Vice President Kamala Harris is preparing to deliver her inaugural major policy address as the Democratic presidential candidate on Friday, with a focus on the critical issue of rising living costs, an area of significant concern for American voters as the 2024 election approaches.
In her new role as the Democratic nominee, Harris is set to articulate her economic vision by building on the foundation established by the Biden administration while introducing her own unique strategies. Her speech is expected to outline her plans to combat inflation, reduce the cost of living for families and ensure economic stability, all of which have become increasingly important amid ongoing economic difficulties.
Harris’s campaign strategy seems to be centered on creating clear distinctions between her and her probable opponent, former President Donald Trump, particularly in terms of economic policy. Although she has been a strong supporter of Biden’s initiatives, such as the Inflation Reduction Act and the American Rescue Plan, Harris is likely to highlight new approaches that address current voter concerns, specifically the high costs of essential goods and services. Harris, known for her efforts against “corporate greed and price gouging” during her tenure as California’s attorney general from 2011 to 2016, is expected to prioritize tackling inflation from day one, according to a campaign insider.
This strategy marks a notable contrast with Trump’s position, as he argues that easing regulations on sectors like finance and energy will reduce costs and drive economic growth.
Harris was initially scheduled to deliver this speech earlier but she postponed an event in North Carolina last week due to Tropical Storm Debby. Her planned visit to North Carolina highlights the increasing confidence in her campaign’s momentum, less than three months before the November 5 election, where she will face Republican Donald Trump. While key states like Pennsylvania are critical to Harris’s campaign, North Carolina is considered more of a long shot, given that Democrats have only won there twice in the last fifty years.
Harris’s speech will not only serve as a platform to present her policies but also as a moment to address the broader economic concerns of the American public. With strong support from younger voters and other crucial demographics, Harris is positioning herself as a continuation of Biden’s legacy, while also offering a vision for the future.