Lilyana Vasquez
Staff Writer
As a young Hispanic-American woman born and raised in the United States, my family’s story of immigration reflects both the challenges and the promise of this country. This is why having a president who genuinely cares about my future is not just important, but essential.
After watching the presidential debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris I can say that Harris is the better option for this country. From economic fairness to reproductive freedom, she emerged as the candidate focused on building a better country for all, while Trump’s rhetoric reinforced a backward vision riddled with misinformation and divisiveness.
The debate was held on Sept. 10 at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. As the debate unfolded, it became clear that issues surrounding social policies and individual rights, will play a pivotal role in shaping voter decisions.
Trump’s stance on abortion, particularly his claim that most Republicans support exceptions for rape, incest and the life of the mother, raises significant doubts about how such exceptions would be implemented under his leadership. While Trump asserted that “85% of Republicans believe in exceptions to the rule,” this figure is ambiguous and seems designed to placate the majority of Americans who support reproductive rights in these cases.
Harris’ position emphasizes that “a true leader does not strip people of their rights but ensures their protection.” Her stance on reproductive rights reflects her broader approach to leadership, one rooted in protecting individual freedoms and addressing critical issues head-on.
This philosophy extends to environmental policy, where Harris’ focus on climate change sharply contrasts with Trump’s perspective. He downplayed the urgency of climate change, stating that “we have more pressing issues than this climate agenda.” This climate skepticism, rooted in a prioritization of short-term economic concerns, fails to account for the long-term consequences of inaction. By ignoring this, Trump risks alienating not just progressive voters but also moderates and independents who see climate change as a critical challenge.
On the other hand, Harris’ proposed climate policy represents a forward-thinking vision of leadership that recognizes the interconnectedness of environmental health and economic prosperity.
“This is not just about polar bears; this is about our children’s future,” Harris said. “It’s about ensuring clean air and water and a livable planet. Ignoring this crisis is not leadership.”
One of the most concerning aspects of Trump’s rhetoric was on race, particularly his comments about immigrants and crime. Trump suggested that migrants are taking jobs “occupied by African Americans and Hispanics” and contributing to crime. This framing not only perpetuates harmful stereotypes but also ignores data showing that immigrants are less likely to commit crimes than native-born Americans.
Research from Stanford University indicates that immigrants have been 60% less likely to be incarcerated than native-born Americans since the 1960s. Additionally, the Cato Institute, a Libertarian think tank, found that undocumented immigrants in Texas are 37% less likely to be convicted of a crime.
Trump’s repeated emphasis on crime also comes across as hypocritical, considering he is dealing with his own legal troubles. He is currently being prosecuted for national security crimes, economic crimes, election interference and being found liable for sexual assault, which further undermines his credibility as a leader.
Harris countered Trump’s stance by emphasizing unity and respect for all communities, particularly people of color, who have been disproportionately impacted by Trump’s policies and rhetoric.
“The true measure of a leader is in lifting people up, not beating them down,” Harris said.
Trump also made note of his previous economic success, including a low unemployment rate and an incrase in GDP.
“I had no inflation, virtually no inflation,” Trump said. “[The Biden administration] had the highest inflation.”
Despite this, the unemployment rate has actually decreased since Joe Biden took office. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), when Biden began his presidency in January 2021, the unemployment rate was around 6.3%. As of March 2024, the unemployment rate has since fallen to approximately 3.8%.
This debate highlighted a stark contrast between Harris and Trump, particularly on issues critical to the future of our country. Harris demonstrated her commitment to safeguarding individual rights and addressing pressing issues like climate change, while Trump dismissed them as a secondary concern.
This is a call to action for all voters: choose leadership that embodies strength, compassion and a commitment to progress. Your vote is your voice– make it count.
