Who Will Truly Benefit the Middle Class: Trump or Kamala Harris?

The question of who will benefit the middle class more, Donald Trump or Kamala Harris, has been a topic of heated debate in recent years. Both political figures have strong opinions and policies that may influence the financial well-being of the American middle class. This article delves into their approaches and the potential impacts on the middle class.

Donald Trump's Impact on the Middle Class

For most of his presidency, Donald Trump’s policies have been criticized for shifting the benefits towards the wealthy segments of society. Trump raised taxes on the middle class six times, and he added to the national debt by $7 trillion. His rhetoric often portrayed the middle class as a passive labor supply for the wealthy, rather than a valuable demographic for economic growth.

Key Policies and Criticisms

One of the primary criticisms of Trump's approach is that he frequently targets the middle class with new taxes, exacerbating their financial strain. According to Trump himself, his tax cuts were aimed at the rich, with no genuine interest in helping the broader middle class. His administration raised personal income taxes, capital gains taxes, and corporate taxes multiple times during his tenure.

In addition to economic policies, Trump's stance on the middle class includes his disregard for their well-being. During a rally in Kenosha, Wisconsin, in 2020, he famously declared, "I don’t care about you, I only want your votes." This statement highlights his lack of concern for the middle class, focusing instead on winning their support.

Kamala Harris's Approach to the Middle Class

In contrast to Trump, Kamala Harris's policies are designed to support the middle class. While Harris has faced criticism for her past wealthy associates and campaign financing from the tech industry, her stance on the middle class is clear. She believes that true progress can only be made when everyone, from the middle class to the economically disadvantaged, has a fair shot at success.

Critical Policies and Comparisons

Harris advocates for policies that directly benefit the middle class. Instead of extending tax breaks to the wealthy, she seeks to reinstate the child tax credit, which is critical for middle-class families with children. She also proposes measures to address the rising cost of living, which disproportionately affects middle-class families. Harris's policies include:

Additional $100 billion for Ukraine’s defense, supporting strategic allies and maintaining global stability. Student loan forgiveness for graduates from prestigious universities, such as Harvard, to address the economic burden faced by young professionals. Homelessness and criminal alien management initiatives, specifically targeting those who are in detention or facing legal issues. Instituting tariffs on goods made outside the U.S. to protect middle-class workers and their jobs.

Harris's policies are designed to address the root causes of middle-class struggles, including debt relief, defense, and economic security. By providing targeted support to those in need, she aims to create a more equitable society where the middle class can thrive.

Comparative Analysis

The contrasting approaches of Trump and Harris toward the middle class can be summarized in terms of their priorities and policies.

Trump prioritizes policies that benefit the wealthy, often at the expense of the middle class. His administration's tax hikes and trade policies have caused economic strain, leading to increased debt for the middle class. On the other hand, Harris's policies are centered on providing direct support to the middle class, including reinstating child tax credits, addressing student debt, and implementing tariffs to protect U.S. jobs.

While Trump may focus on short-term gains and immediate monetary benefits, Harris's vision is more comprehensive and long-term. Her policies aim to lay the groundwork for sustainable economic growth and stability, benefiting not just the wealthy but everyone in the middle class.

Conclusion

In the ongoing debate over who will truly benefit the middle class, it is clear that Kamala Harris's policies are more aligned with the needs and interests of the middle class. While both candidates present valid points, Harris's approach is more likely to foster a more inclusive and equitable economic environment for all Americans, especially those in the middle class.