Comparative Policies of The Two Presidential Candidates – Guest Author Nirmalya Chatterjee
Various opinion polls suggest that most Americans have made up their minds as to who they will vote for in the November Presidential election. Yet, many are still undecided and are weighing the policies that Mr. Trump and Ms. Harris have declared on some of the significant issues. Depending on the level of congressional support, many of these policy positions will possibly change when either one of them takes office. However, it is beneficial to focus on some of the key differences as they currently stand. One can write lengthy analysis on each of these topics. I have used sufficient brevity in the interest of this article and the forum where it will be published.
- Personal taxes:
The current tax rates that were enacted in 2017 by Mr. Trump during his first term are scheduled to expire at the end of 2025. Mr. Trump wants to essentially extend the current tax rates indefinitely. This is estimated to create additional $4 trillion of budget deficit in the next ten years. Mr. Trump has not spelled out how that deficit increase would be mitigated. Ms. Harris wants to keep taxes the same for households making less than $400,000 annually which is estimated to cover about 97% of the Americans. For the higher income people, she wants the highest tax rates to go up to 44.6%.
- Corporate taxes:
The current corporate tax rate does not expire at the end of 2025 like the personal tax rates do. Ms. Harris wants to raise the corporate tax rate from 21% to 28% which is estimated to reduce federal deficit by $1.3 trillion in ten years. Mr. Trump, on the other hand, wants to bring the corporate tax rate further down to between 15 and 20%. The growing size of the federal budget deficit is a very critical economic issue for the country. It is a topic suited for a separate discussion.
- Tariffs:
Mr. Trump wants to raise the tariffs to at least 60% for China which is a significant increase from his first term. Many economists predict this would be inflationary which Mr. Trump disagrees with. Ms. Harris wants to essentially continue the tariff that Mr. Trump set during his first term.
- Healthcare:
Ms. Harris wants to vigorously pursue the power the government now has from the ‘Inflation Reduction Act’ to negotiate the prescription drug pricing for Medicare patients. She wants to cap everyone’s out-of-pocket spending at $2000 a year overall. Mr. Trump has pledged to protect Medicare and bring down healthcare costs overall. He has reversed his previous position to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act and has recently said that he wants to keep it and improve it. When asked, Mr. Trump said he has ‘concepts of a plan’ on how to improve it but has not revealed the specifics yet.
- Immigration:
Illegal border crossing and legal immigration have become a major hot button issue for the country. Mr. Trump has said that he will deport as many undocumented immigrants as possible. It is not clear how he will carry out this plan. There are practical challenges in finding the undocumented immigrants and having enough money and detention space. Ms. Harris has promised to sign the bipartisan Senate border bill that was blocked by Mr. Trump. That bill would give the President the right to stop processing asylum if the numbers become too high. She has endorsed the measure to increase legal immigration and a path to citizenship for longtime undocumented immigrants in the country.
- Abortion:
Ms. Harris supports making Roe v Wade the law of the land which would make abortion legal for any reason through fetal viability. Mr. Trump appointed three Supreme Court justices who overturned Roe vs Wade eliminating the federal protection for abortion and wants the issue to be settled state-by-state. Under the current law, abortion is banned or highly restricted in 18 states.
- Environment:
Ms. Harris supported the Inflation Reduction Act which will provide billions of dollars of grants, loans and tax incentives to promote renewable energy. Mr. Trump has called climate change ‘a hoax’ and he would eliminate the $7500 tax credit for electric vehicle. He has also vowed to repeal the ‘Inflation Reduction Act’.
- Foreign Policy:
Mr. Trump is leaning toward either getting out of NATO or weakening America’s strong ties with Europe whereas Ms. Harris wants to strengthen the ties with Europe and protect Ukraine from Russian invasion. With respect to Iran, Ms. Harris would like to re-enter the nuclear deal while Mr. Trump would like to increase the pressure on Iran with more sanctions. Mr. Trump wants to intensify economic and military pressure on China with significantly larger tariffs. Ms. Harris wants to counter China’s growing strength by fostering strong relations in the Pacific with Japan, South Korea, Australia and India.
Nirmalya Chatterjee has been a senior executive of several Fortune 500 companies. He was the Chairman of the Hindu Temple of Las Vegas. He is currently the Chief Financial Officer of a Las Vegas based company.
