On November 5, 2024, voters will go to the polls to elect the 47th President of the United States. To describe this election as unprecedented is perhaps selling it short. In no other election in the last century have the stakes been so high in the auto industry—and in the higher plane, in climate science and in democracy itself. As the two major party candidates face off in the debate, it's time to examine their past, present, and future—and their qualifications to be our next leader.
Here's where all the candidates stand on the issues above—first, the major party candidates, then the others, in alphabetical order:
US Vice President Kamala Harris
Kamala Harris
The party: Democracy
Vice President: Timothy Walz
Experience
- San Francisco District Attorney, 2004-2011
- California Attorney General, 2011-2017
- US Senator, 2017-2021
- Vice President, 2021-present
Policy and positions
Climate science. Harris supported the proposed Green New Deal, a plan that, like Biden's big infrastructure bill (but including social justice, health care, and equity), emphasized an accelerated transition to EVs and a shift away from fossil fuels. Harris also said he opposes both offshore and offshore oil drilling, and has created an environmental crime unit in San Francisco. However, under the Biden-Harris administration the US has reached record levels of oil production and energy company profits.
Electric vehicles. Harris was one of the key people behind the VW fraud, and he made sure that California gets its own solution and additional conditions, in a fund set aside to reduce the environment. That fund is focused, in part, on getting EVs into low-income communities. “We must preserve and protect our environment for future generations to bring swift and specific consequences to those who violate the law and pollute our air,” he said as the California AG, announcing the settlement. Harris also took on Big Oil during his tenure as California Attorney General.
The majority: As a senator, Harris introduced the VoteSafe Act of 2000 aimed at allowing access to the polls during times of violence. Harris was also a supporter of the John Lewis Voting Rights Improvement Act, which would ease access to mail-in voting, make Election Day a state holiday, and replace measures invalidated by the Supreme Court's 2013 Shelby decision. The Shelby decision overturned state redistricting standards that were under the supervision of the Federal Election Commission.
President Donald Trump (Photo courtesy of DoD)
Donald J. Trump
The party: the Republic
Vice President: JD Vance
Experience
- Past President, 2017-2021
Policy and positions
Climate science: Trump told major oil industry donors at a recent fundraiser at his Mar-A-Lago resort that, if they donated $1 billion to his campaign, he would reverse all actions by the current administration that would boost electric car sales. . During his administration, Trump has tried to revoke California's authority to set emissions regulations, part of a larger campaign that includes Supreme Court cases that would limit or interfere with the work of agencies like the EPA, the so-called executive state. He saw climate change as a “hoax.”
Electric vehicles: Although he once owned a Tesla Model S, former president Trump has repeatedly voiced his disdain for electric vehicles: he has threatened to impose a 100% tax on EVs made in Mexico, which will put the brakes on the mass sales of popular EVs. US, including the Chevrolet Equinox EV and the Ford Mustang Mach-E.
The majority: The former president has been charged with multiple charges related to the conspiracy to interfere with the transfer of power after the November 2020 election, which was lost to Joseph Biden. Both the lawsuits filed in the District of Columbia, and those filed in Georgia for government-related election interference, have been delayed while the Supreme Court debates whether U.S. presidents enjoy full or partial immunity from crimes committed while in office. Some cases may be allowed to go forward if it is determined that the actions of the lower court are illegal.
In unrelated charges, Trump was convicted of 34 counts of falsifying business records in New York State, in connection with hush money payments made to former actress Stormy Daniels. Before that, he was guilty of sexual harassment of E. Jean Carroll and property inflation in New York that resulted in a $450 million civil penalty.
Trump also faces charges of mishandling classified documents in a Florida court. No trial date has been set.
Several members of Trump's Cabinet have indicated that they will not vote for him for a second term—as did former Vice President Michael Pence (R.-Ind.).
Other Candidates
Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
The party: Independent
Vice President: Nicole Shanahan
Experience
- Lawyer and talk-radio host
- It founded the Waterkeeper Alliance, a clean water advocacy group
- The Boosted Children's Health Defense Fund has found its current position as a prominent anti-vaccination group
Policy and positions
Climate science: As a lawyer, Politico points out, Kennedy worked for clients who wanted stronger environmental protections. As a candidate, he criticized the Biden administration's spending on clean energy, and called climate change “hysteria.” His flexible positions not only on the climate but also on other humane issues like vaccinations have been called “strange” and “weird” by MSNBC.
Electric vehicles: Kennedy has advocated for UAW members who are mobilizing electric vehicles, but his positions on Biden administration policies that would promote EVs in the US have equated those policies with authoritarianism.
The majority: Kennedy, responding to what he believes is scrutiny of his social media channels, told CNN that he could make the argument that President Biden is a greater threat to democracy than Donald Trump. He suggested he might choose NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers as his Vice President, before choosing Silicon Valley attorney Nicole Shanahan.
Jill Stein
The party: Green
Vice President: Still to be named
Experience
- Doctor and former presidential candidate
Policy and positions
Climate science: Stein believes that previous “Green New Deal” efforts have not gone far enough, and warns of “climate collapse.” Embarrassed by the clarification, Stein posted to X that the necessary “a major investment in green jobs and technology to revitalize America's economy, improve our lives, protect our planet and secure our children's future.”
Electric vehicles: Stein advocates a complete ban on new fossil fuel infrastructure, reports the Washington Post, and a transition to renewable energy sources by 2030.
The majority: Stein believes the two-party political system is corrupting our democracy. “Voters have the right to choose and try to expel two candidates from two zombie groups,” he told News Nation, “who have been working for economic appointees…it's incredibly undemocratic.” Critics suggest that any votes Stein pulls in the few states where he will appear on the ballot will knock out Biden's numbers, thus handing the presidency to Trump.
Cornel West
It's a party: Independent
Vice President: Still to be named
Experience
- Political activist
- Professor at Ivy schools, including Harvard and Princeton
- Theologian and philosopher
Policy and positions
Climate science: West believes that “only through solidarity, sustainable development, and an unwavering commitment to renewable energy can we hope to restore balance and ensure a prosperous planet for all.” He proposes climate reparations for communities harmed by global warming.
Electric vehicles: The Western Forum advocates a quick and complete end to fuel dependence.
The majority: West said in 2003 that “democracy means more choices, not private deals; it means the freedom to vote your conscience without shame or abuse.” He described former president Trump as a “criminal gangster and neofascist.” NBC News reported that Republican politicos were trying to find ways to boost West's prospects in competitive states where he gained access to the ballot.
This piece was originally published on June 26; it was last updated on July 24 to include Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential nominee.