A head of the 2024 US presidential elections, American voters have found themselves at a difficult crossroads. They are trying to find the future leader of the country who will be consistent with their hopes and expectations and listen to their concerns.

The 60th US presidential election will take place on November 5, 2024. The election campaign is taking place against the backdrop of skyrocketing real estate market inflation, healthcare system dissatisfaction, demands for social and racial justice, growing climate change concerns, reproductive rights conflicts, and inflation.

The opinion of young voters

G eneration Z[1] (ages 18-27) is the second-largest voting bloc in the US, after millennials[2] (ages 28-43, 72.7 million). In recent years, Gen Z has become a driving force in American civic life, exemplified by the organization of various demonstrations and movements.

According to the data of the Census Current Population Survey in 2022, 28.4% of young people aged 18-24 voted in the mid-term elections, which is significantly more than 23% of Millennials in 2006.

There are 40.8 million 18-27-year-olds eligible to vote in this presidential election, with 8.8 million Latino, 5.7 million black, 1.7 million Asian-American, and 1.8 million multiracial youth.

Many young voters want to see people in leadership positions who, apart from their professional qualities, are similar to them, recognize and understand their problems, and can speak about the values and concerns of their generation. The issue of engaging non-white youth is vital across the country. In the US South and West, the majority of the young population is non-white. So, since Gen Z could at least theoretically influence the outcome of an election, it would be useful to examine where the presidential candidates stand on issues of concern to the youth.

Conservation of reproduction rights

V ice President Harris has repeatedly voiced her support for reproductive rights. " We who believe in reproductive freedom will stop Donald Trump's extreme abortion bans—because we trust women to make decisions about their bodies," Harris said. Back in the Senate, Harris co-sponsored legislation prohibiting general state-level restrictions. It prohibits government-imposed restrictions on abortion services, including unnecessary medical procedures, limitations on providers, and requirements that hinder access to safe and timely abortions, while ensuring such measures do not impede women's health or abortion safety. At the same time, former President Trump, opposing the federal ban on abortion rights, is in favor of allowing each state to decide on its own whether to maintain/abolish abortion rights.

Fight against climate change

A ccording to a poll conducted by the Pew Research Center at the end of June, 2024, 63% of Americans support the goal of the U.S. taking steps to become carbon neutral by 2050.

The fight against climate change has always been one of the most important features of Harris' work, or at least an attempt has been made to present it that way. Harris has repeatedly spoken out as a supporter of green economies, the clean energy transition, and the fight against climate change. As attorney general, Harris sued Chevron, BP, ConocoPhillips, and Phillips 66 for environmental pollution, and launched an investigation into the world's largest oil company, Exxon Mobil, for spreading climate "misinformation."

The Biden administration has made significant progress in the field of environmental protection. The most comprehensive climate legislation was signed into law in 2022, investing hundreds of billions of dollars in clean energy, electric vehicles, a green economy and creating new jobs. The achievements also include a commitment to a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions until 2030, the fight against super-polluters and support for the transition to zero-emission vehicles.

At the same time Trump shows complete indifference and disinterest in solving problems in this area, skepticism towards environmental regulations. Trump has publicly expressed doubts about the scientific research behind climate change and opposes international agreements that require the United States to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

During his 4 years in office, Trump tried to dismantle more than 100 environmental laws and bills and tried to transform the Environmental Protection Agency, reducing its authority. Moreover in 2017 Trump announced that the US was withdrawing from the Paris Agreement, which was affecting the US economy. A second term is likely to be marked by continued battles against the Environmental Protection Agency and the rollback of major environmental bills.

Economic policy

A ccording to a recent Harvard CAPS-Harris Poll, 7 in 10 voters believe the US is on the wrong track economically, with nearly half saying their personal finances are getting worse.

Research shows that over the past three years, the potential for household savings has declined significantly, and the level of personal debt has reached an all-time high. At the time of Biden's inauguration, in January 2021 the inflation rate was about 1.4%, reaching a maximum of 9.1% in June in 2022, and to approximately 3.5% in March, 2024.

Harris singles out "supporting and strengthening the middle class" as one of his top priorities. Harris's vision of an "opportunity economy" focuses on grocery and prescription drug prices and the housing crisis.

In her first 100 days in office, she promises to help Congress pass a national ban on food "price gouging," provide financial support to first-time home buyers and increase the housing stock by three million in four years, provide $6,000 support to families in the first year of a newborn's life, and more. Harris supports the idea of affordable health insurance, lowering prescription drug prices, 12-week paid vacation legislation and raising the minimum wage, without mentioning a target amount.

All these promises sound pretty good, but many critics have a question։ “Why haven't all of these issues been addressed during Harris' three and a half years as vice president”? Harris answers that the economy is still recovering [from the severe impacts caused by COVID]. For some, this answer is quite sufficient, for others, it causes distrust in Harris's abilities.

At the same time, Trump's election campaign is not at all focused on thorough economic policy. Some references are made to plans to lower rates and corporate taxes and ban taxes on tips. In addition to promising to produce more oil, natural gas and coal, Republicans also claim to beat inflation and lower prices quickly.

However, economists warn that Trump's proposals, including the introduction of large tariffs and deportation plans, could lead to inflation, recession and higher costs for American households. While Trump claims his policies will reduce inflation, critics argue those may hurt the middle class even more. It is feared that a second Trump term could be even more extreme and economically damaging.

