The Kamala Harris loss in the just concluded presidential election has postponed a significant moment in American history for many reasons.
Harris’s victory would have been particularly significant as she would have been the first woman, first African American, and first Asian American to hold the presidency.
However, following her resounding defeat by President Donald Trump in the elections, her promises to build upon the foundations laid during the Biden-Harris administration will have to be shelved.
The following are some of the promises the Democratic Party, and their candidate Kamala Harris made to Americans on the campaign trail.
Promised Economic Policies: Strengthening the Middle Class
1. Focus on Economic Equity
One of Harris’s frequently reiterated goals was to strengthen the middle class, which she viewed as essential for a prosperous America.
The Biden-Harris administration had started implementing policies aimed at raising the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour and expanding access to affordable childcare.
By increasing the economic security of working families, Harris sought to stimulate consumer spending and drive economic growth.
2. Affordable Housing Initiatives
In response to the ongoing housing crisis, Vice President Harris had promised an ambitious initiative to construct 3 million affordable homes over the next five years. This plan included a $40 billion fund dedicated to assisting local governments in increasing housing supply.
Additionally, her administration was promising to provide down-payment assistance for first-time homebuyers, particularly those who have consistently paid their rent on time.
These measures were designed to ensure that more Americans would get access to safe and affordable housing.
Foreign Policy: A Commitment to Multilateralism
During the campaigns, Vice President Harris put forward her commitment if elected to multilateralism and strengthening alliances around the world.
Her idealized approach not only sought to enhance economic ties but also sought to reinforce democratic values globally.
1. Strengthening Global Alliances
She also promised that her administration would actively engage with international partners to address pressing global challenges like climate change and security.
Harris aimed to restore America’s leadership role on the global stage by prioritizing diplomacy over unilateral actions.
2. Economic Partnerships
Harris’s foreign policy emphasized economic partnerships, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.
Her administration promised it would focus on fostering trade agreements that benefit American workers while promoting fair labor practices abroad.
Social Issues: Advancing Equity and Justice
1. Reproductive Rights
Having campaigned on a platform championing for women’s reproductive rights, President Harris was expected to protect access to abortion services nationwide.
Her administration promised to seek to implement measures to counter restrictive state laws and ensure that reproductive healthcare remained accessible for all women.
This, had it been achieved would have fit into her broader agenda of promoting equity and justice across various sectors of society.
2. Healthcare Accessibility
Building on her previous advocacy for healthcare reform, Vice President Harris had promised to expand the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and work towards lowering prescription drug prices.
Her administration aimed to enhance healthcare accessibility for all Americans. Particularly, marginalized communities who have historically been unable to access quality affordable healthcare.
Key Immigration Initiatives
Harris’s own experiences as the child of immigrants informed her approach to immigration policy.
Throughout her career, she has advocated for immigrant rights and comprehensive reform. Her administration sought to focus on creating legal pathways for immigrants, aiming to balance security with compassion.
1. Border Security
Harris had pledged to revive bipartisan efforts aimed at enhancing border security while ensuring humane treatment for migrants.
Her proposed legislation sought to increase the number of Border Patrol agents and asylum officers. This aimed to streamline processing and reduce backlogs in immigration courts.
2. Pathways to Citizenship
A key proposal of Harris’s immigration policy was touted as expanding legal pathways for immigrants.
She supported increasing family and employment-based visas, holding that a diverse workforce would have been essential for America’s economic growth.
3. Support for Undocumented Immigrants
Kamala Harris also consistently advocated for protection of undocumented individuals, including Dreamers—young people brought to the U.S. as children.
Her administration promised to continue pushing for policies that would provide pathways to citizenship for these individuals, highlighting her commitment to inclusivity.
Lessons from the Biden-Harris Administration
The Biden-Harris administration will continue being recognized for it’s modest achievements in it’s one-term presidency.
With significant job creation and economic recovery efforts achieved, their administration will be assessed favorably by many Americans .
The American Rescue Plan for example, was instrumental in reducing unemployment rates and supporting families after the Covid 19 pandemic.
Trump: A Vision for the Future
Trump’s victory sets the stage for a transformative period characterized by bold policy initiatives aimed at Making America Great Again.
With a focus on immigration reform, economic revitalization, law enforcement enhancement, educational reforms, and a strong foreign policy stance, the next five years under Trump promise significant changes that will resonate across various facets of American life.
