Your 2024 Election Rundown, from Health Care to Nuclear Proliferation
Nov 1, 2024
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Tanya Lewis is a Senior Editor at Scientific American focusing on health and medicine, while Lauren Young is an Associate Editor specializing in candidates' health care stances. They dive into the 2024 election's implications for reproductive rights and affordable health care, contrasting positions of Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. Dan Vergano, an expert in nuclear weapons policy, illuminates how each candidate's victory could reshape nuclear proliferation strategies amid global tensions. A must-listen for anyone interested in how these critical issues will unfold!
The 2024 election will significantly impact reproductive rights, with Harris advocating for protections and Trump favoring state-level decisions amid concerns of federal restrictions.
Healthcare affordability is a key issue, with Harris promoting drug price negotiations under Medicare while Trump's past actions raise doubts about his commitment to affordable healthcare.
Deep dives
Impact of the 2024 Election on Reproductive Rights
The 2024 election is poised to significantly influence reproductive rights in the United States, with stark contrasts between the candidates' positions. Trump has appointed Supreme Court justices who facilitated the overturning of Roe v. Wade, resulting in numerous states implementing abortion bans. He supports returning the abortion decision to state governments, but there are concerns about potential federal efforts to enforce restrictions through laws like the Comstock Act. In contrast, Harris is committed to protecting abortion rights and strengthening access to reproductive healthcare, advocating for legislation that would reinforce the protections previously afforded by Roe v. Wade.
Healthcare Affordability and Access
Healthcare affordability remains a crucial issue in the upcoming election, with both candidates proposing distinct approaches to tackle rising costs. Harris played a vital role in the Inflation Reduction Act, which caps insulin costs at $35 and introduces price negotiations for medications under Medicare, aimed at significantly lowering overall drug expenses for patients. Meanwhile, Trump's history with the Affordable Care Act, including attempts to weaken its provisions, casts doubt on his commitment to affordable healthcare despite vague promises of improving the system. The election results could greatly affect how healthcare is accessed and the financial burden patients face.
Nuclear Policy and Election Impacts
Nuclear policy has surprisingly received little attention during the election campaign, despite significant global challenges, including the expiration of key treaties. The next president will face critical deadlines regarding agreements that limit nuclear weapons proliferation, which are essential to maintaining global security. Harris is expected to favor diplomatic solutions to extend and maintain treaties, whereas Trump’s record suggests a more blustery and unpredictable approach, raising concerns about the potential for increased nuclear threat. This election presents an opportunity for voters to consider the implications of each candidate's stance on nuclear weapons and their broader foreign policy strategies.
The 2024 U.S. presidential candidates offer very different policy perspectives. On today’s show, host Rachel Feltman is joined by health editors Tanya Lewis and Lauren Young to discuss how Kamala Harris and Donald Trump plan to address reproductive rights and health care accessibility and affordability. Plus, senior opinion editor Dan Vergano draws on his coverage of nuclear weapons to preview what a win for each candidate would mean for the U.S.’s approach to nuclear policy.
– Deep dives from other SciAm editors on the candidates’ positions on artificial intelligence, climate, and more
E-mail us at sciencequickly@sciam.com if you have any questions, comments or ideas for stories we should cover!
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Science Quickly is produced by Rachel Feltman, Fonda Mwangi, Kelso Harper, Madison Goldberg and Jeff DelViscio. This episode was hosted by Rachel Feltman with associate editor of health and medicine Lauren Young, senior editor of health and medicine Tanya Lewis and senior opinion editor Dan Vergano. Our show is edited by Madison Goldberg, with fact-checking by Shayna Posses and Aaron Shattuck. The theme music was composed by Dominic Smith.