WASHINGTON: Voting is underway in a historic and high-stakes US presidential election, where the choice between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump will define the nation’s trajectory for years to come.
With over 82 million early ballots already cast in early preceding weeks, Americans face a stark decision: elect Harris as the first female president in US history or witness Trump’s dramatic return to the White House.
Whoever wins the election – Trump or Vice President Kamala Harris – will inherit the legacy of a Biden administration. Nearly two-thirds of voters feel the country has been heading in the wrong direction under President Joe Biden, despite signs of economic recovery. While job growth and rising wages have bolstered the economy, many Americans argue these gains are negated by soaring costs for essentials like groceries and housing.
Biden’s promises on immigration reform, abortion rights, and foreign policy have been shaping the election.
Immigration
Biden’s presidency began with promises to reverse Donald Trump’s restrictive immigration policies, including halting the border wall construction and ending bans on majority-Muslim countries. However, illegal border crossings surged, especially among unaccompanied children from Central America, overwhelming US border facilities.
In response, Biden supported bipartisan efforts to tighten border security but also faced criticism for not curbing illegal immigration. Despite these challenges, Biden expanded legal pathways for migrants and restored the US refugee program, admitting over 100,000 refugees in fiscal year 2024.
Abortion Rights
The most significant change in abortion access during Biden’s term came not from his administration, but from the Supreme Court. In June 2022, the conservative-leaning Court overturned Roe v. Wade, eliminating the federal right to abortion and leaving the issue to states.
Biden condemned the ruling, pushing for federal protections and access to emergency abortion care.
Despite his support for abortion rights, the administration has struggled to address the legal and logistical impacts of the Court’s decision, though it won a key victory in protecting the abortion pill, mifepristone.
Economy
While Biden oversaw one of the strongest economic recoveries in recent history, many Americans remain dissatisfied. Since 2021, the US added nearly 16.5 million jobs, and the economy has grown robustly. Yet inflation, peaking at 9.1% in 2022, erased many of the gains, leaving Americans feeling the sting of high prices. Surveys consistently show a disconnect between economic indicators and public sentiment, with many voters blaming Biden for the cost-of-living crisis.
Racial Justice
Biden has taken steps to address racial injustice, including signing executive orders to combat police brutality and poverty. However, progress has been slow, and his efforts to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act have stalled in Congress.
On the economic front, Biden has directed significant investments to Black communities, reducing Black unemployment and supporting Black-owned businesses. Despite these efforts, systemic issues of racial inequality persist.
Foreign Policy
Biden entered office promising to restore US global leadership, but his foreign policy has been overshadowed by global conflicts. While he successfully rallied international support against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, other international challenges, such as the Gaza conflict and tensions with China, have tested his administration.
Biden’s staunch support for Israel amid the Gaza conflict has created divisions within his own party.
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Energy and Climate Change
Biden has championed ambitious climate goals, securing major legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act and the bipartisan infrastructure law.
These laws have spurred investments in renewable energy and green jobs. However, efforts to curb fossil fuel production have faced setbacks, and US oil and gas output has surged, making the US the world’s top petroleum producer.
As the election approaches, the legacy of Biden’s presidency – marked by successes in economic recovery and climate policy, alongside challenges in immigration, abortion rights, and foreign policy – will be a key factor in determining the future direction of the United States.
