The 2024 Election is heating up as both Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump make their pitches to Latino voters. Harris plans to highlight her agenda during an interview with Telemundo, focusing on creating more opportunities for Latino men through apprenticeships, removing college degree requirements for certain jobs, and providing forgivable loans to small businesses. On the other hand, Trump is holding a roundtable with Latinos in Miami, where he will tout his economic record and promise to bring prosperity back to America.
Both campaigns see Latino men as a crucial demographic that could swing the election in states like Pennsylvania, Arizona, and Nevada. Harris’ team believes their policies resonate with Latino men, offering opportunities for success and achieving the American dream. On the other hand, Trump is banking on his economic record, claiming that he delivered increased employment, wages, and home ownership for Latinos during his time in office. The question remains whether memories of Trump’s presidency or Harris’ policy proposals will energize Latino voters.
In the 2020 election, 63% of Latino voters supported Joe Biden, according to AP VoteCast. This year’s election is focusing on issues like the economy, immigration, abortion rights, and democracy. Both campaigns are targeting a diverse electorate in the closing weeks of the campaign. Harris has also targeted Black men and younger women with her policy proposals, while Trump has made appeals to younger men through podcasts and Univision appearances.
Trump has painted a rosy picture of his economic record, citing the strong economy during his term and promising to tackle inflation. However, his description typically excludes the impact of the pandemic-induced recession in 2020. While the current inflation rate is relatively stable, frustration remains among voters, particularly with the steep increase in prices of essential goods in mid-2022. Trump has proposed increased oil production and a combination of tariff hikes and tax cuts to address inflation, while Harris’ team has released a detailed policy guide.
The Harris campaign is focusing on policy specifics to attract Latino men, citing the need for access to apprenticeships and capital to start businesses. The campaign’s research shows that Latino men express a desire for stable careers and better financing options for entrepreneurship. Harris’ running mate and husband are also making appearances on Spanish-language radio shows to reach Latino audiences. Trump, on the other hand, is banking on his business background to appeal to Latino entrepreneurs, despite his controversial stance on immigration.
As the 2024 Election approaches, both candidates are ramping up their efforts to win over Latino voters. Harris is emphasizing policy proposals aimed at creating opportunities for Latino men, while Trump is touting his economic record and promising to bring prosperity back to America. The Latino vote could be crucial in deciding the outcome of the election in key swing states, making it a pivotal demographic for both campaigns to target in the final weeks of the race.
