In the final weeks of a fiercely competitive election, presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are blurring traditional party lines to expand their coalition. Both candidates are taking stances that were once considered anathema to their bases, in an effort to appeal to disaffected voters.
Former Democratic congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, who is now a top Trump ally, pointed out that many issues drawing people to support Trump were once core Democratic Party concerns. Former Republican congresswoman Barbara Comstock, who is now backing Harris, expressed feeling more aligned with Democrats this year due to Harris’ policy positions on child care tax credits, immigration, and foreign policy.
Harris has been actively reaching out to Republicans through events on various issues, featuring Republican officials, and securing support from Republican voters against Trump. She has also adopted a more muscular foreign policy stance and expressed willingness to include a Republican in her Cabinet if elected.
Despite these shifts in policy positions, both candidates still largely align with their party’s traditions. Trump opposes abortion rights, supports deportation, prioritizes the fossil fuel industry, and opposes gun restrictions. Harris, on the other hand, supports abortion rights, gun control measures, and liberal policies on healthcare and immigration.
Overall, the election is shaping up to be a battle for the support of independent and undecided voters as both candidates try to broaden their appeal beyond traditional party lines. Supporters of both candidates are optimistic that their policy platforms offer something for persuadable voters to consider, ultimately hoping to secure victory on Election Day.
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