As we approach the upcoming debate between President Donald J. Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, the stage is set for what will likely be one of the most defining moments in the lead-up to the 2024 Presidential Election. This isn’t just a battle of rhetoric, charisma, or one-liners — this is about a clear, undeniable contrast in leadership, policy, and vision for the future of the United States.
On one side, we have President Donald J. Trump — bold, unapologetic, and clear in his convictions. His record on border security, national defense, foreign policy, and the economy speaks for itself. On the other, we have Kamala Harris, a vice president whose career has been defined by inconsistency, inaction, and a dangerous alignment with the disastrous policies of Joe Biden. Her political history and attachment to Biden’s failed administration will make it nearly impossible to defend herself credibly on the debate stage.
The stark differences in this matchup couldn’t come at a more critical time for our nation.
Perhaps the most crucial issue on the minds of Americans today is border security and immigration reform. Under the Harris-Biden administration, our southern border has become an unmitigated disaster. Illegal crossings have surged to historic levels, drugs and human trafficking have skyrocketed, and we are facing the worst border crisis in decades. Harris, who was put in charge of the border by Biden, failed to address this crisis and largely avoided the issue altogether. Her performance — or lack thereof — has become a national embarrassment. Instead of visiting the border and tackling the issue head-on, Harris spent more time delivering speeches that offered nothing but empty promises.
Compare that to President Trump’s track record on the border. During his presidency, Trump took a hardline stance on illegal immigration, building hundreds of miles of border wall, negotiating the "Remain in Mexico" policy, and working to secure funding to bolster our immigration enforcement agencies. President Trump prioritized the safety and security of the American people over appeasing the radical left’s calls for open borders. The result? Illegal immigration fell significantly, drug cartels were put on notice, and American communities became safer.
As Harris attempts to defend her disastrous handling of the border, Trump will stand firm as the leader who got results. He understands that without a secure border, we have no nation, and this will be a cornerstone of his argument as the debate unfolds.
National security is another area where Trump goes into this debate as the clear frontrunner. Under the Harris-Biden administration, the United States has become weaker globally. From the botched withdrawal from Afghanistan to the administration’s inability to counter threats from nations like Russia and Iran, our enemies no longer fear us, and our allies no longer trust us.
During her time in the Senate, Vice President Harris consistently voted against increasing military funding and efforts to modernize our defense capabilities. Her record is clear: she has repeatedly aligned herself with policies that would weaken America’s national security posture. This contrasts with President Trump, who rebuilt the U.S. military, invested in new defense technologies, and successfully implemented a “Peace Through Strength” foreign policy doctrine that kept adversaries like North Korea, Iran, and Russia in check.
When President Trump was in office, ISIS was decimated, and America’s military was stronger than it had been in years. President Trump understands that the world is dangerous and that strength — not appeasement — is the key to keeping America safe. Harris, by contrast, will have to explain her administration’s endless blunders and lack of a coherent strategy. This is another debate topic where Harris will play defense while President Trump will be on offense.
Regarding foreign policy, President Donald Trump has a simple yet powerful vision: America First. It prioritizes American workers' interests, sovereignty, and strength on the world stage. President Trump withdrew the U.S. from disastrous international agreements like the Paris Climate Accord, demanded NATO allies pay their fair share, and renegotiated trade deals to benefit American workers and businesses.
On the other hand, the Harris-Biden administration has pursued a globalist agenda that puts America last. Kamala Harris has been tied to policies that undermine American interests, from rejoining the Paris Climate Accord to begging foreign nations for energy supplies. Harris’ voting record in the Senate also speaks volumes — she supported globalist trade deals that hurt American manufacturing and was a vocal supporter of Biden’s policy to rejoin the disastrous Iran nuclear deal. America’s position in the world has been compromised under Harris, and if she is elected president, it will continue to be weakened.
President Trump will emphasize his commitment to restoring America’s strength abroad during the debate. He knows that a strong America means peace, prosperity, and security for all citizens. On the other hand, Harris will struggle to explain how aligning herself with Biden’s failures in foreign policy serves the American people.
Finally, let’s address the economy — arguably one of the most critical issues for voters heading into 2024. Under President Donald Trump’s leadership, the U.S. economy was thriving. Unemployment hit record lows, wages were rising, and America was once again the most competitive economy in the world. President Trump’s tax cuts, deregulation efforts, and pro-business policies unleashed an era of prosperity that benefited all Americans, regardless of race, gender, or income level.
Contrast that with the economic disaster overseen by Kamala Harris and Joe Biden. Inflation is through the roof, real wages have fallen, and millions of Americans struggle to make ends meet. Gas prices have remained high, energy costs have skyrocketed, and living costs continue to rise. Harris’ record on economic issues isn’t just tied to the failures of the Harris-Biden administration — her voting record in the Senate reveals a deep commitment to policies that would further devastate the American economy. From supporting higher taxes to pushing for the Green New Deal, Harris has aligned herself with a far-left economic agenda that would spell disaster for American workers and families.
As President Trump and Kamala Harris take the debate stage, their contrast regarding economic policy will be unmistakable. President Trump has a proven track record of economic success. Kamala Harris? She’s tied to an administration that has driven the economy into the ground.
In this debate, the American people won’t just see two candidates on stage — they will see two visions for the future of our country. President Donald Trump represents strength, leadership, and a commitment to the America First agenda that delivered tangible results during his presidency. Kamala Harris, meanwhile, represents the failures of the Harris-Biden administration and a weak, ineffective approach to leadership that has left America vulnerable at home and abroad.
The contrast couldn’t be more stark. President Trump will enter the debate as the clear frontrunner on the key issues that matter to the American people: border security, national defense, foreign policy, and the economy. Kamala Harris will be left to defend an administration that has failed to deliver on these fronts.
The choice for America is clear: we need strong, principled leadership to restore our country’s greatness, and that leader is President Donald J. Trump.
Rob Burgess is a national Republican strategist and Chief Executive Officer at Connector, a boutique government relations and political affairs firm with offices in Washington, D.C., and Dallas, Texas.