Among other things, a change at the top of the Democratic ticket for the presidential election likely has increased the number of undecided voters.
When Kamala Harris replaced President Joe Biden as the party’s nominee, it altered the equation for the Nov. 5 election. With Donald Trump representing Republicans for the third consecutive election, and with him initially facing a rematch against Biden, it was unlikely that many American voters had not made up their minds about two well-known candidates.
Harris, however, is a relative unknown, despite serving for the past 44 months as vice president. That places added weight on Tuesday’s debate between Harris and Trump, which might be the only on-stage meeting between the candidates.
Presidential debates typically focus on broad national and international issues, with the contenders trying to score points with pithy sound bites. Debates also are largely about style rather than substance, with presentation playing a role in influencing voters who are not deeply immersed in the issues.
And while immigration policy and economic plans and climate change impact all Americans, some issues are uniquely important to Washington residents. Whether answers come during Tuesday’s debate, at political rallies or in sit-down interviews, local voters should watch for these particular subjects:
- Trade policy. As president, Trump implemented broad tariffs on Chinese goods. This increased prices for American consumers and also led to retaliatory tariffs by China. Biden has kept those tariffs in place. Washington is regarded as the nation’s most trade- dependent state, and our farmers, manufacturers, ports and general economy are significantly harmed by barriers to free trade.
- Infrastructure. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was signed by Biden in 2021, providing $1.2 trillion to improve the safety and efficiency of the nation’s highways, airports and ports. As president, Trump spoke frequently about “infrastructure week,” but failed to pass any significant legislation. The issue is particularly important in Clark County as officials try to finalize plans for a replacement Interstate 5 Bridge. Once that is complete, we can work on additional bridges across the Columbia River, knowing that assistance from the federal government will be necessary.
- Housing. While a housing shortage — and its contribution to a homelessness crisis — is a local issue, the federal government also plays a role. Over the past four decades, federal housing construction has diminished under administrations from both parties. It is not a coincidence that we now are seeing the results in public spaces and along roadways.
- Climate change. Washington has made strong efforts to cut carbon emissions; our state also has recognized the economic opportunity. In 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, clean energy jobs grew at twice the rate of overall employment. In Washington, solar energy and wind energy outpace other forms of energy in terms of employment.
- Child care. A lack of affordable, accessible child care is an economic issue that can keep many qualified workers out of the labor force. Both candidates have said they support a boost to the child tax credit, which would leave more money in the pockets of families. Meanwhile, during an event this week, Trump said: “I think when you talk about the kind of numbers that I’m talking about, that — because — child care is child care … It’s something, you have to have it in this country. You have to have it.”
We hope the answers Tuesday are delivered with more clarity.