The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the above article solely belong to author Nirmalya Chatterjee, and are not an endorsement by vegasdesi.com. The editor is pleased to provide vegasdesi.com as a platform for the community members to engage in intellectual debates, opinions, constructive criticisms, and discussions.
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Just in case you’re interested, here are the truths:
PERSONAL TAXES:
It has been proven many times over that when tax rates are reduced, more productivity results in higher revenues for the Government. Even a Democrat (John Kennedy) understood this and proved it. At the very least, please understand that your money is best used by you and not the Government.
CORPORATE TAXES:
1. Corporate taxes when increased are simply past on to the consumer. The whole world knows that! 2. Reduced corporate taxes allow our corporations to be me more productive through reinvestment 3. Reduced corporate taxes allow our corporations to be more competitive against foreign corporations 4. Remember also that corporations are by and large owned by us, either through direct ownership or stock ownership 5. The less money we give to the Government the more efficient we are
TARIFFS:
Every other country charges tariffs on US made products to make our products less competitive with their own. IT IS TIME THAT WE GOT FAIR TRADE POLICIES!
HEALTHCARE:
The Affordable Care Act has been anything but affordable. In the beginning the Government subsidized the program and now we are experiencing the high cost of the inefficient Government trying to run our healthcare. President Trump is correct that we have to find a better way!
IMMIGRATION:
Legal immigration is the underpinning of the success of America. Illegal immigration will never make our country better. The bill that V P Harris wants to promote would legalize upwards of 5000 immigrants coming in without any restrictions.
ABORTION:
Abortion is a very personal and emotional subject and is best left to the people without Government interference or involvement. This is why it is now at the State level allowing the people of each State to make the decision.
ENVIRONMENT:
While no one disputes that clean air, clean water and a generally clean environment is in the best interest of all people. The Democrats are using this desire of the people to spend funds on things that have never delivered these basics. President Trump’s approach to use all efforts at efficient energy delivery is the right approach.
FOREIGN POLICY:
President Trump has never proposed leaving NATO. However, he has said that the cost for operating NATO should be fairly allocated to all NATO countries. Ever since NATO was formed, we the US Citizens have paid for the majority of the cost of running NATO and most, if not all, of the other member countries have not even paid in their agreed contributions. Democrats love to appease IRAN, CHINA, RUSSIA, PAKISTAN, and other terrorist backed countries. President Trump believes in Peace through Strength and solving international problems through economic threats.
AGREE!! Here are some additional thoughts on the President Trump’s policies on the topics mentioned above.
Personal Taxes:
Lowering personal taxes has historically been seen as a way to stimulate economic growth. The idea is based on the concept that when individuals keep more of their income, they are more likely to spend and invest, leading to greater economic activity, job creation, and ultimately, higher tax revenues for the government. This approach was validated by President John F. Kennedy, who reduced tax rates during his presidency, resulting in increased revenues due to a more productive economy. Similarly, under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017, Trump reduced personal income tax rates, leading to higher disposable income for many Americans, which in turn boosted consumer spending and overall economic growth before the pandemic struck. Trump’s belief is rooted in the notion that individuals, not the government, are the best stewards of their own money.
Corporate Taxes:
President Trump’s reduction of corporate taxes under the TCJA—from 35% to 21%—was designed to make American companies more competitive on the global stage. Here’s why:
Tax Costs Passed to Consumers: High corporate taxes increase costs for businesses, which are often passed down to consumers through higher prices. Reducing these taxes allows businesses to keep costs lower for consumers.
Reinvestment and Competitiveness: Lower corporate taxes allow businesses to reinvest more of their earnings into innovation, research, and expanding their workforce. As a result, companies become more efficient and globally competitive. For example, after the tax cuts, Apple announced that it would bring back billions of dollars in profits from overseas and invest in new U.S. facilities, contributing to job creation and economic growth.
Corporate Ownership by the Public: Since many Americans hold stock in corporations through retirement accounts or investments, reducing corporate taxes can increase the value of these stocks, benefiting a broad swath of the public, not just the corporations themselves. The stock market surged after the TCJA, demonstrating the connection between lower corporate taxes and overall economic prosperity.