Migration

T he fight against illegal immigration is one of the topics where Democrats show their political vulnerability.

Harris has been accused of failing to crack down on illegal immigration, with the number of people crossing the border with Mexico reaching a record high during her tenure. Harris herself claims that she did everything possible to ensure border security within the framework of the Biden administration. They particularly focused on resolving the situation in the northern parts of Latin America, because it is those parts that have the greatest impact on the stability of the US southern border.

Harris supported a bipartisan border security bill. The bill provided significant funding for border security, focusing on upgrading technology, infrastructure and personnel. The bill placed severe restrictions on asylum seekers, making it difficult for them to legally enter the US.

Trump places great emphasis on combating illegal immigration. Building a wall along the US-Mexico border had become a key campaign promise in 2016. Under the "zero tolerance" policy, adults who cross the border illegally have been prosecuted, resulting in thousands of children being separated from their parents. Trump has sharply reduced the number of refugees allowed to resettle in the United States, which reached an all-time low. As in 2016, Trump is now promising mass deportations. In an interview with Time, the former president said he is targeting 15 to 20 million people who he says are “undocumented to continue living in the United States”.

The war in Gaza

H arris has repeatedly affirmed her unwavering support for Israel in the fight against terrorism, often citing the right of states to self-defense. Harris responds to questions about Gaza by focusing more on the elimination of the humanitarian crisis and supports the solution of the conflict based on the principle of "two states”. However, Harris is careful not to point out that Israel is responsible for the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

As for the former president, he insists that he will settle the issue quickly, without emphasizing how. Trump has been highly critical of Harris's stance on Israel, claiming that he "hates Israel" and that if Harris becomes president, “Israel will cease to exist within two years”. Skipping the details of his own position, Trump claims that a Harris presidency will lead to the destruction of Arab and Jewish populations in the region, implying the destabilization of the region.

The war in Ukraine

O n the issue of the Russian-Ukrainian war, Trump claims that he, as president, would end the war quickly because of his strong relationship with Zelensky and Putin, and that "the invasion would not have happened under his leadership."

Meanwhile, Harris echoed Biden's position, calling Moscow's policies and moves a "threat to the international order" and warning that a Russian victory could lead to attacks on NATO allies. Harris has avoided revealing directly how her policy will be taken in this direction.

Using social media as a way to attract young voters

T oday, the use of modern media tools in the political arena has become an important way for politicians to attract young voters. As traditional means of communication such as television interviews and public speaking become less influential with young people, politicians are turning to platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter). These platforms, which used to be mainly entertainment in nature, are now important for spreading political messages, promoting engagement.

Politicians use these tools to make themselves more accessible and listen to the concerns of younger generations. Instead of relying exclusively on lengthy policy discussions or debates, politicians often follow the latest trends, referencing pop culture. With the use of the wide range of opportunities and tools provided by social media, the line between the characters of media stars and politicians is gradually disappearing.

Harris' team has proven to be very adept at using social media tools. Harris' team often includes modern jokes, pop culture references, and lighthearted, behind-the-scenes videos that show Harris' personality in a more approachable and accessible way.

Recent public polls

B efore the debate between Harris and Trump, polls conducted by NBC among the youth show a rather interesting picture. To the question "Regardless of who you support, who do you think will win in 2024  presidential elections" 50% of respondents answered Kamala Harris, 41% Donald Trump. And to the question "If 2024 presidential elections were held today, who would you vote for?" 50% answered Kamala Harris, 34% Donald Trump.

Voters under 30 who did not vote in the 2020 presidential election because they were not yet eligible plan to vote for Harris (57%). Three-quarters of Biden's 2020 voters said they would support Harris, while 14% said they would vote for Trump this time. 73% of Trump 2020 voters said they plan to vote for him again, but 23% said they plan to vote for Harris in November.

After the debate Harris appeared to improve his approval ratings among all segments of the population.

A debate between the vice-presidential candidates also took place. It generally focused on the same claims that were made in the previous presidential debate. The debate was characterized by a rare display of civility, where the candidates avoided personal insults and focused on the issues at hand in the country, even expressing similar opinions on the urgency of solving problems in the real estate market and gun violence.

According to a post-debate poll conducted by CBS News and YouGov, Harris's teammate Walz's approval rating rose from 52% to 60% after the debate, while Vance's approval rating rose from 40% to 49%. Most debate watchers thought both candidates were well-prepared. In general, it can be said that the result of the debate is a draw. However, it should be noted that Waltz is more popular and trusted among young voters.

Conclusion

The interest and involvement of young people in this election is significantly different from previous generations, and their influence can be significant. Kamala Harris resonates strongly with many young voters for several reasons.

Harris' positions on social justice, climate change and immigration align with the progressive ideas of the majority of young voters. Harris often emphasizes the importance of addressing climate change, affordable education and student loan aid.

Harris's identity as a racial minority woman and her background as a child of immigrants reflect diversity and inclusion. Her representation in high political positions symbolizes a break with traditional political norms. Harris' alignment with the values promoted by young people, combined with the generation's growing political engagement, suggests that the youth vote could be a deciding factor in the 2024 election.

By Mariam Khurshudyan

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[1] A term used for people born between the mid-1990s and the early 2010s.

[2] A term used for people born between the early 1980s and the mid-1990s.