The Editors
Scientific American
Originally posted 16 Sept 24
In the November election, the U.S. faces two futures. In one, the new president offers the country better prospects, relying on science, solid evidence and the willingness to learn from experience. She pushes policies that boost good jobs nationwide by embracing technology and clean energy. She supports education, public health and reproductive rights. She treats the climate crisis as the emergency it is and seeks to mitigate its catastrophic storms, fires and droughts.
In the other future, the new president endangers public health and safety and rejects evidence, preferring instead nonsensical conspiracy fantasies. He ignores the climate crisis in favor of more pollution. He requires that federal officials show personal loyalty to him rather than upholding U.S. laws. He fills positions in federal science and other agencies with unqualified ideologues. He goads people into hate and division, and he inspires extremists at state and local levels to pass laws that disrupt education and make it harder to earn a living.
Only one of these futures will improve the fate of this country and the world. That is why, for only the second time in our magazine’s 179-year history, the editors of Scientific American are endorsing a candidate for president. That person is Kamala Harris.
Before making this endorsement, we evaluated Harris’s record as a U.S. senator and as vice president under Joe Biden, as well as policy proposals she’s made as a presidential candidate. Her opponent, Donald Trump, who was president from 2017 to 2021, also has a record—a disastrous one. Let’s compare.
Here are some thoughts:
The upcoming U.S. presidential election presents two vastly different futures for the country. On one hand, Vice President Kamala Harris offers a vision built on science, evidence, and a willingness to learn from experience. Her policies focus on creating good jobs, promoting clean energy, supporting education, public health, and reproductive rights, and addressing the climate crisis.
On the other hand, former President Donald Trump's vision rejects evidence and relies on conspiracy theories. His policies endanger public health and safety, ignore the climate crisis, and promote division and extremism.
Key Policy Differences:
- Healthcare: Harris supports expanding the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid, while Trump proposes cuts to Medicare and Medicaid and repealing the ACA.
- Reproductive Rights: Harris advocates for reinstating Roe v. Wade protections, while Trump appointed justices who overturned it and restricts access to abortion.
- Gun Safety: Harris supports closing gun-show loopholes, while Trump promises to undo Biden-Harris gun measures.
- Environment and Climate: Harris acknowledges climate change and supports renewable energy, while Trump denies it and rolled back environmental policies.
- Technology: Harris promotes safe AI development, while Trump's Project 2025 framework would overturn AI safeguards.
- Economic Implications: Harris's platform aims to create jobs in rural America through renewable energy projects and increase tax deductions for small businesses. Trump's policies may lead to increased pollution, division, and economic uncertainty.
Conclusion:
The choice between Harris and Trump represents two distinct futures for the U.S. Harris offers a path forward guided by rationality and respect, while Trump promotes division and demagoguery ¹. The outcome of this election will significantly impact the country's direction.
