Harris vs Trump Tax Policy Survey

In the survey conducted by The Guardian in collaboration with the Harris Poll, respondents evaluated twelve tax policy proposals—six from each candidate—without knowing which ideas belonged to which candidate. The results showed that Harris’s proposals, such as a federal ban on price gouging for food and groceries, expanding the child tax credit, and increasing tax breaks for small businesses, garnered more favorable responses compared to Trump’s policies. Notably, the most popular proposal overall was Harris’s ban on price gouging, supported by 44% of respondents. Conversely, Trump’s proposal to eliminate taxes on Social Security benefits was among the most popular of his offerings, receiving 42% support.

Voter Demographics and Preferences

The survey revealed interesting demographic trends, particularly among independent voters and younger demographics. Independent voters showed a preference for Harris’s economic policies, while a significant majority of millennials and Gen Z respondents believed that at least one of her proposals would positively impact the economy. This suggests that Harris’s tax plans may resonate more effectively with younger voters, who are increasingly concerned about economic issues.

Implications for the Election

As the 2024 presidential election approaches, tax policy remains a pivotal issue for voters, especially with key provisions from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act set to expire soon. The survey results indicate that Harris’s proposals may be viewed more favorably when stripped of political labels, underscoring the importance of how tax policies are communicated to the electorate. Ultimately, the ability of either candidate to implement their tax proposals will depend on navigating a divided Congress, making the public’s understanding and support of these policies critical in the lead-up to the election.