Paw Print Writer: P. Kaibah Robinson
As university students, we are often encouraged to take a more active role in shaping the future of our country. One of the most impactful ways to do this is by voting. With the 2024 presidential election approaching, debates between candidates like Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are at the center of national attention. These debates give us insight into their policies, leadership styles, and plans for the future of the United States. But beyond the headlines and heated exchanges, there is a much larger message for all of us: the importance of voting.
The Debate: A Look at the Candidates
In this particular debate, we saw Kamala Harris, the current Vice President, and Donald Trump, the former President, face off in what has been a highly anticipated moment in this election cycle. Both candidates hold powerful positions and have strong bases of support. Kamala Harris, known for her work on criminal justice reform, climate change, and healthcare, represents the Democratic Party. She brings a vision of continuing the policies of the Biden administration while also promising to address new challenges.
On the other hand, Donald Trump, representing the Republican Party, aims to make a comeback after losing the 2020 election. His platform largely focuses on economic growth, reducing government regulations, and advocating for strong immigration policies. Throughout the debate, Trump highlighted his experience as President, emphasizing his ability to lead the nation back to what he considers prosperity and strength.
Key Issues Discussed
During the debate, both Harris and Trump addressed critical issues that impact all Americans, especially young voters. Climate change, student debt, healthcare, and jobs were topics of intense discussion. Harris pushed for stronger climate policies, emphasizing the need to combat global warming and invest in renewable energy. Trump, on the other hand, called for more energy independence and suggested that the economic benefits of traditional energy sources, like oil and coal, should not be ignored.
Another major issue was healthcare. Harris emphasized the need to protect and expand access to affordable healthcare, supporting measures like the Affordable Care Act (also known as "Obamacare"). Trump criticized these policies, arguing that they lead to higher taxes and less efficiency. He proposed reforms that would reduce government involvement in healthcare, allowing the private sector to take a larger role.
As university students, many of us are concerned about the burden of student debt. Harris addressed this directly, advocating for debt relief and increased funding for education. Trump countered with his belief that the government should not forgive student loans on a large scale but should instead focus on creating more job opportunities so graduates can pay off their debt.
Why Your Vote Matters
Now, as important as the issues discussed in the debate are, there’s an even bigger takeaway for university students: our vote matters. Many young people feel disconnected from politics or believe that their vote won’t make a difference. But the truth is, it does.
The 2020 election saw record voter turnout, especially among younger generations. This demonstrated the power of youth voices in shaping the outcome of national elections. When we vote, we are not only selecting a leader, but we are also making decisions about the future
direction of our country. Whether it’s climate change, healthcare, or education, the leaders we elect will be the ones making decisions that affect our lives for years to come.
By voting, we hold our leaders accountable. Politicians, whether they are running for President or a local office, need to know that we are paying attention and that we expect them to act in our best interest. If we don't vote, we give up our say in how our country is run and let others decide the issues that matter most to us.
Getting Involved
If the debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump showed us anything, it’s that the future of the country is up for debate, literally. We, as university students, have a unique opportunity to get involved and make a difference. Voting is one of the easiest yet most powerful ways to do this. The first step is to make sure you're registered to vote in your state, which is something that can often be done online. After that, it’s all about staying informed, understanding where each candidate stands on the issues, and making sure your voice is heard at the ballot box.
The Power of Your Vote
In conclusion, the debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump highlighted the stark differences in their visions for America. As university students, we have the power to shape which vision becomes reality. Voting isn’t just about picking a leader; it’s about standing up for the issues we care about. So, as we approach the next election, take the time to educate yourself, listen to the debates, and most importantly, vote. Your future depends on it.
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