Tariffs:
President Trump argued for fair trade policies rather than free trade at all costs. His administration imposed tariffs on countries like China to level the playing field. For years, other countries imposed tariffs on U.S. goods, making American products more expensive abroad and less competitive. By imposing reciprocal tariffs, Trump sought to force these countries into fairer trade deals. The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which replaced NAFTA, is one example of Trump’s efforts to create more favorable trade terms for American workers and industries. While controversial, the tariffs were used as leverage to bring countries like China to the negotiating table, resulting in the Phase One Trade Deal that included commitments for China to buy more American products.
Healthcare:
The Affordable Care Act (ACA), or “Obamacare,” aimed to provide affordable healthcare, but critics argue that it has resulted in higher premiums and reduced choices for many Americans. President Trump consistently pointed out the inefficiencies in the ACA, calling for market-based solutions to healthcare, including competition among insurance companies to drive down costs. While attempts to repeal and replace the ACA were not fully realized, Trump did eliminate the individual mandate, which forced people to buy insurance or face a penalty. His administration promoted short-term health plans and health savings accounts (HSAs) as alternatives to make healthcare more affordable and accessible.
Immigration:
Trump’s stance on immigration focused on enforcing the distinction between legal and illegal immigration. He advocated for the protection of U.S. borders, including building the border wall and enforcing existing immigration laws to prevent illegal entry. He argued that legal immigration is critical to America’s success, but unchecked illegal immigration strains public resources, impacts wages, and challenges the rule of law. His administration took a tough stance on sanctuary cities, arguing that they undermine federal immigration laws. On the contrary, Vice President Harris’s approach to immigration would legalize thousands of illegal immigrants without restrictions, a policy Trump saw as undermining national security and the rule of law.
Abortion:
President Trump consistently argued that the issue of abortion should be left to the states, rather than the federal government, a position consistent with his administration’s broader support for federalism. This view was reinforced with the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization in 2022 (after Trump’s presidency, but with his appointed justices), which overturned Roe v. Wade and returned the authority to regulate abortion to individual states. This allows local communities to decide the issue based on their values and beliefs.
Environment:
While President Trump acknowledged the importance of clean air and water, he argued that Democrats’ environmental policies—like the Green New Deal—were inefficient and costly without providing tangible results. Trump focused on energy independence through initiatives like expanding offshore drilling and approving the Keystone XL pipeline, which not only created jobs but also reduced reliance on foreign energy. His administration rolled back several environmental regulations to streamline energy production while still maintaining clean air and water standards. Trump’s emphasis was on balancing environmental stewardship with economic growth and energy efficiency.
Foreign Policy:
Trump’s approach to foreign policy was rooted in the idea of “America First.” He didn’t propose leaving NATO but argued that U.S. taxpayers were unfairly shouldering too much of the financial burden of the organization. He pushed for NATO members to increase their defense spending to meet the agreed 2% of GDP target, resulting in many countries stepping up their contributions. In contrast, Trump’s predecessors allowed these countries to fall short of their commitments. Trump’s foreign policy mantra was peace through strength, focusing on using economic leverage rather than military intervention. His administration applied sanctions on countries like Iran and Russia, and brokered peace deals in the Middle East, such as the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations, a diplomatic success that had long eluded previous administrations.
In summary, President Trump’s policies on taxes, trade, healthcare, immigration, abortion, the environment, and foreign affairs were grounded in a philosophy of reducing government interference, promoting personal and corporate responsibility, and strengthening the U.S. economy and national security. His administration worked to prioritize American interests while respecting states’ rights and empowering individuals and businesses to thrive.
Kamala Harris and Trump’s policies may be arguable, but one fact is true; Trump is a low-life narcissistic liar, with no regard for laws, traditions, and the constitution.
To argue that President Donald Trump is not a “low-life narcissistic liar” with no regard for laws, traditions, and the Constitution, one can focus on his actions that have upheld or sought to reinforce certain laws, traditions, and constitutional principles. Here are some key points and examples that illustrate his support for these institutions:
1. Commitment to the Constitution:
Judicial Appointments: President Trump prioritized appointing judges who interpret the Constitution strictly as written. His administration appointed three conservative Supreme Court justices—Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett—who adhere to originalist interpretations of the Constitution. These appointments have reshaped the judicial landscape for generations and are seen as a defense of constitutional principles such as the separation of powers.
