The College Reporter strives for editorial independence, and the views expressed in this piece are those of the author alone.

In today’s political climate, it’s easy to become entrenched in our own beliefs, convinced that the “other side” is not just wrong, but downright hateful or ignorant. We’ve all seen it—heated arguments, friendships fractured, and families divided over political opinions. 

But what if, instead of assuming the worst about those who disagree with us, we took a step back to understand why they feel the way they do? A person’s vote is typically a reflection of the change they want to see in their country; it’s not a way for them to anger the other side of the political spectrum.

I’m not conservative or liberal, Republican or Democrat. And I wasn’t 100% pro-Harris or 100% pro-Trump. Rather, I’m an American who has grown tired of watching the hate and division fester between people who are more alike than they realize. People would be shocked by how little it takes for them to become the very thing they demonize. Too often, political affiliation becomes an easy excuse to reduce someone to a label rather than engaging with their actual concerns or values. True dialogue and change can only happen when we listen to understand — not just to respond or assume.

When Kamala Harris became the Democratic candidate, she was the obvious moral choice for many. I wasn’t the biggest fan of Harris, and I also struggled to understand why so many people would support Trump — my perception of him was shaped by the only portrayal I had of him: a racist, a criminal, and an unqualified figure.

I may not like Trump as a person, and I certainly don’t agree with all of his policies, but reducing all of his supporters to caricatures of bigotry is unfair. Yes, I’m sure there are Trump supporters who are racist, sexist, and homophobic, but that’s not to say supporters of Harris couldn’t fall under those same categories. I have heard people say they voted for Kamala just because she is a black woman. I’m a black woman myself; I’d be offended if that was the only criteria for being elected. Isn’t there much more to us than that?

While I may not agree with all of the views held by Trump or Harris, I wanted to understand why my peers and family voted the same or differently from me, so I took some time to research and understand both sides of the political debate. Below is a balanced look at some of the perceived pros and cons of both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump’s presidency, and articles linked for a comprehensive understanding. These topics are based on what I’ve gathered from various perspectives of friends, family, journalists, and public figures.

Perceived Cons of a Harris Presidency:

  • War and failures in foreign policy: Some critics point out that foreign policy failures  under Biden and Harris have exacerbated international warfare, and have endangered US national security. Some argue that other issues plaguing the United States do not matter if the country is facing imminent threats of warfare.

Evaluating The Biden-Harris Policies: Foreign Affairs | Issues

  • Immigration: While Harris has pushed for a more lenient stance on immigration, this has led to concerns about border security and its impact on American workers.

Intelligencer-New York Magazine

  • Gun control: Harris has proposed stricter gun laws and even bans, which concerns those who believe in the right to bear arms.

How a Harris or Trump Presidency Could Affect Gun Policy | Scientific American

  • Economy: Some feel that the current economy can be attributed to issues with Harris and Biden’s implementations, and another term will skyrocket the current issues with inflation.

Chairman Smith: The Biden-Harris Economy Fails Lower-Income Americans

  • Lack of Leadership: While she is a skilled politician, many feel that she lacks leadership and misunderstands the true needs of the American people.

Kamala Harris Failed to Read The Room

  • Poor campaigning and superficiality: Her campaign in Atlanta which featured celebrity figures like Megan Thee Stallion and Quavo, was perceived by some as a superficial, insulting attempt to appeal to Black voters. Furthermore, she misunderstands what her black voters truly want from her presidency, and she frequently changes her mind on important issues to please said supporters.

Why the Harris campaign’s attempt to court Black men is incomplete and even alienating

Megan Thee Stallion Dances, Raps and Stumps for Vice President Kamala Harris in Lively Rally

Harris’ problem: She’s a complete phony – Washington Times

Perceived Pros of a Harris Presidency:

  • Pro-choice: Harris has been a strong advocate for abortion rights, which resonates with many women and progressive voters.

Harris vs. Trump on abortion: Where they stand on the issue – Washington Post 

  • Economic support for the middle class: Harris supports tax cuts for the middle class and an “opportunity economy” to reduce inequality.

Where Kamala Harris stands on 10 key issues, from immigration to guns

  • Climate change: Harris prioritizes climate change initiatives and realities.

