EDITOR'S CORNER: USA Elections

Last post, we took a closer look at the state of women’s rights in the U.S. and how they’ve been rolled back under Republican leadership. This week, let’s dive into why this upcoming election matters so much—not just for America but for the rest of the world, too.

We’ll go over why your vote counts, break down what each candidate is bringing to the table, and explore what could happen if they win. This election isn’t just about policies; it’s about the kind of future we want to have, both in America and the rest of the world. 

 

 WHY DOES YOUR VOTE MATTER? 

Growing up in Australia, voting wasn’t a choice—it was mandatory! In America, however, voting is optional, and this means that many people who could make a difference decide to stay home. This can happen for lots of reasons: bad weather, lack of ID, dissatisfaction with the candidates, or unexpected emergencies, to name a few.

But I want to emphasize that if you’re eligible to vote, you absolutely should. Voting is one of the clearest ways to have your voice heard and make a difference. In a democracy, we’re privileged to choose our leaders and trust that our votes are counted fairly. I know some people feel like voting doesn’t matter, especially in this election, but every vote truly does count.

There’s been a lot of rhetoric lately—especially from Trump supporters—claiming the vote is "rigged." This simply isn’t true. The election process in the U.S. is designed to be fair and transparent, with strict measures to ensure accuracy. On top of this, some are spreading misinformation about illegal immigrants voting, especially suggesting they’re voting for Kamala Harris. Let’s set the record straight: non-citizens cannot legally vote in U.S. elections, and this conspiracy is unfounded. 

So, if you can vote, take that power seriously. Voting is a chance to shape our future, and your voice deserves to be heard.

THE CANDIDATES

The U.S. election features several candidates, but the three primary contenders are Kamala Harris for the Democratic Party, Donald Trump for the Republicans, and Jill Stein for the Greens. For international readers less familiar with the race, Jill Stein may be an unknown name due to her lower polling numbers compared to Harris and Trump. However, Stein has a dedicated following, especially among voters who are disillusioned with the two major parties and seek an alternative. She's not really publicized in the media, not like Trump or Harris, however her voting base will determine if Trump or Harris will win.

Kamala Harris, currently the Vice President under Joe Biden's administration, has faced her share of criticism over the years. Common critiques label her as “boring,” “incompetent,” or “invisible.” However, much of this critique oversimplifies the complex balance Harris must maintain between her policy priorities and the broader Biden agenda. She promises to implement substantial changes if elected, focusing on economic improvements, immigration reform, and measures to tackle price gouging. Harris’s platform includes tax cuts, financial support for young families looking to buy a first home or start a family, and strengthening America’s relationships with international partners.

Donald Trump, by contrast, is campaigning with a very different vision. After serving as president from 2016 to 2020, his administration left a mix of achievements and controversies. While Trump speaks frequently about mass deportations and tax cuts, he has yet to outline clear plans for these policies. His call for tariffs on imported goods has raised concerns among economists, who warn that such measures could harm the economy. His campaign’s central themes—"Make America Great Again" and strict immigration policies—rely on straightforward, populist messaging that resonates with a segment of the electorate but has also sparked significant division. Trump remains a vocal proponent of gun ownership, even amid a national gun violence crisis, and often uses public appearances to attack opponents personally rather than addressing policy differences.

Trump has made frequent personal attacks on Harris, describing her in CBS interview as "She’s not a smart person. She’s a low IQ individual." And even suggesting she should face jail time. He has publicly vowed to pursue legal action against his political opponents, starting with the Biden administration, if he wins the presidency.

Kamala Harris (Photo Credit: White House)

 

WHY IS TRUMP SO DANGEROUS? 

Before diving into this section, let’s address why we’re not targeting Kamala Harris in the same way as Trump. Harris is a seasoned politician who grasps the nuances of her role and the limitations of her power. She knows when to push for her vision and when to work within established boundaries, showcasing her adaptability and diplomatic awareness. While there’s room for improvement in some areas, Harris remains a capable candidate who understands the complexities of international relations. She is well-versed in the delicate balancing act required on the global stage and demonstrates a steady, thoughtful approach that emphasizes collaboration, respect, and strategic diplomacy.

Trump, however, operates in stark contrast, often likened to a “bull in a china shop.” His leadership style is characterized by unpredictability and self-interest, prioritizing his own benefits and those of his inner circle. This approach is risky: it suggests a willingness to barter with authoritarian figures for personal gain or prestige. When Trump discusses Ukraine, for instance, he doesn’t emphasize peace-building but instead hints at a transactional approach that could leave Ukraine’s people and sovereignty at the mercy of Russian President Vladimir Putin in exchange for a “deal” that benefits his agenda. To Trump, Ukraine’s struggles might feel distant and therefore disposable since, to him, “Ukraine is in Europe, not America.”

