{Editor’s Note: Amid the U.S. presidential election, Xinhua News Agency has published a commentary series titled “Spotlight on the U.S. Election.” Xinhua said that its reporters have delved into key issues concerning and polarizing American voters to “reveal the truth behind the chaos in American politics and ‘American democracy.'” The following are the key points from each of Xinhua’s five commentaries.}
- Candidates Present “Cures” for High Inflation, But Deep-Rooted Issues Remain {1}
Kamala Harris has stated that controlling inflation should begin with stricter regulation of the food industry. She has pledged to implement a federal ban on “price gouging” by food production and retail companies and to enhance oversight of mergers and consolidations among large food producers. Experts are skeptical of this proposed approach, however, arguing that high prices in the U.S. are not primarily due to retail price manipulation but rather a result of supply shortages, geopolitical tensions, and imbalances in supply and demand. Donald Trump claims that, to ease inflation, oil prices need to be lowered, which he proposes to accomplish by expanding U.S. oil and gas extraction to increase output. Analysts have widely dismissed Trump’s claims as “empty rhetoric.” Trump has also suggested imposing tariffs on all imported goods, raising concerns among many Americans about further inflation that could result.
- Healthcare: A “Neglected” Public Concern {2}
U.S. media have noted that healthcare, a major public concern, has not received sufficient attention in this presidential election. Both Harris and Trump have only briefly mentioned healthcare in their campaign speeches or ads, and neither has provided a comprehensive healthcare plan on their websites, even though this sector represents one-sixth of the U.S. economy. In the televised presidential debate in September, neither candidate offered specific policy proposals for healthcare. Critics argue that the deep-rooted problems in the U.S. healthcare system are not due to a lack of funding but are a result of political design, serving as a vehicle for systemic exploitation of the impoverished. Given such entrenched structural issues and strong resistance from vested interests, it is unsurprising that both candidates have chosen to steer clear of this vital topic.
- Why Violent Crime Persists {3}
In the U.S., political gridlock, rampant lobbying by interest groups, and deeply rooted racial discrimination have all made combating violent crime a near-impossible task, while politicians continue to engage in endless debates without taking effective action. Bill Perrett, a farmer in Iowa, told reporters that in today’s America, the police cannot control gang violence and drug trafficking, the courts are overwhelmed with summons, and theft in malls often goes unpunished. “Our social fabric has collapsed, and the government has let down its citizens,” he said.
- “Battle for Life” Amid Political Power Games {4}
The phrase “America against America” has become a stark reality. The fierce debate between the two parties over abortion rights has turned into a political and financial game, with a predictable outcome: Democrats and Republicans have been locked in this battle for decades, and it will not end with this election. Driven by special interest groups, their arguments have little to do with “life” or “choice” and focus solely on their own political gain. Ordinary Americans are merely spectators without real choice—whether on abortion or other issues.
- Education: Schools Struggle Under the Weight of Partisan Battles {5}
Public confidence in both K-12 and higher education in the U.S. has declined in recent years. Broadly speaking, American parents’ concerns center on curriculum content, teaching quality, and educational equity. First, curriculum content is a prominent issue. With multiple political movements gaining steam, debates over topics like race and gender identity have become more intense. Hot questions include “what should be taught” and “who decides what should be taught,” which parents are particularly concerned about. Public debates and even protests often occur on school campuses. Second, teaching quality and students’ skills are declining. Third, ensuring equal access to educational opportunities remains challenging. Although U.S. voters are highly concerned about education, as the election approaches, both parties have chosen to downplay the topic. In the debates between Harris and Trump, as well as those involving vice-presidential candidates, education has been nearly absent from the discussion.
Endnotes:
{1}. Xinhua, “Spotlight on the U.S. Election | Candidates Present “Cures” for High Inflation, But Deep-Rooted Issues Remain,” October 31, 2024.
https://app.xinhuanet.com/news/article.html?articleId=7202757f46cdbfd7c68e1a1ae946cc9c.
{2}. Xinhua, ““Spotlight on the U.S. Election | Healthcare: A “Neglected” Public Concern,” October 31, 2024.
http://www.xinhuanet.com/world/20241031/6a580330ff9049f69db71dcb362ebcfa/c.html
{3}. Xinhua, “Spotlight on the U.S. Election | Why Violent Crime Persists,” November 1, 2024.
http://www.xinhuanet.com/20241101/e71d624fbab242cda212a97263d974f0/c.html.
{4}. Xinhua, “Spotlight on the U.S. Election | ‘Battle for Life’ Amid Political Power Games,” November 2, 2024.
https://app.xinhuanet.com/news/article.html?articleId=d59a0072f320647850d9f53838001c07,
{5}. Xinhua, “Spotlight on the U.S. Election | Education: Schools Struggle Under the Weight of Partisan Battles,” November 2, 2024.
https://app.xinhuanet.com/news/article.html?articleId=9f76ed722940ab596e80b1597bbe163e.