By Jessica Park
With Election Day approaching on Tuesday, Nov. 5, just over three weeks away, both vice President Harris’s and former President Trump’s campaigns are busy reaching out to voters and sharing their key messages. While many of us may not be able to vote yet, it’s helpful to start paying attention to the updates from each campaign. Here are the major updates from each candidate’s campaign.
Harris’s Media Tour and Key Messages
Vice President Kamala Harris appeared on several popular shows, including The View, The Howard Stern Show, and The Late Show, to share her message. On The View, Harris said that while she wouldn’t have done much differently than President Biden over the past four years, she has her own focus areas, like improving home healthcare. She highlighted some achievements, such as lowering insulin costs and helping medicare negotiate drug prices to make medications cheaper. For example, Harris has emphasized expanding affordable home healthcare for seniors and people with disabilities to receive care at home. She also mentioned that if elected, she might include a Republican in her cabinet. Additionally, Harris spoke about expanding Medicare’s role in reducing medication costs to include more people beyond just seniors.
Trump’s Focus on National Security and Religious Outreach
Former President Donald Trump, meanwhile, has been emphasizing national security and support for Israel. At an event marking the anniversary of a Hamas attack on Israel, Trump claimed that his re-election is crucial for Israel’s future, stating that if he had been president, the attack would not have occurred. He criticized the current Democratic administration, saying that what he sees as its “weakness” has led to increased violence and conflict. Trump has also spoken about rising antisemitism, which he attributes to the Democratic Party, positioning the Republican Party as the strong defender of Jewish communities and Israel. Trump is also actively working to build support among specific groups, like members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). He announced the creation of a “Latter-Day Saints for Trump” coalition, hoping to solidify support among LDS voters in Utah, Arizona, and other Western states. Trump presented his campaign as a defense of religious freedom and traditional values. He stated that he would protect these rights if re-elected. He plans to meet with LDS leaders in Arizona to further discuss these issues.
Voter Opinions and Strategies for Building Support
Each campaign is focusing on different voter bases: Trump is engaging with the LDS community, while Harris has also formed an LDS coalition and advisory committee, promoting a character-based, moderate approach. Both candidates expressed strong support for Israel, an important topic in the 2024 election.
Recent polling reveals differing opinions of the candidates among key voter groups. About 7 in 10 Black voters have a somewhat or very favorable view of Harris, with few differences between Black men and women in their support. In Florida, however, Trump has a strong lead. According to a New York Times/Siena College poll, he leads Harris by 13 points, indicating Trump’s strength in a highly valuable state.
Questions to Consider
As students, we know that a balanced lunch is essential for staying energized and focused. Research shows that healthy eating can help release dopamine, improving our mood and focus. In countries like South Korea, Italy, and Greece, students enjoy school meals that set a high standard. In Finland, students even get to taste test and approve their meals. Here in the U.S., however, the National School Lunch Program falls short in nutrianal quality. It’s crucial to consider where candidates Harris and Trump stand on improving school lunches. Their polices on this could directly impact our academic success and well-being. Beyond lunch, what are their positions on other school-related issues, like mental health support or funding for educational programs? This election could shape our everyday lives in significant ways.
