Patsy Widakuswara, White House Bureau Chief for Voice of America (VOA), has identified key issues shaping voter decisions in the upcoming U.S. elections on November 5, with the economy, immigration, and abortion emerging as top priorities.
In an interview with Bernard Avle on Channel One TV’s The Point of View, Widakuswara highlighted significant differences in priorities between supporters of Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.
She noted that Harris advocates for the protection of women’s abortion rights, while Trump opposes this stance, favoring a state-by-state approach to abortion legislation.
Widakuswara pointed out that Trump attributes high inflation rates to the Biden administration, contrasting this with the lower inflation experienced during his own presidency. She explained, “The main concerns for American voters, regardless of location, are the economy, immigration, and, particularly this year, the right to abortion.
Donald Trump is emphasizing his claims about economic performance, asserting that inflation was low during his administration and is high under Joe Biden.”
She added that Trump’s supporters are reluctant to accept the argument that high inflation under Biden is largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath.
Immigration also remains a crucial issue for Trump, who argues that the Biden administration’s policies have led to an influx of immigrants, which concerns his base.
In contrast, Harris focuses on women’s reproductive rights, highlighting that the right to abortion is currently in legal limbo.
Widakuswara also noted a growing discontent among women regarding Trump’s views on abortion, as his comments have sparked outrage and encouraged many women to rally behind Harris, a strong advocate for reproductive freedom.
“Women are very concerned about abortion and have expressed dissatisfaction with some of the misogynistic, sexist, or racist remarks made by Trump and his associates. Women tend to disapprove of this behavior, leading to increased support for Kamala Harris.
While Trump has gained traction with male supporters, including Black men and Latinos, women have historically been more reliable voters, often participating at higher rates than men.”
The differences between Harris and Trump regarding abortion and reproductive health have become pivotal in the 2024 presidential election, placing women’s rights at the forefront of the discussion.
The economy remains a significant concern, with voters split on who is better equipped to tackle inflation and promote growth.
Key Issues in the 2024 Election:
- Economy: A top concern for 81% of registered voters, with Trump holding a slight edge in voter confidence regarding economic policy.
- Immigration: Cited as very important by 61% of voters, with Trump supporters more likely to prioritize this issue.
- Abortion: Considered a critical issue by 67% of Harris supporters, compared to 35% of Trump supporters.
