Trump and Harris clash over economic policies in presidential debate
In the presidential debate, Trump and Harris confronted each other on economic policies, with Trump defending his past administration and Harris proposing targeted tax cuts for families and small businesses
by Silvia Martelli
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The economy, a central issue for voters in view of the 5 November elections, dominated last night's debate between Democratic candidate Kamala Harris and former Republican President Donald Trump. Both tried to convince the audience that they were the best choice to revive the country at a critical time.
Clash on tariffs, inflation and cost of living
Tariffs were one of the main topics of friction in the debate. Trump proposed imposing tariffs of up to 20% on imported goods, with the intention of protecting US industry and reducing the trade deficit. He also argued that such duties would fall mainly on exporting countries, minimising the impact on US consumers.
Harris called this proposal a 'hidden tax' that would directly burden the middle class, further increasing the cost of living in an already difficult environment marked by high inflation. To counter this policy, she presented her economic plan, which includes targeted tax cuts for families and small businesses, with the aim of stimulating economic growth and supporting lower incomes. The Democratic candidate emphasised the need for an approach that directly favours citizens and small businesses, rather than large conglomerates.
Trump, for his part, responded by pointing the finger at the current Biden-Harris administration for the high inflation rate, which he described as 'a disaster for the middle class'. While exaggerating the data on price increases, he tried to portray his presidency as a period of economic stability and low inflation, arguing that the current economic situation is the result of mismanagement by the current government.
Harris: "Trump only thinks of himself"
.Harris sought to present herself as the candidate of working families, in stark contrast to Trump, whom she described as focused solely on her own interests. 'Donald Trump does not have an agenda for you,' Harris declared, addressing voters directly. She promised to put ordinary people at the centre of her economic agenda, recalling her origins as a 'daughter of the middle class' and accusing Trump of being only interested in tax cuts for the rich and big business.
