing challenges.
Conclusion: The Path Forward
As the election season progresses, the American people must ask themselves what they truly value in a president. Do they want someone with a proven track record of getting things done, even if his approach is unorthodox? Or are they willing to overlook a lack of substance for the sake of emotional appeal?
The debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris has provided voters with a clear choice: one based on action and policy, and the other based on rhetoric and image. The future of the nation depends on which path they choose.
