Kamala Harris and vice presidential candidate Tim Walz are gaining steam, as Donald Trump spouts glaring lies and rebukes. Harris, 60 years young, speaks articulately, expressing optimism from 34 years as prosecutor, senator and vice president.
Trump, 78, expects America to return him to the White House with a skeletal plan to improve a growing economy and no plan for world peace.
Harris will bolster small business, increase home ownership, and ensure people’s access to health and reproductive choice. Trump shares no vision for the environment, minimum wage or national pride. Trump’s tariffs of 60% on China and 10% to 20% on other countries would be a large national tax. The Peterson Institute for Economics claims inflation would go sharply higher again; others say a family will pay $1,700 to $2,500 more.
Biden’s administration achieved 4.1% unemployment and 2.4% inflation. Trump inherited President Barack Obama’s economy of 1.4% inflation and 224,000 monthly job growth. Trump accounted for 34,000 less until the pandemic; later the economy rebounded to 15.8 million new jobs by last month. Trump and Biden both contributed $5 trillion in stimulus checks during COVID — spurring inflation.
A president can’t lower prices. Corporations set what the market bears. A dozen eggs is now $3 nationally, down from $4.82 in early 2023. The avian flu killed almost a quarter of hens, driving up eggs’ cost. A gallon of milk locally is holding steady under $3.59 national average. Harris backs a $15 hour minimum wage necessary to support workers. Last year Walmart increased starting hourly pay to $14 to get $19.
Children need clean air, safe water and school safety. Harris supports environmental protections and the Paris Climate Agreement. She will surpass President Joe Biden’s top 10 orders to limit carbon emissions. Electric cars and home equipment are vital. We already have energy independence: The U.S. produces more crude oil than any country — 13.3 million barrels daily last December.
Obama, former President Bill Clinton and Liz Cheney endorse Harris. No reputable Republican praises Trump. Harris and Walz have the compassion and energy to keep America on track.
We need integrity and honesty. Going back to chaos and rebukes is idiotic. Vote smart!
John Jeselnick, Eldred
