Americans have faced the blunt force of many economic problems over the past few years. Massive inflation spikes caused interest rates to skyrocket, making house prices surge. Overall, the economy has affected everyone’s everyday lives, and for most Americans, it will likely continue to do so more than any other issue. The economy is the issue voters must prioritize when deciding who is the best fit to be the next president of the United States. 

A multitude of hot topic issues fit under the economic umbrella this election cycle. Inflation, the housing market, artificial intelligence, foreign buyouts of U.S. companies, climate change and competition with China are just a small portion of the economic issues that Americans will face in the next four years. 

Grocery prices rose dramatically under the Biden administration, majorly impacting American lives. A focus on the economy as a central issue for Americans would make sure they choose the candidate that will most directly better their lives by helping fix inflation and the economy as a whole. The Federal Reserve cut interest rates by half a point on Sept. 18th. This move could potentially provide financial help to many Americans. Voting on the economy in November assures that America will not return to a time of high rates.

The progress of AI and other technologies in recent years has been on a massive upward trend, which will most likely continue into the next presidency. A president who can handle these new technologies is absolutely necessary in order to harness the benefits that these new technologies could bring to the United States’s future. The betterment of AI and its correct development by the U.S. government could be a difference-maker in prioritizing American economic growth and dominance on the world stage. 

More technologies that could help the U.S. economy grow massively are green energy technologies that are needed in order to prevent climate change. The green energy sector is the fastest-growing in the United States and to continue to foster the growth of the green energy sector is to further invest in the future. In the past, the U.S. has hurt its reputation on climate change and green energy after pulling out of the Paris Accords. The stance on green energy the U.S. has now and pursues after this presidential election could make or break its position as a leader internationally in green energy and climate change reduction.

Everyday workers must be prioritized in economic decisions by the government and Nippon Steel’s attempts to acquire U.S., steel could threaten American workers. The next president must consider those who work on the ground to help build infrastructure in our country. Labor unions have spoken out and made it clear that a new government of the United States must prioritize American workers. Presidents who actively respond to and respect unions show that they care about the well-being of their civilians. This is another key consideration for this election cycle as a president must do the best thing for the economic well-being of his or her people.

Foreign policy and other issues should not be prioritized over economic issues when it comes to voter decisions for this election. When people reflect on presidencies and look for a new president, they will look back on their overall livelihood under that government. The economy is the thing that will most affect people and foreign policy and other issues will not be remembered when thinking of the well-being of the average American. 

Overall, the economy is the main issue voters must prioritize when making their decisions in the upcoming general election. The economy impacts voters most directly and on a wide variety of issues. The economy will continue to shape the country in the next four years and far beyond. This makes it crucial that the key issue to come first in decision-making for voters is the economy.

The U.S. has an important role when it comes to foreign policy: setting worldwide standards for international relations, environmental and economic agreements, human rights and other important issues. 

In the upcoming election, it is vital voters set their priorities straight. When deciding who to vote for, people should weigh each candidate’s foreign policies more heavily than other issues. Foreign policy determines crucial aspects of everyday life, from U.S. security to climate change.

Voters should rank foreign policy above the economy because the security of Americans is determined by the relations between the U.S. and other countries. U.S. interactions with other nations directly influence policies and alliances, which affect millions of U.S. citizens. For example, our relationships with Russia and China decide if we are to potentially enter conflict with these countries in the next few years.

Not only that, but the strong, authoritative U.S. foreign policy has the ability to reduce terrorism in and outside of the U.S. By taking a powerful stance on defense against terrorism, candidates have the potential to reduce many terrorism-related attacks during their presidencies. 

The foreign policy of the U.S. has immense effects on specific, current international issues. For example, each candidate’s policy on the Israel-Palestine conflict and the war in Ukraine has the potential to affect millions of people in danger. When choosing a candidate, voters are also choosing how certain issues are addressed, which impacts the protection of people in conflict worldwide.

Foreign policy also encompasses how the U.S. handles its southern border. The border is a significant point of controversy in politics currently, as both candidates are taking opposite positions on the topic. Ending the border crisis in the most effective and efficient way is extremely important, as the issue has not only resulted in the smuggling of fentanyl into U.S. borders and increased human trafficking, but also the spread of xenophobia throughout the country.

By prioritizing foreign policy in their decision making, voters also have the chance to determine America’s stance on key environmental issues. International agreements like the Paris Agreement, which focuses on reducing climate change, are directly influenced by the extent to which the U.S. supports them. Former president Donald Trump promised to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Agreement, while Vice President Kamala Harris acknowledges the importance of fighting climate change.

Along with this, however, foreign policy includes international economic agreements. Trade agreements are negotiations between countries that directly affect everyday life in the U.S. as they determine taxes, tariffs and costs for citizens and businesses. Maintaining strong trade agreements with a diverse selection of countries is extremely beneficial as it can lead to economic growth and innovation. For example, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) supports more than 10 million American jobs and resulted in $1.8 trillion in goods and services trade in 2022 alone. Each candidate’s stand on economic agreements is vitally important and must be prioritized in the upcoming election.

Finally, humanitarian aid plays a substantial factor in a candidate’s foreign policy views. The U.S. leads as an influencing force for the rest of the world, using its economic might to provide support to millions of people in need. The U.S. spent $61 billion on foreign aid in 2023. Because of the substantial effect of U.S. humanitarian aid, voters should also weigh which candidate has better foreign policy regarding financial support. 

Foreign policy should always be prioritized over the economy for a variety of reasons. While the economy tends to only significantly affect U.S. citizens, foreign policy branches worldwide, affecting millions, overall. Not only that, but much of the U.S. economy is determined by how the president handles foreign policy, such as with economic agreements and international relations. Ultimately, foreign policy has a much more significant value than the economy, as it affects whether or not millions of people live secure and stable lives.