Religious Freedom: Trump’s administration took numerous steps to protect religious liberties, such as reversing policies that forced religious organizations to provide contraception against their beliefs and championing religious freedom both domestically and internationally.
2. Support for Law Enforcement and Rule of Law:
Backing Law Enforcement: Trump consistently supported law enforcement agencies, arguing that maintaining law and order is essential for a stable society. This includes advocating for increased funding and resources for police and border enforcement agencies, as well as defending the role of police in society despite protests and criticisms from certain groups.
Tough on Crime Policies: His administration pushed for policies to curb illegal immigration, enforce federal drug laws, and combat human trafficking. His stance on enforcing existing immigration laws, for example, reflected his emphasis on upholding the rule of law.
3. Protection of National Sovereignty:
Strengthening Borders: Trump’s emphasis on building a border wall and reinforcing immigration laws were positioned as efforts to uphold the United States’ national sovereignty and the rule of law, as outlined in the Constitution. He argued that enforcing immigration laws was essential for preserving American jobs, traditions, and security.
America First Policy: His foreign policy centered around the idea of protecting American sovereignty and reducing the country’s entanglements in international agreements or organizations that could infringe upon national authority. This approach aimed to uphold the constitutional prerogative of putting American interests first in diplomacy.
4. Support for Constitutional Amendments:
Second Amendment: Trump consistently supported gun rights and the Second Amendment. He argued that the right to bear arms is a fundamental constitutional right that should not be infringed. His administration worked to roll back regulations that some saw as infringing on gun owners’ rights.
First Amendment: He frequently spoke out about protecting free speech, especially on college campuses, advocating against what he saw as the suppression of conservative voices. His administration attempted to safeguard freedom of speech by promoting policies that defended individuals’ rights to express themselves without fear of censorship.
5. Economic Traditions and Constitutional Balance:
Tax Cuts and Economic Deregulation: Trump’s administration enacted significant tax reform through the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which followed traditional conservative economic principles. His efforts to reduce federal regulations were based on the belief that the free market, within the bounds of the law, should drive economic growth, a reflection of long-standing American economic traditions.
Restoring Federalism: His administration sought to reduce federal overreach in certain areas, allowing states to regain more control over their own affairs. For example, Trump pushed for healthcare reforms that would give states more flexibility to manage Medicaid, reflecting a respect for the balance between state and federal powers outlined in the Constitution.
6. Foreign Policy and Upholding National Defense Traditions:
Rebuilding the Military: Trump’s focus on increasing military funding and modernizing the armed forces was consistent with the long-standing American tradition of maintaining a strong national defense. His administration passed defense budgets that prioritized modernizing equipment and addressing threats from adversaries.
Challenging Global Institutions: His administration questioned the status quo of U.S. involvement in international organizations like the United Nations and NATO. Trump’s approach, though controversial, was seen by supporters as an effort to realign international commitments with constitutional principles of national sovereignty.
In conclusion, while President Trump’s style and rhetoric may not align with traditional presidential decorum, many of his policy actions demonstrate a commitment to upholding laws, constitutional principles, and certain American traditions. His judicial appointments, defense of constitutional amendments, law enforcement support, and foreign policy initiatives can be viewed as efforts to reinforce the constitutional framework and the rule of law.
Hindustani’s mumbo-jumbo of phony examples do not stand a chance against the major violations of Presidential duties by Trump:
1. Commitment to the Constitution:
Trump incited violent insurrection on January 6, 2021. A treasonous act. Just this conduct disqualifies him from holding any office in the country.
2. Support for Law Enforcement and Rule of Law:
Denied the peaceful transfer of power. So violated the major principle of democracy. Dozens of his campaign staff and associates were convicted of criminal activities. Trump him self was impeached twice.
3. Protection of National Sovereignty:
Trusted Putin more than the U. S. military, and said so in public. Tried to bribe Ukraine government for personal benefit. Wrote love letter to head of our adversary North Korea.
Invited Russia to hack political opponent’s email.
4. Support for Constitutional Amendments:
Abused the Fifth Amendment repeatedly.
Abused the Executive Orders for personal agenda.
