With less than a month until election day, campaigning allows candidates to express their vision and encourages Americans to vote. In the 2024 presidential election, Donald Trump, representing the Republican Party, and Kamala Harris, representing the Democratic Party, are two different candidates with unique ways of connecting to voters. Fundraising is an important part of campaigning to get out the messages of the candidates. According to Forbes and several other news sources, from January to the end of August, Kamala Harris raised $678.2 million while Donald Trump raised $309.2 million. The amounts raised and spent since have tipped past the $1 billion mark. As they strive to persuade undecided voters, their approaches to campaigning reveal the differences in their political strategies and personalities.

Donald Trump

Donald Trump’s campaigning is continuing with focus on the theme of “Make America Great Again.” He tends to stick to big rallies, bold speeches, and maintaining a strong, traditional presidential presence.

A main aspect of Trump’s strategies is his ability to influence media cycles and keep his name at the face of political conversation. Whether, through controversial statements or bold promises, Trump understands how to create headlines and maintain a sense of stability around his campaign.

While he doesn’t rely heavily on social media platforms like TikTok or trends to connect with younger voters as his opponent does, Trump’s presence on platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) with a following of 91.4 million and and Truth Social with a following of 89 million allows him to communicate directly with his followers, bypassing traditional media, and keeping his supporters engaged in real time.

Donald Trump’s main vision when elected president is to protect the country. Trump pleads to protect and strengthen our borders and toughen immigration policies. He highlights the importance of military strength and national security, he has prioritized rebuilding the military, fighting terrorism, and implementing stronger national security measures. His main goal if elected president is to protect the country.

Kamala Harris

Kamala Harris’ campaigning is focused on connecting to younger voters, with the use of social media and pop culture. Harris’ campaigning style tends to focus more on connecting with her voters on a personal level.

Harris sill holds large rallies but, at her Atlanta rally held on July 30, she brought Megan Thee Stallion on stage to perform. It’s a strategy that aligns with the growing influence of social media and engagement of younger demographics in political processes.

The use of social media such as Tiktok with a growing following of 4.6 million and popular celebrities have been a part of Harris’ campaigning. According to many political analysts, the 2024 election could see one of the highest turnouts of young voters in decades, and Harris’ campaign is contributing to those numbers with 60 percent of younger voters who say they will cast a vote in the ballots according to NBC News.

Kamala Harris’ main vision when elected president is to care for the people of America. Harris pleads to lower prices of everyday items, provide affordable healthcare, she also highlights giving more people education opportunities, she claims that investments will be put in to create affordable early childhood programs and college life for Americans by making things like healthcare and education more affordable and accessible.