Harris vs. Trump: Who would handle Putin better?

Haley (Trump)

With the 2024 election drawing near, there are many things to consider about both Trump and Harris before making your decision for either presidential candidate. While Harris has the advantage of seeing the Russia-Ukraine conflict from the beginning, we know Trump would handle the situation more effectively. 

Trump maintained a personal yet powerful relationship with Putin during his first presidential term. They had efficient communication and negotiation, giving Trump the experience of handling Russia-related issues. He reportedly told Putin that he 'would have bombed' Russia or China if they invaded Ukraine or Taiwan. Putin apparently took Trump seriously during his presidency. Conversely, it was the Biden-Harris administration who essentially gave Russia the green light to make a 'minor incursion' into Ukrainian soil. And Russia did.

Trump has a transactional approach where deals are made to garner very specific outcomes. This served him throughout his presidency, but especially in the foreign policy role of the executive. This gives the US a significant advantage when dealing with future Russian conflicts. Trump’s business-oriented negotiation style, emphasizing tough deals and personal leverage, is effective in dealing with Putin, who values strong negotiation tactics.

When debating who will be the better leader to handle Russia, one need not look any further than Trump’s history compared with the results of Biden. Trump has even mentioned ending the Ukraine-Russian war immediately upon re-entering office. This is a believable goal, as under Trump, there were no international conflicts or wars. Under the Biden-Harris administration, however, there have been several. As he did in his first term, Trump would undoubtedly be able to navigate Russia and all foreign conflicts effectively.

Mark (Harris)

Kamala Harris is the right presidential candidate to handle Vladimir Putin and Russia. Putin's recent 'endorsement' of Harris is obviously meant to be condescending and caustic. It’s clear that Putin feels that Harris will be easily manipulated and intimidated. However, it's Trump who has played softball with Russia from the start, bordering on subservient. If Trump is elected, he will likely continue to be passive and overly friendly towards the dictator.  

Kamala Harris has been forthcoming and unafraid to reflect the truths that echo the voice of millions of Americans. She feels what many others feel; that Putin is a dictator and a warmonger. She has suggested that, unlike Trump, she will not stand idly by and remain silent or supportive when it comes to Putin. Donald Trump has proven to be something of an enabler when it comes to Putin. Kamala's potential relationship with the Russian leader will likely be tepid at best and possibly even adversarial.  

Kamala Harris has been vocal and firm in her support of Ukraine throughout their ongoing conflict with Russia. She has remained consistent as it relates to her foreign and international policies, which are pragmatic and moralistic. It’s highly probable that she will make no concessions when it comes to Putin and Russia. A lot has changed in the four years since Trump has been in office. Kamala Harris has been the sitting Vice President since 2020. She has the capability and the insight to handle Vladimir Putin and any future Russian aggression.