The Democratic National Committee released its 2024 platform on the eve of the party’s convention, which began on August 19, 2024, in Chicago, Illinois, and will continue until August 22, 2024. The 92-page document outlines the party’s priorities for economic growth, reducing costs, addressing the climate crisis, protecting communities from gun violence, and securing borders, among other goals. The platform promotes the Biden administration’s efforts to rebuild the American economy post-pandemic, highlighting initiatives such as infrastructure investment, the signing of the Inflation Reduction Act, and raising the minimum wage for federal contractors.
Domestic Issues
The Democratic Party’s platform outlines the domestic policies it aims to implement should its candidate, Kamala Harris, win the U.S. presidential election scheduled for November 5, 2024. The proposed policies include the following:
Reducing the Cost of Goods and Services: Recognizing that economic issues are a top priority for American voters, the Democratic Party’s platform proposes policies to address rising housing costs and food prices, prevent price manipulation by producers and grocery stores, lower home-buying costs, and improve the financial situation of American citizens.
Restoring Abortion Rights: Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 decision to overturn the landmark Roe v. Wade ruling, which had granted women the legal right to abortion, abortion has become a key issue for American voters. The Democratic Party’s platform prioritizes this issue, pledging to strengthen women’s rights to reproductive health care without restrictions, restore abortion rights protections, pass necessary legislation, expand access to contraception, and protect access to FDA-approved medical abortion and in vitro fertilization. Democrats are likely to use this issue to attract voters by raising fears of Trump’s return to power, which could lead to further restrictions on abortion rights.
Improving Health Care for Americans: The platform includes numerous measures aimed at achieving quality health care for American citizens. These measures include expanding health insurance coverage, reducing prescription drug costs for seniors under Medicare (the federal program providing health insurance to those aged 65 and older, as well as some younger people with disabilities), and lowering overall health care costs.
Addressing Irregular Immigration: The Democratic Party’s platform targets the issue of irregular immigration, proposing a pathway for immigrants to obtain U.S. citizenship, employing thousands of border patrol officers, using the latest technology to enhance border security, and increasing funding to combat human trafficking.
Raising the Federal Minimum Wage: The Democrats propose raising the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour, which would make the child tax credit and earned income tax credit permanent, making child care more affordable for all.
Tax System Reforms: The platform suggests imposing a minimum income tax on billionaires, raising the corporate tax rate, and banning unwanted fees. The party also plans to work with government agencies to cancel $7 billion in medical debt for up to 3 million eligible Americans. Additionally, the platform proposes making the $3,600 child tax credit permanent, introducing a new $6,000 tax credit for new parents, expanding tax exemptions for first-time homebuyers, and eliminating taxes on tips.
Expanding Clean Energy Projects: The Democratic Party’s platform supports expanding clean energy projects that protect the U.S. climate, transitioning the country to green energy, reducing carbon emissions, and shifting to renewable energy. The platform opposes offshore oil drilling and hydraulic fracturing and seeks to implement the climate policies outlined in the Inflation Reduction Act.
The climate issue is also expected to attract voters to the Democratic Party, especially given concerns over Trump’s potential return to power. Trump has promised to increase oil drilling, offer tax breaks to oil, gas, and coal producers, and expedite approvals for natural gas pipelines, which could lead to significant changes in the U.S. climate.
Foreign Issues
The Democratic Party’s platform includes a significant section on foreign policy, which it aims to implement if its candidate wins the U.S. presidential election. Key issues the party supports include:
Supporting a Two-State Solution to the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: The Democratic Party’s platform affirms Israel’s right to defend itself while protecting civilians during the Gaza conflict. The Democrats also support a two-state solution that ensures Israel’s future as a Jewish and democratic state with recognized borders while upholding Palestine’s right to live in freedom and security in a viable state. However, the platform does not address the issue of arms bans on Israel, despite it being a demand from some party delegates amidst the ongoing Israeli war in Gaza.
Overall, this vision is expected to garner more support for the Democratic Party, as it contrasts with Trump’s stance. Trump has expressed support for the right-wing Israeli government’s actions in Gaza and has called for harsh measures against pro-Palestinian protests on college campuses, including proposing the revocation of visas for students with anti-Semitic views.
Continuing Support for Ukraine in Its War Against Russia: The platform states that the Democratic Party will continue following President Biden’s approach to the Ukraine war. Biden has pledged ongoing support for Ukraine in its war against Russia, including sending tens of billions of dollars in humanitarian and military aid to Ukraine, with $61 billion in weapons and ammunition alone. Democrats are expected to continue supporting Ukraine, believing that continued support for Kyiv is essential, as they view Russia’s actions as a threat that won’t stop at Ukraine.
This policy starkly contrasts with the stance of Republican candidate Donald Trump, who has opposed U.S. aid to Ukraine and called for its cessation. Trump has suggested that he could end the war by having Ukraine cede some of the territories occupied by Russia in exchange for a ceasefire.
Increasing Tariffs on China: The Democratic Party’s platform follows President Biden’s approach to dealing with China, supporting increased tariffs on Chinese steel. In May 2024, Biden announced raising tariffs on steel and aluminum from 7.5% to 25% to protect Americans from cheaper imports. Kamala Harris, Biden’s vice president and now the Democratic Party’s presidential nominee, did not object to this measure.
This policy is similar to what Trump has announced, as he has pledged to significantly expand tariffs, especially on China. Trump has also vowed to encourage Congress to pass legislation giving the president the authority to impose reciprocal tariffs on any country that imposes tariffs on the United States, with a strong focus on China.
Keeping the U.S. in NATO: The platform underscores the importance of keeping Washington in NATO. Following Biden’s withdrawal from the election race, Harris announced her commitment to continuing international engagement and following Biden’s lead on various foreign policy issues, including supporting U.S. participation in NATO should she win the presidency. This stance contrasts with Trump’s statements, which have raised concerns among NATO member states.
Returning to the Iran Nuclear Deal: The Democratic Party’s platform prioritizes Iran, advocating for the U.S. to return to the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, which includes restrictions on Tehran’s uranium enrichment and storage, allows international inspectors to visit Iranian nuclear sites, and, in return, lifts U.S. and European Union financial and economic sanctions on Iran.
This deal was suspended during Trump’s presidency in 2018. The party seeks to continue Biden’s efforts to return to the Iran nuclear deal, following Iran’s successes in the Middle East. This approach contrasts with Trump’s campaign rhetoric, in which he promised to escalate pressure on Iran and impose more economic sanctions on the country if he wins the election. Trump believes that Biden has been too lenient with Iran, leading to an expansion of its influence in the region.
Strengthening Cooperation with Indo-Pacific Countries: The Democratic Party’s platform emphasizes the need to forge more alliances with countries bordering the Indian and Pacific Oceans, as the current Biden administration is doing, to enhance security and prosperity and counter China’s growing political, military, and economic influence. Harris is expected to continue this approach if she wins, building more relationships with countries like the Philippines, Japan, Singapore, Mongolia, and others in the region.
An Optimistic Message
In conclusion, the Democratic Party’s 2024 platform reflects the party’s vision for the future of the United States, with a focus on social, economic, and environmental issues, and a commitment to continuing efforts to build a strong economy, a just society, and a sustainable environment. The platform emphasizes equality and social justice, aiming to convey an optimistic message to voters that the party is capable of leading the country and addressing its challenges, while also working to unify efforts and achieve internal cohesion.