In the Middle East, Trump’s historical support for Israel has often seemed conditional, guided primarily by his political interests at the time. While he currently aligns with Israel, he has shown a willingness to shift if it benefits him; it’s possible he could consider bargaining with Iran if it served his agenda—even though his administration previously took a hardline approach with targeted strikes against Iranian interests. For Trump, foreign policy often centers around what benefits him in the short term, rather than promoting long-term stability in the region.

For those interested in supporting Palestine and who may consider voting for Trump over Kamala Harris due to her support for Israel, it's important to take a closer look at Trump's position. He has shown strong support for Israel in its fight against Hamas, even telling Prime Minister Netanyahu to do "whatever they need to do." Harris, in contrast, holds a more nuanced position on Palestine, actively working to ease Palestinian suffering and offering a softer approach on issues affecting Palestinian civilians than Trump.

As for China, Trump’s approach largely hinges on President Xi Jinping’s decisions regarding Taiwan. Recognizing Taiwan’s crucial role in the semiconductor industry, Republicans have acknowledged the need to protect Taiwan for the sake of the U.S. economy, given the island’s critical contribution to global electronics manufacturing. However, Trump’s approach to China’s threats toward Taiwan remains uncertain, likely to fluctuate depending on how it benefits him domestically. He has also ranted in the past that Taiwan needs to pay tariffs and the chip industry should go back to USA. So, there is also a hint that he would abandon Taiwan if it suits him.

Under a Trump administration, Europe risks being sidelined, straining transatlantic relations despite the European Union and NATO’s desire to strengthen their ties with the United States. Europe sees its partnership with America as essential for global stability and economic prosperity, yet Trump’s insular focus on U.S. domestic issues could fracture this relationship. His narrow view fails to account for the U.S.’s global influence and the potential repercussions of turning inward.

Trump’s prioritization of America’s internal affairs, while superficially appealing to isolationists, ignores the reality of the U.S.’s intertwined role in global stability. A self-centered America risks weakening the current world order, paving the way for authoritarian leaders like Xi Jinping and Putin to expand their influence. In such a scenario, Trump may enjoy his “America First” reign, but it comes at the cost of eroding the international alliances that protect American interests in the long run. Those tempted by isolationist rhetoric should remember that even in World War II, the U.S. couldn’t remain detached indefinitely and had to intervene to restore global balance.

In today’s interconnected world, true isolation is no longer feasible for a powerhouse like the U.S. If a minor, insular nation like North Korea can’t afford to ignore international relations, it’s certainly impossible for America. A globalized world demands engagement, especially from nations as influential as the U.S.

Donald Trump (Photo Credit: The White House)

CONCLUSION

I wanted to share my thoughts before things really kick into gear for the election, and I am conscious that people have started to vote already and this is why it's important to have a voice at this time. If you’re an American citizen, you should absolutely vote for the candidate you believe in. Just remember that the wrong leader at this moment could be a recipe for disaster, not only for America but possibly for the world. The stakes are high enough that we could be looking at a future that includes the risk of serious global conflict—even the beginnings of a World War III scenario.

Kamala Harris isn’t perfect, but she brings a level of experience and stability that’s vital right now. She knows how to walk the fine line of standing her ground on what she believes in while still working within the realities of today’s world. Her focus is on strengthening America’s economy, supporting families, and maintaining steady relationships with allies. Harris gets that in today’s global landscape, America can’t just isolate itself; we need partnerships and respect on the world stage. 

Trump, on the other hand, tends to act more like a lone wolf, often putting personal interests over the bigger picture. He’s shown time and again that he’s willing to make risky deals with dictators if it benefits him, which could end up putting us in serious trouble. His “America First” attitude might sound appealing to some, but the reality is it could leave the U.S. isolated, while countries like China and Russia gain power unchecked. Trump’s approach doesn’t just ignore the impact of America’s actions on the world—it risks pushing away allies and destabilizing global peace.

If I had a vote, I’d go with Harris all the way. She might not be perfect, but she brings a sense of responsibility and a vision that looks beyond just the next big headline. Voting for someone like her isn’t just about who sits in the Oval Office next; it’s about setting up a stable future for America and keeping things steady in a world that’s more connected than ever. So, think it over, make sure your voice is heard, and let’s hope for a future we can all feel good about.