I’m opening today with a few news updates! I wanted to share this Twitter thread by Chris Krebs. I mention him often because of my cybersecurity work; he was the former head of CISA, America’s Cyber Defense Agency. Trump fired him because he said our elections were safe from cyber interference. He discussed Russia and the RT situation. It’s very interesting. Take a look. I also talk about Marc Elias and this interesting media watch research. Alright, let’s dive into policy!

Today’s discussion goes right to the heart of how we care for ourselves and our families—Social Security, Medicare, and healthcare. When we think about these programs, we’re not just talking about numbers on a balance sheet; we’re talking about the well-being of millions of Americans. As we dig into the differences between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump on these issues, it’s important to remember that our choices will shape the future for decades.

These programs aren’t just policy points; they’re lifelines. For seniors, low-income families, and millions in need of medical care, what happens in the next election will determine whether they have the support they need. So, let’s break it down.

The GOP vision: reform or reduce?

Republicans, including Donald Trump, are clear: they want to overhaul Social Security, Medicare, and healthcare. They argue that these programs are on an unsustainable path and need reform to survive. The goal? Shift responsibility from the government to private companies and individuals.

Project 2025 outlines a more aggressive approach by proposing specific measures such as raising the retirement age, privatizing key aspects of Medicare, and reducing the government’s role in healthcare. For example, under Project 2025, Medicare would adopt a voucher system, giving seniors a set amount of money to purchase private insurance rather than having the government directly manage their healthcare. This proposal aligns with the Republican vision of shrinking government involvement and relying more on market-driven solutions.

This isn’t just theory—it’s policy in action. During his presidency, Trump signaled support for cutting Social Security benefits and even proposed implementing means-testing, reducing benefits for wealthier individuals. Forbes Advisor notes that Trump consistently emphasized cutting government spending as a solution to the national debt, focusing on trimming benefits from fundamental social programs like Social Security and Medicare. Project 2025 builds on these ideas, offering a step-by-step plan to reduce government involvement, empower private businesses, and create a more “efficient” system, which they argue would result in lower costs and more individualized care.

The Democratic vision: expand and protect

On the flip side, Kamala Harris and the Democrats see these programs as essential. Their goal? Expand, not reduce. Harris has consistently emphasized the need to increase benefits for low-income retirees and seniors and to ensure that Medicare covers more services—like dental and vision care. The Democrats’ vision for healthcare? Build on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and eventually move toward universal coverage through a public option that gives every American access to affordable healthcare.

According to Forbes Advisor, Harris’s focus on expanding Social Security stems from a deep belief that the program provides economic security for millions of Americans. She wants to raise benefits and ensure that cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) keep up with rising expenses. KFF reports that Harris’s healthcare platform is built on strengthening the ACA, introducing a public option, and lowering out-of-pocket costs for seniors.

What does this mean for you and your family?

If Project 2025 becomes a reality, the government will step back. Social Security, Medicare, and healthcare would be restructured, with individuals and private companies playing a larger role in managing retirement and healthcare. The shift would mean fewer government protections, more reliance on the private sector, and a stronger emphasis on market-driven solutions. According to KFF, the Republican push for privatization could result in Medicare shifting to a voucher system, forcing seniors to purchase private insurance.

On the other hand, under a Harris administration, these programs would be expanded, not scaled back. Social Security benefits would increase for low-income seniors, and Medicare would cover more services while keeping costs down. Forbes Advisor highlights how Harris plans to expand access to affordable care, offering a public option to millions of Americans while reducing the financial burden on seniors.

Healthcare: Two drastically different approaches.

The debate over healthcare is one of the most significant division points between these two candidates. Harris views healthcare as a human right. Her plan builds on Obamacare by offering a public option—a government-run health insurance plan that people can choose if they can’t afford private insurance. Harris has argued that this will reduce costs and expand access to millions of Americans. KFF notes that this expansion could provide affordable healthcare to millions who are still uninsured.

Trump, however, is focused on repealing the entire ACA. He has pushed for a market-based system where private companies compete for customers, arguing that competition will lead to lower prices and better service. His administration supported multiple efforts to dismantle and replace the ACA with private-market-driven alternatives.

The housing debate: Affordability or deregulation?

When it comes to housing, the divide between the two candidates couldn’t be more evident. Kamala Harris has pledged to tackle the affordable housing crisis head-on by increasing federal investment in housing projects, strengthening renter protections, and expanding rental assistance programs. Harris’s approach is centered on the belief that housing is a basic human need, and that the government must actively ensure everyone has access to safe, affordable housing.

NPR reports that Harris’s plan includes constructing three million new housing units over four years, which, while ambitious, highlights her focus on addressing the severe shortage of affordable housing in the country. She also proposes a $25,000 down payment assistance program for first-time homebuyers and measures to curb investor-driven housing markets that push ordinary families out of the housing market.

Conversely, Trump leans towards deregulation, a philosophy rooted in his broader approach to economic policy. He argues that reducing government intervention in the housing market will spur private development, leading to more homes and, eventually, lower prices.

During his presidency, Trump oversaw cuts to federal housing programs and promoted policies to loosen zoning regulations, which he believes are barriers to housing development. Trump has also expressed skepticism about low-income housing, arguing that it brings down property values, particularly in suburban areas. According to NPR, Trump has consistently framed low-income housing as a threat to suburban communities, reinforcing his commitment to reducing government involvement in the housing market.

What’s at stake?

The 2024 election offers a clear choice: expand and strengthen the social safety net or reduce the government’s role and shift responsibility to the private sector.

Harris’s vision would protect and grow Social Security, Medicare, healthcare, and housing programs, ensuring they are there for future generations. Trump’s vision, by contrast, prioritizes market-driven solutions, which could mean fewer government protections and more reliance on private businesses to provide these essential services.

As you think about these choices, ask yourself: What kind of support do you want for retirement, healthcare, and housing? Because these decisions will shape the next 20 years and beyond.

Issue	RNC Position	Project 2025 Position	DNC Position
Social Security	Reduce federal control in healthcare. Project 2025 advocates for decreasing the federal government’s role in healthcare, encouraging private-sector solutions and state-level management.	Protect and preserve Social Security. The RNC supports maintaining Social Security benefits while exploring reforms to ensure long-term solvency.	Strengthen and expand Social Security. The DNC opposes cuts to Social Security and supports expanding benefits to ensure that all retirees can live with dignity.
Medicare	Preserve Medicare through reforms. The RNC supports changes to Medicare that would ensure its solvency, including options for private plans and reducing waste.	Reform Medicare for efficiency and sustainability. Project 2025 recommends reforms such as premium support models and increasing competition to reduce costs and improve services.	Protect and expand Medicare. The DNC opposes efforts to privatize Medicare and supports expanding coverage and reducing out-of-pocket costs for seniors.
Healthcare	Promote market-based healthcare solutions. The RNC supports reducing government involvement in healthcare and promoting competition to lower costs and increase access.	Reduce federal involvement in housing. Project 2025 recommends reducing federal housing programs and encouraging private-sector solutions to address housing needs.	Expand access to affordable healthcare. The DNC supports expanding the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and working towards universal healthcare coverage for all Americans.
Housing	Encourage homeownership through deregulation. The RNC supports policies that reduce government interference in the housing market to make homeownership more accessible.	Protect and expand Medicare. The DNC opposes efforts to privatize Medicare and supports increasing coverage and reducing out-of-pocket costs for seniors.	Invest in affordable housing. The DNC supports increasing funding for affordable housing, strengthening renters’ rights, and addressing homelessness through public investment and support.