Following last night’s debate, Vice President Kamala Harris has presented her vision for the future of the United States, focusing on several key domestic and international issues. Her policy platform includes initiatives to support young working families and small businesses, reform healthcare, and embrace strong foreign alliances.

Supporting families with a $6,000 tax cut
Harris kicked off the debate by talking about economic policy, starting with the proposal of a $6,000 tax cut for young families, designed to ease the financial burden on those raising children, with the rising costs of childcare, healthcare and education.

Boosting small businesses with a $50,000 tax deduction
Harris then announced the proposal of a $50,000 tax deduction for startups, aimed at making it easier for startups to launch and grow. She claimed small businesses are the ‘backbone of American society’.

Down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers
To help young families and first-time buyers achieve homeownership, she proposes a $25,000 down payment assistance program. This initiative is intended to make it easier for Americans to get on the property ladder in a market where the price of housing has become increasingly unaffordable for many middle-class families.

Restoring the Protections of Roe v. Wade
When the topic of abortion arose, Harris reiterated her commitment to women’s reproductive rights. She stated that “when Congress passes a bill to put back in place the protections of Roe v. Wade, as president of the United States, I will proudly sign it into law.” This declaration underscored her stance as a strong advocate for women’s autonomy over their own bodies, in contrast to the recent rollbacks in reproductive
rights across the country.

Enhancing border security
One of the biggest issues in this election is the border, Kamala Harris quickly highlighted that she supported a bill that would add 1,500 more border agents at the southern American border which she said would ‘stem the flow of fentanyl coming into the United States.’

Support for fracking in Pennsylvania
On the issue of energy, Harris expressed her support for fracking in Pennsylvania, a shift from her previous stance. She stated she recognizes that ‘we cannot over rely on foreign oil’. While Harris previously expressed concerns over the environmental impacts of fracking, her shift reflects the growing importance of energy independence and job creation in the key state of Pennsylvania.

Foreign policy
In international affairs, Harris highlighted her commitment to a two-state solution as the most viable resolution to the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, while still defending the right for Israel to defend itself.
Harris also took a firm stance on the importance of NATO, pledging to support the US’s alliance with its European partners and reiterating its importance for maintaining global stability and defending democracy. In response to the continuing Russian aggression in Ukraine, the Vice-President expressed continued support for Ukraine, emphasizing the need for U.S. support, while warning that otherwise Putin would be ‘sitting in Kyiv with his eyes on the rest of Europe … starting with Poland’.

Expanding and protecting the Affordable Care Act
Harris reaffirmed her commitment to protecting and expanding the Affordable Care Act also known as Obamacare. She also mentioned that she, as Vice-President already expanded the act by ‘capping the cost of insulin at $35’ and ‘the cost of prescription medication for seniors at $2,000 a year’.

Overall, Harris demonstrated a firm grasp of both domestic and foreign issues, balancing economic reforms with a strong defense of international alliances. Her platform presented a mix of progressive values and policy shifts are aimed at addressing the needs of American families while positioning the United States as a leader on the global stage. By presenting these proposals on tax cuts, healthcare and foreign policy, Harris seems to be appealing to a broader electorate to solidify her position as a contender in the tight presidential race. The debate highlighted her ability to articulate a vision for the future of America, potentially swaying undecided voters.