Harris/Walz support expanding access to healthcare through initiatives like Medicare for All or a public option. They aim to strengthen Social Security, increase benefits, and enhance affordability and coverage for all, emphasizing a more robust role for government in healthcare.
Trump/Vance advocate for healthcare reforms that focus on reducing costs through market-based solutions rather than expanding government programs. They oppose Medicare for All and promote privatization and reducing federal spending on entitlement programs.
Harris and former schoolteacher Walz support strengthening public education and oppose the use of vouchers. They focus on equitable funding for public schools, aiming to ensure all students have access to quality education regardless of their socioeconomic status, rather than diverting funds to private institutions. Walz, in particular, is beloved in Minnesota for providing all school children with free lunches.
Trump/Vance advocate for "universal school choice," promoting the use of vouchers to allow parents to choose private or charter schools over public schools. They argue this approach increases competition and improves educational outcomes by empowering parental choice. This will defund public education and funnel tax dollars into religiously affiliated private schools.
Harris/Walz proposed economic plans will make having a family easier. They have proposed a $6,000 tax credit for families with newborns as well as $25,000 in down payment support for first-time home buyers. They also want to make parental leave mandatory, improve public education, and make college and daycare more affordable for families.
Vance has also stated that he wants a higher tax credit for children, possibly doubling it to $5,000. He recently shared an opinion that more votes should be given to parents in order for the country to be more “pro-family.” Although Vance has dug in his heels repeatedly when asked about his controversial opinion on voting rights, this is not an official policy proposal.
Trump and Vance have made no move to support mandated parental leave.
Harris/Walz aim to expand access to higher education by reducing college tuition costs. They focus on making college more affordable, supporting initiatives for free community college, and providing financial aid to ease the burden on students and families.
Trump/Vance oppose student loan forgiveness and criticize higher education institutions. They advocate for restructuring the higher education system, focusing on reducing federal involvement and promoting alternative postsecondary pathways to alleviate students' financial burdens.
Harris/Walz advocate for universal daycare as part of their broader education policy. They emphasize early childhood education, aiming to provide accessible, affordable childcare to support working families and enhance educational outcomes from a young age.
Trump/Vance have not explicitly supported universal daycare. Their focus is more on restructuring education and addressing family policies, with Vance emphasizing the importance of increasing birth rates and providing childcare support through tax credits rather than universal daycare. (Although Vance's proposed child tax credit is notably $1,000 less than Harris's.)
Harris and Walz strongly support reproductive freedom, advocating for the protection of abortion rights and the restoration of Roe v. Wade. They emphasize ensuring access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare, including contraception and abortion services, without government interference. Walz's children were also conceived with the help of IVF, so we can expect a more nuanced understanding of family planning with a Harris/Walz ticket.
Trump and Vance oppose abortion rights, advocating for significant restrictions and potential criminalization of women and doctors. They endorse state-level bans on abortion and have expressed openness to federal restrictions on abortion pills. Both continue to celebrate the overturn of Roe v. Wade—Trump himself has taken full credit for it on multiple occasions.
Harris/Walz support the legalization of marijuana, including decriminalization and expungement of past convictions. They advocate for federal legalization to address racial disparities in enforcement and to regulate and tax cannabis for economic and public health benefits.
Trump/Vance have opposed the legalization of marijuana at the federal level but have been open to legalization at the state level. Trump has expressed concerns about public health and safety impacts, despite research saying otherwise.
Harris has consistently criticized Donald Trump's character, describing him as divisive, dishonest, and unfit for office. She emphasizes his role in spreading misinformation and argues that his leadership has been harmful to the nation. Walz has recently referred to Trump and other Republicans as “weird” and later “creepy as hell” for their invasive policies.
Vice President Harris and JD Vance agreed on Trump’s character until Vance flipped the script to secure his spot as Trump’s running mate. He has been quoted describing Trump as “an idiot,” “America’s Hitler,” and “unfit for our nation’s highest office.”
Harris/Walz advocate for a humane and orderly immigration system, focusing on border security balanced with compassionate treatment of asylum seekers. They support modernizing immigration processes, addressing root causes of migration, and opposing harsh enforcement policies. Although Trump claims he was the hardest on the border crisis, the Biden/Harris administration removed or returned more individuals between August 2023 to March 2024 than in any year since 2015.
Trump/Vance advocate for strict border security, including completing the border wall, increasing enforcement, and implementing tough immigration policies. The GOP’s official platform promises to “Begin Largest Deportation Program in American History” following the election. They also promise to cut federal funding to sanctuary cities.
Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz advocate for stricter gun reform, including universal background checks, banning assault weapons, and implementing red flag laws to prevent gun violence and enhance public safety across the United States.
Despite his recent assassination attempt, Donald Trump continues to oppose stricter gun control measures. He and running mate JD Vance emphasize Second Amendment rights. They advocate for loosening regulations, supporting concealed carry, focusing on mental health solutions, and increasing school security to address gun violence.
Both Harris and Walz are strong advocates for equal rights, including LGBTQ+ protections and marriage equality. They support expanding anti-discrimination laws, ensuring equal treatment under the law, and promoting inclusivity in all areas of society.
Trump/Vance generally oppose expanding equal rights protections, particularly concerning LGBTQ+ issues. The official GOP platform states that “Republicans Will End Left-Wing Gender Insanity,” referencing gender-affirming care and transgender issues.
Harris has traditionally been extremely pro-Israel, but throughout the campaign has been talking about a ceasefire. Harris/Walz support Israel's right to self-defense while advocating for Palestinian dignity and security.
Trump/Vance strongly support Israel, urging a swift resolution to the Gaza conflict. They criticize President Biden's approach, suggesting it complicates Israel's efforts. Vance emphasizes the importance of countering Iran alongside Sunni states.