Harris Stirs Hope for a New Chapter in Climate Action

  • Commitment to LGBTQ rights: Harris has supported progressive movements on r LGBTQ rights, and gender equality.
  • Breaking barriers: Kamala Harris would be the first woman, the first Black woman, and the first person of South Asian descent to serve as president—a powerful symbol of progress for gender and racial equity.

Perceived Cons of a Trump Presidency:

  • Pro-life stance: Trump’s strong opposition to abortion is a key issue for many voters who prioritize reproductive rights.

Harris vs. Trump on abortion: Where they stand on the issue – Washington Post 

  • Allegations and criminal convictions: Trump’s legal issues, including falsifying business records, and accusations of sexual assault, have made him a polarizing figure.

Trump Is A Convicted Felon. Does That Actually Mean Anything?

  • Immigration policies: Trump’s hardline stance on immigration, including building a border wall, has drawn criticism, and led to sentiments of xenophobia and even eugenics. 

Trump’s border wall was never just about security. It’s meant to remind all Latinos that we’re unwelcome.

How Trump’s racist talk of immigrant ‘bad genes’ echoes some of the last century’s darkest ideas about eugenics

  • January 6th and rhetoric: Trump’s role in the Capitol riot and his inflammatory rhetoric have been contentious, with many accusing him of inciting violence.

Confronted by a Republican voter about the Jan. 6 riot, Trump says ‘nothing’ was done wrong that day

  • Inadequate COVID-19 response: Trump’s handling of the pandemic was widely criticized for worsening the crisis.

In his own words: Trump and the coronavirus

  • Dismissal of LGBTQ rights: Many feel Trump neglected and is inconsistent with the rights of the LGBTQ community.

Compare Trump and Harris’ views on LGBTQ rights and marriage equality – CBS News

Perceived Pros of a Trump Presidency:

  • No warfare, strong foreign policy: Trump did not start new wars or intensify current ones, he brought terrorists to justice, and strengthened the U.S. military.

National Security & Defense – The White House

  • Inflation control: Under Trump, the U.S. saw annual inflation rates of 1.9% and  5.4% under Biden.

How The Economy Really Fared Under Biden/Harris And Trump—From Jobs To Inflation (Final Update)

  • Illegal Immigration reduction: Trump’s policies have been perceived by supporters to be effective in reducing illegal immigration.

Why immigration is a better issue for Trump than it was in 2020 – ABC News

  •  New abortion stance: He shifted his views on abortion and no longer favored a federal ban as of October 1st; identifying how costly it could be. This appealed to moderates, and especially women voters.

Women favored abortion rights but not Harris

  • Gun rights: Trump supports the Second Amendment and sees flaws in the idea of banning guns altogether, despite facing gun violence firsthand.

Guns: Where do Trump and Harris stand? • Washington State Standard

  • Economy and job growth: Trump’s presidency led to higher rates of employment and a strong economy.

Economy & Jobs – The White House

The main takeaway from my research, which is far too extensive to include in this article, is that people researched and decided which candidate best supported their everyday life based on what issues were most important to them, and how the candidate’s policies performed in the past

When I did my research rather than feed into others opinions and biased media coverage, I came to a new conclusion; many of my thoughts before the election lacked reason and research. Conceptualizing the bigger picture is what has made me hopeful for the future. And I advise anyone with worries about the election results to do the same. Purposefully seek out information that doesn’t align with your views. Embrace the discomfort, because closure will cause it to subside.

Our country will never improve if we continue to demonize one another over differences in opinion. When we enter a discussion with the mindset that we could be wrong, we open ourselves to understanding the other side. Perhaps this approach could lead to more meaningful discussions, willingness to hear your side, and fewer people retreating into their echo chambers and disregarding facts. A disagreement with your beliefs is not an attack on them. You do not have to feel that someone is either with you or against you.

Everyone has a right to dislike or like a candidate, but no ones character should be reduced to their political party or the person they voted for. For what does insulting someone you disagree with truly solve, but the preservation of your own ego?

Freshman Myah Jones is a Contributing Writer. Her email is mjones2@fandm.edu