Equality in the 2024 Elections: Outcome or Opportunity?

Equality: The Central Theme of the American Dream

The American Dream is fundamentally built on the promise of equality, encompassing life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. As the 2024 election approaches, both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are emphasizing why their respective parties, Republicans or Democrats, are superior when it comes to addressing equality. However, the question remains: what kind of equality are they referring to?

Harris and Trump's Views on Equality

Harris is recognized for advocating "equity," whereas Trump frequently references the American Dream without explicitly defining it. Consequently, voters are left in a state of uncertainty. Many of the policies proposed on the campaign trail aim to equalize outcomes or, at the very least, equalize starting points. Harris, for instance, believes that "Equitable treatment means we all end up at the same place." She also proposes an opportunity agenda, which includes measures to combat price gouging, raise the minimum wage, provide $25,000 in down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers, and increase the child tax credit. However, economists and policy researchers have been quick to criticize these proposals, citing the unintended consequences of price controls and other forms of government overreach. On the other hand, Trump advocates for the continuation of his tariff policy and the expansion of the child tax credit. His stance has also met with criticism, with most economists and experts agreeing on the negative impact of tariffs on economic growth.

What Do American Voters Really Want?

The question that arises is: what do American voters truly desire? The candidate who can best articulate and promote the concept of equality as perceived by most Americans is likely to emerge victorious in the November elections. In a recent survey on the American Dream conducted with NORC at the University of Chicago, participants were asked what they believe equality means. The options were equality before the law and having a fair chance to pursue opportunities regardless of their starting point (equality of opportunity), everyone starting on an equal footing with tools to help them catch up with others (equalizing starting points), or everyone ending up in the same place, as suggested by Harris. Interestingly, the survey revealed that Americans do not believe that equality means everyone ending up in the same place. Only 4% of U.S. adults agreed with this statement, while 18% believed in equalizing people's starting points. The majority, nearly two-thirds of Americans, believe that equality is about the equality of opportunity. This belief held true across different age groups, income levels, education levels, and political leanings. Both Democrats and Republicans generally concur that effective policymaking should support the equality of opportunity.

Bottom Line

The concept of equality, as it pertains to the American Dream, continues to be a contentious issue in the 2024 elections. Both candidates have their own interpretations and proposed policies, but what truly matters is the perception of the American voters. The survey results indicate a clear preference for equality of opportunity over equalizing outcomes or starting points. What are your thoughts on this matter? Do you agree with the majority of Americans, or do you have a different perspective on what equality should mean? Share this article with your friends and engage in a meaningful discussion. Also, remember to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is available every day at 6pm.