5. Economic Traditions and Constitutional Balance:
Used tax cuts for personal benefits, and benefits of friends and family.
Gave away trillions to corporations during Covid for no reason.
Put his entire family on the government payroll and made billions with quid-pro-quo arrangements.
Increased the fiscal deficit by trillions for benefit of his cronies.
6. Foreign Policy and Upholding National Defense Traditions:
Praised and loved enemies, while insulting military and generals.
Trump’s National Security Advisor called him a “moran” because of his conduct and unpatriotic activities.
Called patriotic prisoners of wars (POWs) coward.
Trump’s conduct as the president was appealing dozens of people who worked for him have endorsed Harris. No past Republican leaders attended his nomination convention. His potential future, if elected, staff and cabinet members are not experienced officials, they are his sycophants, only qualification.
Trump is a clear and present danger to the future of the good old The United States of America.
The entire nation saw on television screen on January 6, 2021 a few thousand angry people attacking the US Capitol by breaking windows, beating up the security and finally chasing the Congressmen and Vice President Mike Pence because Former President Trump did not accept the election results and he did not want to transfer the power to the winner. Mr. Trump blamed VP Pence for doing his constitutional duty of the peaceful transfer of power.
Senator J.D. Vance was asked by Governor Tim Walz at the Vice Presidential debate last night, if Mr. Trump accepts his loss in 2020. The nation watched Mr. Vance refusing to answer the question. He stated at the debate that Mr. Trump wanted the people to protest ‘peacefully’. It was obviously a lie.
While Mr. Trump was watching the January 6 insurrection in progress at his White House dining room on live television, an aide, in order to save Mr. Pence’s life, came running to Mr. Trump and reported that the hostile & angry mob was looking for Mr. Pence at the Capitol building. Instead of taking any action, Mr. Trump looked at the aide and replied – ‘so what?’. This evidence was presented to the Grand Jury for the insurrection case and has been unsealed by the Federal Judge in Washington this morning.
So, in conclusion and putting all these policy matters on the side, does the nation knowingly want to put someone like Mr. Trump into the Oval Office again who quite possibly would disregard the constitution and the established laws and will try to seek immunity protections for his actions as he has been doing now?
PLEASE REFRAIN FROM POSTING ADDITIONAL COMMENTS ON THIS ISSUE AS THERE’S ENOUGH DISCUSSION FROM BOTH SIDES OF AN AISLE ON RED & BLUE POLICIES. THANKS. EDITOR, VEGASDESI.COM
Dear Mr. Gokal,
Appreciate your comments. I want to respond to a few of your remarks:
Your notion that ‘your money is best used by you than the government’ is overly simplistic. Even the staunchest conservatives would not suggest that every individual is responsible for deciding on national defense, police, trash collection, infrastructures, pandemic, etc. That would be pretty chaotic. The democratic process provides for alternatives offered by the political parties and their leaders. People vote for their preferred party or nominee based on their individual preferences or comfort level.
Lowering the corporate taxes will automatically result in corporations investing more is also very simplistic. Corporations have invested when they found economic opportunities regardless of what the tax rates were. Thats how the corporations have grown and thrived. Much of the windfall from lower corporate taxes from 2017 tax cuts were used by the corporations for extra dividends, stock options and share buy backs resulting in rich getting even richer. Meanwhile the national debt has ballooned which all Americans, rich or poor, will have to pay for. A classic ‘trickle down’ economic policy that never worked.
I agree on tariffs in general. But the issue is ‘excessive’ tariff that Mr. Trump has proposed. The Chinese are not stupid. The higher cost for them in the way of higher tariffs will be passed on to the consumers – aka inflation. Mr. Trump tried to fool the Americans when he says that ‘the Chinese will pay for the higher tariff’. It is astonishing how a businessman like Mr. Trump with such a ridiculous belief.
Abortion is an individual decision just like how many children one should have. No State or Federal government should take over such decisions as you are suggesting.
Mr. Trump had a totally chaotic foreign policy that he communicated through his sudden or abrupt tweets. He alienated our allies with his erratic policies. All of his own National Security Advisors, Defense Secretaries, etc. denounced his policies and said that Mr. Trump is unfit for the White House. They were all Republicans.
Thank you.